NORWICH – Learn how students with autistic spectrum disorders can achieve a more fulfilling and inclusive academic life at a conference on Friday, April 30 at the Howard Johnson Hotel Ballroom, 75 N. Broad St., in Norwich.

The conference, to coincide with Autism Awareness Month, is sponsored by the Family Resource Network of Oneonta and Norwich in partnership with the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.

Featured speaker Dr. Paula Kluth offers her program titled, “A Land We Can Share: Access to the Literate Community for All.” The published author, teacher, film producer and advocate works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners.

“Students with autism are frequently left out of rich and meaningful literacy experiences in the classroom. Dr. Kluth will share with us her strategies for expanding the invitation for all learners to participate in these experiences,” said Family Resource Network’s Shelley Hubal, coordinator of the program.

Kluth has taught strategies for successful literacy and inclusion all over the world. Her core philosophies are that students with disabilities are the experts in their own lives, and that they should be given opportunities to educate, collaborate with and learn from their peers and teachers in inclusive settings.

She is the author of many books, including, “You’re Going to Love This Kid: Teaching Students with Autism in Inclusive Classrooms” and “A Land We Can Share: Teaching Literacy to Students with Autism.”

“Most of my work involves collaborating with schools to create environments, lessons, and experiences that are inclusive, respectful, and accessible for all learners,” states Kluth on her website. More information about her can be found at www.paulakluth.com.