The Silent Garden

Scarlett's Park Conference

Scarlett's Park in the Silent Garden at Fresno State is an annual conference focusing on Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and adults with special needs. Each year we invite distinguished lecturers from across the United States to share their knowledge and expertise with our community.

Through the generosity of our supporters, we offer this conference free of charge to ensure as many people as possible have access to the important resources and information shared at the event.

Seventh Annual Scarlett's Park Conference

Friday, September 19, 2025 | 1 - 9 p.m. PST

Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST

Virtual and in-person presentation on “Autism in Deaf Education” featuring keynote speakers, including a team of selected teachers, professionals, Deaf Autistic adults and parents.

Keynote Presentations:

collage of speakers

The Role of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Behavior Analytic Professionals in the Education of Deaf Autistic Individuals

(Presenter: Brenda Fossett) ABA uses evidence-based strategies derived from behavioral science to support learning and development. While most studies have focused on hearing individuals, including autistic learners, fewer studies have focused on D/HH learners. The plethora of evidence supporting the use of ABA to teach diverse, hearing learners suggests however, that it will be similarly effective with D/HH learners. In this session, participants will learn the following: (a) what ABA is; (b) some common behavior analytic strategies; and (c) levels of behavior analytic clinical certification. Examples of ABA-based interventions and strategies will be demonstrated to help participants conceptualize the usefulness of ABA with D/HH learners.

Deaf and Disabled Affirming Approaches in Deaf Education

(Presenter: Elle Livengood) Our world is not built for Deaf and Disabled people. Our role as educators, parents and caregivers when working with DeafAutistic and DeafDisabled students is to empower them with a sense of belonging and self worth, to ensure they value themselves exactly as they are. This keynote is meant to provide inspiration and ideas on ways to affirm the existence and experiences of some of our most marginalized students in the Deaf community. Centering the identities of DeafAutistics, especially those who live at the intersections of other marginalized experiences, we will work toward a more nuanced understanding of these topics.

All Behavior is Communication

(Presenters: Amy Collins and Elizabeth Slate) Understanding behavior as communication is central to applied behavior analysis and the education of DeafDisabled students. BCBAs use observation to identify behavioral functions and environmental triggers, informing the development of Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) to reduce dangerous behaviors and enhance functional communication. When immediate safety risks arise, crisis intervention, de-escalation, and staff training must occur alongside BSP development. Collaboration with special educators is essential. Establishing clear communication systems that differentiate choices, demands, and information is critical. This presentation includes a case study of a Deaf adolescent with autism who engaged in self-injurious behaviors exceeding 100 incidents per day.

How Classroom Teachers Can Work Successfully with the Parents of a Deaf Autistic Child

(Presenters: Bonita Ewan, Rosangela Jaech, and Elizabeth Kunze) The partnership between classroom teachers and parents of Deaf Autistic children is vital to a child’s success. Understanding the intersection of deafness and autism is key to fostering inclusive education. This session will explore strategies for effective communication, consistency across home and school, and tailored teaching approaches that accommodate sensory and communication needs. Educators will learn how to collaborate with parents to create an enriching learning experience that supports both academic growth and social-emotional well-being. By strengthening teacher-parent relationships, we can empower Deaf Autistic students to thrive in the classroom and beyond.

Teaching Reading to Deaf Students with Autism

(Presenter: Kelly Anderson) Deaf students with Autism may struggle to make the connection between signed and/or spoken words and written English. In addition, once they are introduced to written English and are able to identify nouns and verbs they may then struggle with comprehending the “little words” (e.g. articles, pronouns, and helping verbs). The presenter will share strategies to support the instruction and retention of vocabulary through a variety of activities, supporting language and play through reading activities, and supporting the identification and comprehension of the “little words.” The presenter will also share strategies to increase overall reading comprehension.

Managing REAL Behavior in Deaf Students with Autism

(Presenter: Leanna Hodges) This presentation will explore effective strategies for managing behaviors in Deaf children with autism. Attendees will learn to identify behaviors, understand their functions, and recognize the role of sensory regulation. We will discuss practical, evidence-based approaches to support positive behavior and create a structured, inclusive classroom environment. By integrating communication strategies, sensory supports, and individualized interventions, educators can foster success for Deaf students with autism.

Deaf Autistic Adults Panel

(Moderated by Mei Kennedy) This remarkable panel features three deaf autistic adults who will share their personal experiences in deaf education. They discuss what was helpful, what challenges they faced, and what changes they hope for. The conversation highlights the need for more inclusive approaches to better support autistic students in deaf education.

