Navigating Differences Symposium
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!
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.
2023 Navigating Difference Symposium Recap
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 Centre 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.
2022 Navigating Differences Symposium:
Recap & Resources
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.
