Special Needs Expert to Headline Conference at St. Bonaventure

Nicholas Martin, founder and president of The Center for Accord Inc., will headline a conference Sept. 24 at St. Bonaventure University.

Accord Inc. is a non-profit educational organization serving school personnel and parents. Martin is a staff development and conflict resolution specialist with extensive experience in building strong teams while minimizing conflict.

Martin will talk about “Preventing Conflict in the Education of Children with Special Needs: It’s all about the Kids!” He will address conflict prevention, communication pitfalls, keys to diplomacy and productive alternatives.

The conference, which includes a luncheon, will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Doyle Hall Dining Room.

Martin speaks nationally and has provided seminars and workshops to thousands of people working on behalf of children with special needs, in both English and Spanish. His emphasis is always on making the complex simple and offering practical skills for making a positive difference.

Martin graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and from the University of Hartford in 1975 with a master’s degree in clinical practices. He previously worked as a juvenile court psychologist, outpatient mental health counselor and dispute mediator. He also taught dispute resolution at the graduate school level.

Martin is the author of “An Operator’s Manual for Successful Living: A Guide to Collaboration for IEP Teams and Strengthening Relationships When Our Children Have Special Needs”; the book is available in Spanish as “Fortaleciendo Relaciones Cuando Nuestros Niños Tienen Necesidades Especiales.” He has also published numerous articles.

St. Bonaventure University’s Disability Committee and the Directions in Independent Living Center in Olean are co-sponsors of the conference. The cost is $30 for professionals, $20 for parents, and $15 for current students. Checks should be made payable to: St. Bonaventure University and sent to: Dr. Barbara Trolley, St. Bonaventure University, School of Education, St. Bonaventure, NY 14778.

The registration deadline is Sept. 17; space is limited.

Questions may be directed to Dr. Barbara Trolley, professor of counselor education, via e-mail at btrolley@sbu.edu, or at (716) 375-2537 or Dr. Anne Claire Fisher, assistant professor of education at acfisher@sbu.edu or (716) 375-4033.