A neurodiversity and “twice-exceptional” (2e) education conference — featuring discussions over autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and otherwise neurodivergent issues — is set for March 2020 in Longview.
The first event of its kind in East Texas, the Regional 2e Neurodiversity Conference is set for 8 a.m. Friday, March 27 and 10 a.m. Sunday, March 29 at the Infinity Event Center, 300 Tuttle Circle, Longview.
Guest speakers include a variety of experts and presenters on topics relevant to 2e families and organizations. Speakers include actress, special needs advocate and philanthropist Holly Robinson Peete, Dr. Wayne Jacobs of LeTourneau University, mental health advocate Jenny Landon, comedian Bob Smiley, Kilgore College professor Tina Rushing and Dr. Allen Appiah Boating from East Texas Baptist University, as well as local minister Tony Puckett, Region VII Early Childhood Specialist Donna Holt, licensed psychological associate LeAnne McClure Oliver, and motivational speaker Craig A. Miller.
Tickets are available online click here for tickets and check the website for more information: DisruptedLife.com
Sponsors for the event include Louis Morgan No. 4, Texas Bank & Trust, The Crane Foundation; Perry Reed & Co. of Longview. Hosted by The Crisman School of Longview, the conference is aimed at bringing members of the 2e population together for hope, wisdom and support.
Laura Lea Blanks, executive director of Crisman School, said with so many families reaching out about their struggle to find appropriate resources in East Texas, she decided to act.
“We aim to put providers, families and educators in the same place for conversations in a safe space not hindered by insurance claims and months long waiting lists,” she said. “We aim to change what the 2e population has access to in our region. We are on the precipice of doing something amazing.”
Serving gifted students with learning challenges, The Crisman School was established in 1982 when Mr. and Mrs. O. Wayne Crisman realized there was a need for a permanent facility of the former Windmere School, which had been established in 1969. The couple donated the land, main building and furnishings for what is now The Crisman School at 2455 N Eastman Road in Longview. Since its beginning it has served more than 1,000 East Texas students.
The only school of its kind from Dallas to Shreveport, Blanks said Crisman’s students “are wonderfully bright children, who just need a different approach to learning than what most large, public schools can provide.”
For more information about the Regional 2e Neurodiversity Conference please contact Laura Lea Blanks at (903) 758-9741.
