Navigating Differences Symposium

The Navigating Differences Symposium event has been postponed until November 1, 2025

We hope you join us in 2025 to sail through diverse perspectives and bridge the gap at Navigating Differences, where we'll explore how to embrace and celebrate those that learn differently!

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​2023 Navigating Difference Symposium Recap

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Brendan Sailing, in conjunction with the American University Institute on Disability and Public Policy, are hosted the 2nd Annual Navigating Differences Symposium on Saturday, September 9th, 2023 at American University in Washington, DC. 

Participants learned and shared real-time strategies to support youth with learning differences, participating in interactive sessions with professionals, parents, coaches, and educators. They Explored the role of outdoor experiential education to empower and develop life skills.
 
The symposium featured a screening of the inspiring film “Normal Isn’t Real” featuring stories about four young adults with LD/ADHD issues sharing their journeys to success in work and school, and the strategies they use to manage their challenges.
 
In addition, Dr. Derrick Cogburn, Executive Director of the Institute on Disability and Public Policy; Dr. Keiko Shikako, Canada Research Chair in Childhood Disability; Kate McElderry, Program Director for the Outreach Center at the Odyssey School and Author; Charlie Arms, Executive Director of Brendan Sailing, and Karen Leggett, Children’s Author, Parent, and Volunteer Advocate; presented on a variety of topics relevant to the learning difference community.
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See each video presentation here below:

Kate McElderry
Karen Leggett
"Normal Isn't Real" Panel Discussion
Dr. Derrick Cogburn
Dr. Keiko Shikako
Charlie Arms 

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Dr. Derrick Cogburn

Dr. Keiko Shikako

Kate McElderry

Charlie Arms

Karen Leggett

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​The Brendan Corporation, parent organization of Brendan Sailing, a 501(C)(3) non-profit founded in 1985, is dedicated to building pathways for self-confidence and personal growth in children with Learning Differences through individually tailored experiential instruction in sailing. For more information, please visit www.brendansailing.org
 
The American University Institute on Disability and Public Policy is a multi-disciplinary, cross-campus research center that creates and disseminates knowledge that enables all persons to participate effectively in local, national, and global governance through the use of accessible information and communication technologies.  IDPP leads the AI 2030 Strategic Initiative on Global Disability and Development, and helps to facilitate collaborative research, teaching and outreach programs through its partnership. 
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​​2022 Navigating Differences Symposium:
​Recap & Resources

​Brendan Sailing hosted our inaugural Navigating Differences Symposium at St. Mary’s College of Maryland on Saturday, July 23rd. The symposium was attended by professionals, educators, parents and adults with an interest in the Learning Differences community. It was held concurrently with the St. Mary’s Brendan Sailing programs.  This allowed the attendees the opportunity to view the Brendan Sailing program in action. Five diverse and interactive presentations kept the audience engaged and allowed for much information and best practice sharing.
 
Dr. Monica McHale-Small, Director of Education, Learning Disabilities of America, presented “Navigating Learning Differences” which discussed the different types of Learning Disabilities and provided resources for further education and support in each area.
 
Danielle Feerst, Principal of iElevate Technology and Consulting and Brendan Sailing Educational Consultant, shared “Coaching, A Therapeutic Interaction”, which provided powerful examples of the results of one-on-one coaching for young adults to aid in transition to successful career and social interactions.
 
Charlie Arms, Executive Director of Brendan Sailing, presented “The Brendan Approach: Using Sailing to Improve Self Esteem for Better Outcomes”, which introduced the audience to the instructional methods used in the Brendan Sailing Program, including a live demonstration provided by the campers using manipulatives.
 
Dr. David Allsopp, Faculty at University of Southern Florida College of Education, discussed “Social Emotional Learning”, which introduced the audience to how individuals with intellectual disabilities express their differences and how to support the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of those with Learning Differences.
 
Dr. Derrick Cogburn, Faculty at American University and Board Member of Brendan Sailing, shared “Beyond Being There for All of Us”, informing the audience on understanding the potential for accessible technology to enhance inclusive global governance in the disability community. He also covered the current state of disability and public policy.
 
The all-day symposium was followed by a networking happy hour at the James P. Muldoon River Center, which presented the opportunity to meet and greet the St. Mary’s program campers.
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Presentation Videos from 2022 Brendan Symposium:

• Session 1 - Monica McHale-Small - Defining Learning Differences​
• Session 2 - Danielle Feerst - Coaching, a Therapeutic Interaction
• Session 3 - Charlie Arms - The Brendan Approach
• Session 4 - David Allsopp - Social Emotional Learning
• Session 5 - Derrick Cogburn - Disability & Public Policy

​Presentation Slides from 2022 Brendan Symposium:

• Session 1 - Monica McHale-Small - Defining Learning Differences​
• Session 2 - Danielle Feerst - Coaching, a Therapeutic Interaction
• Session 3 - Charlie Arms - The Brendan Approach
• Session 4 - David Allsopp - Social Emotional Learning
• Session 5 - Derrick Cogburn - Disability & Public Policy

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