In-service Program
If you need the help of a trained volunteer In-Service Presenter or would like to become one, please contact Ashley at the National Office (t: 1-800-361-3120; e: ashley@tourette.ca). Please bear in mind that coverage is limited to communities served by local or nearby In-Service Presenters, and because it is free of charge, the In-Service Program relies entirely on donations to sustain it financially.
Through the highly successful In-Service Program the TSFC trains a national team of dedicated volunteer In-Service Presenters to serve their communities, providing them with:
- Effective presentation skills;
- A thorough understanding of TS and its associated conditions;
- A variety of teaching strategies for TS+;
- A wealth of multimedia presentation materials; and
- Much more.
In-Service Presenters deliver customized presentations in:
- Schools;
- Company Workplaces;
- Community Centres and Organizations; and
- Public Service Centres (such as Police Stations).
In-Service Presenters educate:
- Teachers;
- School Administrators;
- Students;
- Employers;
- Co-workers;
- Members of the general public;
- Public Employees such as:
- Police Officers;
- Social Workers; and
- Public Transit Workers.
In-Service Presenters cover a variety of key topics including:
- A clear understanding of TS and its associated conditions;
- Classroom teaching and coping strategies;
- Lessons in tolerance and respecting differences; and
- Much more.
In-Service Presentation Materials
All in-service presenters are provided with a multimedia set of presentation tools including an audience-adaptable PowerPoint slide bank, activities, handouts and videos.
In-Service Presenter Profile: Laura Locke
[PHOTO: Laura (left) receiving a National Volunteer Award from then TSFC President Linda Newton]
I became an in-service presenter about eight years ago, just a year after my son Peter was diagnosed with TS. I had resigned from being Assistant Principal to homeschool Peter and though I enjoyed it, I sometimes missed interacting with students and teachers. Becoming an in-service presenter seemed like an excellent idea. It turned out to be even more fulfilling than I imagined.
With every in-service I delivered, I improved. I got better at structuring my presentations, facilitating empathy exercises, talking without rambling, and using PowerPoint. My son started accompanying me as “tech support”, and soon began fielding questions and giving a talk about “the worst ways to help someone with TS” – always a big hit.
After years of presenting, it is the audiences’ reactions that touch my heart and motivate me to continue...
…like the teacher who cried as he hugged Peter and said: “I had no idea. I’m so sorry that I haven’t been more patient and understanding in my classroom. Thank you for giving me this gift today.”
…like the tall, muscular grade six student who stood up at the end of our presentation and apologized to his much smaller classmate with TS for the way he’d behaved, and then asked in a trembling voice if maybe they could hang out together sometime.
I’ve done in-services for all sorts of people from teachers and students to cadets and social workers, even office workers and a whole hotel staff. I love it! A few years ago I had the opportunity to become a certified trainer of in-service presenters. It is so gratifying to equip others to take part in this very rewarding activity. Giving an in-service is like a tossing a pebble into a pond: you never know the ripple effect you set in motion.