Breaking Down the Math Process for Deaf Students with Autism

(Presenter: Adam Membrey) Deaf students with Autism often struggle with math skills that require process. While they may be able to memorize or remember rote facts, they are often unsure both what is being asked of them and which next steps to take. The presenter will share strategies to support breaking down these processes in accessible ways for a variety of math concepts. These strategies include examples of CPA (concrete-pictorial-abstract), color-coding, and real-life applications that you will be able to bring back to the classroom and apply with your students. The goal is to reframe math instruction and find which keys can unlock ways to show understanding.

Bridging Collaboration and Advocacy Between ABA and Education

(Presenter: Stephanie Dille-Huggins) Building tools rooted in advocacy, understanding, and collaboration for families of and professionals serving D/HH+ children is critical in achieving successful outcomes for this population of learners. This presentation provides insights into both the fields of education and behavioral health (ABA) surrounding accessibility, ethical considerations, and collaboration to improve treatment outcomes for D/HH+ learners. Participants will learn how both professionals and families can define and measure success for their D/HH+ learner/child to build and promote empowerment and cohesion. Also explored will be approaches to establishing and increasing both educator and parent involvement in supporting their D/HH+ child/learner across home, school, and behavioral health services.

1:00 p.m.
Introduction by Paul W. Ogden

1 - 3:30 p.m.
Presentation: “The Role of ABA and Behavior Analytic Professionals in the Education of Deaf Autistic Individuals”
Brenda Fossett

4 – 4:15 p.m.
Welcome remarks by Dr. Kara Zografos, dean of the College of Health and Human Services at Fresno State, and Dr. Paul W. Ogden, founder of The Silent Garden

4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
Keynote: “Deaf and Disabled Affirming Approaches in Deaf Education”
Elle Livengood

5:30 – 5:45 p.m.
Break

5:45 – 7:00 p.m.
Presentation: “All Behavior is Communication”
Amy Collins and Elizabeth Slate

7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Break

7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Presentation: “How Classroom Teachers Can Work Successfully with the Parents of a Deaf Autistic Child”
Bonita Ewan, Rosangela Jaech and Elizabeth Kunze

8:15 a.m.
Introduction by Paul W. Ogden

8:15 – 9:30 a.m.
Presentation: “Teaching Reading to Deaf Students with Autism”
Kelly Anderson

9:30 – 9:45 a.m.
Break

9:45 – 11:00 a.m.
Presentation: “Managing REAL Behavior in Deaf Students with Autism”
Leanna Hodges

11:00 – 11:15 a.m.
Break

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Panel: “Deaf Autistic Adults” featuring Lymon Thorn, Rach Burton and Logan Pendergraft
Moderated by Mei Kennedy

12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
Lunch

1:15 – 2:30 p.m.
Presentation: “Breaking Down the Math Process for Deaf Students with Autism”
Adam Membrey

2:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Break

2:45 – 4:00 p.m.
Presentation: “Collaboration and Advocacy Between ABA and Education”
Stephanie Dille-Huggins

4:00 – 4:15 p.m.
Closing Ceremony: Paul W. Ogden and Dean Kara Zografos

Additional Information

Registration and CEUs

The Silent Garden Lecture is 100% free for all attendees
We are pleased to offer free RID and BEI CEUs for all registrants. Unfortunately, ASHA and Fresno State (generic) CEUs will not be offered.

We are providing the conference in two formats: a virtual presentation via Zoom, and a gathering on our Fresno State campus at the Satellite Student Union (SSU), with the Zoom presentation projected on the large screen with interpreters and captions within the Zoom. We know many professionals, Fresno State alumni and students are eager to be with other people at SSU for the unique experience of watching with other supportive friends, professionals, and faculty.

We are happy to offer CEUs to anyone participating either virtually or in person at the SSU.

During registration for the conference, you will be asked to choose “in person” or “virtual.” You will be given the Zoom link information on the day of registration, again one day before the conference, and again one hour before the conference begins. Be sure to safeguard the Zoom link. If you decide to attend in person, you will be asked to sign your name four times: When you arrive at the SSU on Friday at 1 p.m., when you leave at 8:30 p.m., then again on Saturday at 8 a.m. and finally when we conclude at 4:15 p.m.

There are two choices for earning CEUs. The first is to attend both days and all hours to earn 1.225 CEUs. The second choice is skipping the optional 1-3:30 p.m. presentation on Friday by Brenda Fossett on how to become certified behavior analysts and instead joining the conference at 4 p.m. and earning 0.975 CEUs. This applies to those attending virtually or in person.

Accommodations

American Sign Language interpreting will be provided
ASL and English translations available
For best viewing experience, joining webinar from a desktop or laptop is recommended
For questions or accommodations, contact Dr. Paul Ogden at paulo@mail.fresnostate.edu