"Davis County has a model program for accommodations," said Reif in an earlier telephone interview. The San Diego resident is recognized across the nation as one of the foremost lecturers on developing effective strategies and accommodations for students and children with learning, attention and behavior disorders.
"The county has been very innovative in getting accommodations for these children into place; for implementing CHADD recommendations and addressing the concerns of parents and students alike," said Reif.
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a national organization with a Davis County chapter that assists individuals and communities in identifying and accommodating people with ADHD and its counterpart, the less active but still troubling, ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). CHADD is the organization responsible for bringing Reif to the state.
"I have been very fortunate to be able to reach out to the public and to educators to share 'what seems to work,'" said Reif, herself a 23-year veteran of teaching children with disabilities.
"It's important for everyone to know that if the talent is there and the skills are there, there kids and adults can be successful. Teachers and parents can work together to find the academic, environmental and personal strategies needed to help. People with ADHD need good teachers more than any other groups of individuals."
Reif will briefly identify what the symptoms of ADHD and ADD before she provides information on such topics as:
- organization of schoolwork and supplies
- time management
- homework issues
- writing difficulties and strategies and supports for written language.
It's rare, says Reif, that kids with ADHD won't have some degree of difficulty with written language, and because that's a primary tool for communication, it becomes a primary source of frustration.
If time permits, she will also address strategies for reading and behavior management.
"I want people to know they can be successful," said Reif. "They just need to find their niche, figure out how they best learn, find out what strategies work for them and learn to create a good support system."
Sandra Reif, M.A., now an educational consultant, author and lecturer, is working to get the tools and information to as many people as possible who suffer with ADHD. She is the author of "How to Reach and Teach ADD/ADHD Children" and the parent guides the "ADHD Book of Lists" and "The ADD/ADHD Book of Checklists."
She will also be speaking to educators and administrators around the state while in Utah.
Those would are interested in attending are asked to RSVP to Vicki at 801-402-5143 or email her at vmcpheeters@dsdmail.net so seating can be arranged for everyone attending. Driving directions to Knowlton Elementary School are also available at the above numbers.
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