Keri Bowers     

Topics: Autism, Disabilities, Parenting and Children

Do you have a child, loved one or friend with autism or a developmental disability? Keri Bowers can help. Her life-changing talks open a new perspective on the challenges of autism and other developmental disabilities. Bowers’ passion for advocacy began 17 years ago when her son Taylor was born with developmental delays and eventually diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. A paralegal in the entertainment field, the challenge of autism redirected her career goals and today her work includes advocacy, legislative reform and education for teachers and others touched by developmental disabilities.

Through public speaking, she facilitates “how to” workshops ranging from program development to social and life skills, captivating audiences with her enthusiasm, perspective and first-hand knowledge of the field, and her son’s award-winning film, Normal People Scare Me, is a must-see. It’s been featured on CNN’s Paula Zahn Now, PBS, Extra, Geraldo at Large, The Today Show, and in People, Spectrum and Scholastic magazines; it was the cover story in a recent issue of The Autism Perspective; and it’s attracted the attention of libraries, universities, school districts, and disabilities organizations worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control recently used the film to promote a four-week in-house educational program. (See for more information.)

Keri Bowers talks include:

Perspectives on Autism and Other Disabilities
Create more effective relationships by understanding your clients’, patients’ and kids' perspectives. Whether you are a parent, service provider, physician, teacher, or other professional, this program gives you hands-on activities that allow you to "feel" and "experience" disabilities through the instructional materials provided.

What Physicians Should Know About Our Kids
Often, physicians focus on the science, medical, and neurological side of disability, but fail to understand the emotional and psychological concerns of the patient and their family. You’ll learn how to improve communication and trust with your clients and patients with disabilities by understanding their emotional and psychological concerns.

Collaboration and Inclusion
Create "inclusive" programs and opportunities for individuals with disabilities in your organization or school. Participants learn to enroll and train volunteers, create peer mentorship opportunities, design easy-to-create, inclusive programs, find and use hidden community resources – and much, much more. This is a "nuts and bolts” talk for those who are ready to work!

Parents and Lay-Persons Advocacy & Action Plan
Explore the art of negotiating and advocating with your school district, regional center, legislator, and others. Instead of being at odds with the system, learn how to work with it and steer it toward your goals.

Strategies for Teaching Social and Life Skills for Parents and Lay-people
Gain hands-on strategies and lesson plans that teach your child social and life skills in everyday settings. You’ll learn how to turn any situation into a teaching opportunity, and to encourage language, community access, friendship building and pragmatic skills (shopping, grooming, safety, etc.)

Keri’s work has touched thousands of families over the years through the facilitation of summer camps, social and life skills training, family/sibling support, and legislative advocacy workshops, and she has received numerous awards and much recognition for her work in community and state-level service. The founder of many groundbreaking programs (PAUSE4kids , Art-A-Thon) and the recipient of numerous awards, Keri created Artists for Autism, which provides scholarships to individuals with autism who have talent and interest in the arts, encouraging them to find gainful employment in music, drama, dance and fine art – both as artists and behind the scenes.

What people are saying. . .

“I loved the film Normal People Scare Me. It offers valuable insight to autism through the eyes of a courageous mom and son team.”
– Paula Zahn, host of Paula Zahn Now (CNN)

“Keri teaches great key strategies and effectively communicates how strong bridges are built between parents and the community.”
– Debbie Moss, Los Angeles Unified School District

“Making a movie that’s accurate and real, and touches people in a lasting way is what filmmaking is all about – and Keri’s talks capture that reality.”
- Joey Travolta, Producer

“You’re very inspiring. . . Thank you for your voice.”
– Angela Campbell, mother of child with ASD.

Contact: (805) 497-9877
E-Mail: penbooks@adelphia.net
Website: http://www.normalfilms.com

Availability: S. California, Nationwide
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