Topic: Autism & Neurodiversity

In recent years, Autism Spectrum Disorder has been more frequently diagnosed. As more is learned about issues related to autism, autistic identity and Neurodiversity have gained attention. The Autism and Neurodiversity emphasis for the 2022 Pacific Rim Conference will concentrate on topics that include but are not limited to: latest research; best practices; community issues; COVID-19 related issues; behavioral issues; physical activity; motor development; health barriers and facilitators; self-advocacy; and successful navigation of transition to adulthood in the areas of employment, continuing education, relationships, and living arrangements.

Guiding Questions:

• What are some best practices for serving and supporting autistic individuals?
• What are some emerging issues?
• What are important needs of the community and how can they best be addressed?
• What motivates and mobilizes people to action in these communities?
• How do we amplify the voices of autistic individuals and promote meaningful engagement to facilitate collaborative practices?

Topic Chairs: Kelle L. Murphy (kellem@hawaii.edu); A. Josephine Blagrave (ablagrave@csuchico.edu); Stephen Shore (sshore@adelphi.edu); Sim Newitt (simnewitt@outlook.com)   

Topic: Deaf Community

Recognizing the diversity of deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind communities, the 2022 Pacific Rim Conference will concentrate on the diverse issues and interests, of and for these communities. This conference presents an opportunity for educators, researchers, service providers, community members, allies, and other stakeholders from a wide range of backgrounds to come together to share experiences, research, and pedagogical practices pursuing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the area of Deaf community. We invite topics on advocacy, American Sign Language, communication access, impacts of COVID-19, education, employment and entrepreneurship, language and culture, independent living, legal rights and issues, interpreting, inclusion and intersectionality, and family support.

Guiding Questions:

• What are the most important interests and issues in the deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind communities and how can we best work to address them? 
• What are some cutting edge and/or innovative experiences, research, and pedagogical practices pursuing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the area of Deaf community?
• What are the roles of educators, researchers, service providers, community members, allies, and other stakeholders from a wide range of backgrounds in these conversations?
• How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind individuals specifically?

Topic Chair: Jennifer Tarnay (jtarnay@hawaii.edu)    

Topic: Family Engagement

Engaging with families to empower their children’s learning and development continues to be more critical now than ever. In this topic, we hope to reflect on what we have learned, what works, and what we could do better to create a sustainable future where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Schools and families have been resilient and adapted to the needs and new conditions. Partnerships with families based on mutual trust, equity, and shared responsibility have proved their worth. However, we still need to do more to support the most vulnerable groups in our schools and communities. The challenges of the last year, including social isolation, and widespread use of online and distance learning technology, have brought changes to the learning environment. To that end, we need to invest in organizations that champion systemic changes in education, environmental policy, and practice. 

This topic of the conference welcomes presentations that support and strengthen the three spheres of influence that contribute to student success: Family, School, and Community.

Family Engagement Topics:

• What are some creative solutions to provide access to learning for ALL students: internet and computers?
• What are some strategies to support social emotional learning and parenting during a pandemic?
• How can families support student learning goals at home?

For Educators:

• What training and supports do educators need to navigate this new world of family partnerships?
• What are the best practices for communicating with families in this new learning landscape?
• How important is it to teach using culturally and linguistically respectful/responsive materials?

For Community-Based Organizations:

• What are some possibilities for using after-school time to continue learning?
• How can we develop programs that nurture new relationships and skills (art, dance, theater) that are not part of the traditional academic curriculum?
• How can we establish and sustain effective parent-leader networks in our communities?

The work of the Hawai‘i State Family Engagement Center is to promote high-impact activities and policies that build powerful partnerships among family, school, and community in order to enhance child development and student achievement. To ensure the most significant impact, we need to take a holistic approach – listening and learning to build and leverage relationships in the community and to identify and implement the most effective solution possible.

Topic Chair: Angela Matian, Ed.D. (amatian@hawaii.edu)    

Topic: Indigenous and Cultural Diversity

The Indigenous and Cultural Diversity focus area for the 2022 Pacific Rim Conference will address issues that contribute to the inclusion of diverse voices and worldviews in our communities. We hope to encourage Indigenous knowledge and culturally diverse perspectives and approaches in the areas of health, science, education, art, politics, sustainability and resiliency. We invite topics on cultural diversity, indigenous worldviews, care for land and water, issues that affect and support Indigenous communities impacted by climate change, access to education and healthcare, as well as approaches to healing, disability challenges within Indigenous communities, and legal issues that affect Indigenous peoples and their self-determination.

Guiding Questions: 

• What are best practices for inclusion of cultural diversity and Indigenous Knowledge in our schools and communities?
• How do you address barriers to sustainability and resiliency for indigenous and culturally diverse communities?
• How can one motivate, support, mobilize and empower people to take action in Indigenous and culturally diverse communities?
• How do we amplify the voices of Indigenous peoples (or culturally diverse populations) in our working, learning, and/or living communities?

Topic Chairs: Mellanie Lee (mellanie@hawaii.edu); Hoʻoululāhui Erika Perry  (hperry@hawaii.edu)