Thank you to everyone who helped make our 2012 Conference such an outstanding success!
A special congratulations to our own Judith Hammerlind Carlson, recipient of the 2012 Elizabeth M. Dalton Assistive Technology Award!
Thank you to our 2012 Sponsors
Assistive Technology Access Partnership (ATAP)
ATAP Children and Youth Resource Center at East Bay Educational Collaborative
Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL)
Adapted Telephone Equipment Program (ATEL)
PARI Independent Living Center
Rhode Island Department of Education,
Office of Student, Community, and Academic Support
Rhode Island Department of Health, Disability and Health Program
Rhodes to Independence
Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities at Rhode Island College
Cambium Learning Technologies
Rhode Island Relay
TechACCESS of RI
Rhode Island Rehabilitation Association
HMEA, Inc.
Interpreters and CART Services Compliments of:
Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services
2012 Exhibitors
ABiSEE, Inc
ABiSee Inc, an innovative developer and manufacturer of electronic reading devices for the blind and visually challenged.
Adaptive Driving Program, Inc.
Our uniquely qualified staff, which includes Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists, provides individualized evaluations, driver training, and adaptive equipment recommendations in MA, RI, NH. All physical, learning disabilities and special needs evaluated.
Adaptive Telephone Equipment Loan Program (ATEL)
ATEL provides demonstrations, training and long term loan and device reutilization services of specialized telephone equipment to qualified individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, have a speech impairment, or who have neuromuscular damage or disease that hinders them from using a standard telephone.
Apple, Inc
Apple is the developer of the iPad, iPhone, Apple computers, and the new iPad Mini.”
Assistive Technology Access Partnership
The Rhode Island Assistive Technology Access Partnership (ATAP) is designed as a statewide partnership of organizations, each with a targeted assistive technology focus, working together to improve access to and acquisition of assistive technology for individuals with disabilities.
AdaptiVision / Optelec
Presenting a wide range of video magnification and OCR products from Optelec, the leading innovator of products for the visually impaired. Check out the brand new Compact 7 HD the first high definition hand-held video magnifier with a large 7” screen.
Assumption College Graduate Rehabilitation Counseling Program
Assumption offers a 60-credit nationally ranked Master of Arts program in Rehabilitation Counseling, fully accredited by CORE. The M.A. program is offered on-campus and online. C.A.G.S. is offered for those with their master’s degree.
Broadband RI
Broadband Rhode Island (BBRI) works to increase the availability and use of broadband and the services and tools it enables throughout Rhode Island. Our mission is to ensure that Rhode Island has a robust broadband infrastructure and that our residents know how to use it by becoming digitally literate.
Cambium Learning Technologies
Cambium Learning Technologies creates software and hardware products serving educators and students from PreK to adult. We are pleased to announce that for the first time Kurzweil 3000 can be purchased as an Unlimited Site License. You can now individualize support for students at all tiers of intervention — from those in need of limited support, to students that require intensive assistance.
Charm Medical Supply
Charm Medical specializes in helping individuals get coverage for all their in-home medical needs. Our customer service team obtains all medical documentation and handles all insurance claims at no cost.
DynaVox
DynaVox Mayer-Johnson offers a full spectrum of assistive technology supports, including dedicated speech generating devices and educational tools that were designed, dreamed and built to specifically deliver personalized expression for individuals with speech, language and learning disabilities.
East Bay Educational Collaborative
East Bay Educational Collaborative is the ATAP Resource Center for Children and Youth. EBEC targets the needs of children up to the age of 21. Parents, children and school personnel can “try out” assistive technology through presentations via this resource center.
Easter Seals MA
Easter Seals’ Assistive Technology specialists provide assessments and consultations on augmentative and alternative communication and adapted computer access. AT services also include in-service training and integration of AT into a student’s IEP.
Enable Mart
EnableMart is the world wide leader in Assistive Technology distribution offering more than 3,000 assistive devices with guaranteed best pricing and unbeatable support.
Freedom Scientific
Freedom Scientific is the largest worldwide manufacturer of assistive technology products for those who are blind or have low vision. Freedom Scientific is also the only company with a complete line of products for those with vision impairment. All these products are tested and guaranteed to work together.
Hudson Seating & Mobility
Hudson provides assistive technology services in the areas of: wheeled seating & mobility; alternative positioning, adaptive devices, home accessibility equipment and modifications. Visit our website for additional information and locations.
INSIGHT
Our mission is to inspire confidence, build skills and empower people who are blind and visually impaired to become fully integrated, equally valued members of society by providing diverse services that produce opportunities and choices.
Kurzweil / Intellitools
Kurzweil Educational Systems® is a leader in assistive technology, text-to-speech software solutions, serving the needs of the most challenged students, including individuals with special needs, learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, and ESL students
IntelliTools®, Inc Classroom Suite supports for K – 5 curriculum for lower-performing students. All products are fully accessible for standard keyboard and mouse users as well as for users of its IntelliKeys® programmable alternative keyboard.
Learning Works for Kids
Do you know an alternative learner? Alternative Learners are kids who struggle with everything from minor organizational problems to diagnosed issues such as learning difficulties, ADHD, and autistic spectrum conditions. Here at LearningWorks for Kids, we’ll show you how to use popular video games and the latest technologies to help your Alternative Learner achieve real-world improvements in critical thinking and academic skills.
Lift & Care Systems, Inc
SureHands (R) exclusive and innovative lift systems are designed to provide safe transfers for patients and back-saving ease for caregivers, offering solutions that have been integrated with ease-of-use, reliability and durability.
Microsoft Accessibility Resource Center (MARC)
Each Microsoft Accessibility Resource Center is equipped with an HP computer running Windows Vista, Office 2007, and Internet Explorer 8; and provides demonstration and tutorials for the general public at no charge. The Rhode Island MARC center is located at TechACCESS.
National Federation of the Blind of RI
The NFB of RI is a membership based consumer advocacy organization. Our monthly meetings are an excellent opportunity for blind people to help each other through mentoring, encouragement, support, sharing ideas and exchanging information.
NEAT Center at Oak Hill
NEAT provides access to products and services for people with disabilities, like assistive technology training, evaluations and demonstrations. The NEAT equipment restoration center sells quality refurbished medical equipment at less than half the cost of new.
New England ADA Center
The New England ADA Center, one of ten regional ADA Centers that comprise the ADA National Network, provides information, guidance, and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Ocean State Center for Independent Living
A non-residential, consumer-drive, community-based, cross-disability nonprofit organization offering the following services: advocacy, information and referral, peer support, skills training, assistance with housing, nursing home transition, the acquisition of assistive devices and home modifications, and specialized services for the Deaf.
Office of Rehabilitation Services
The Office of Rehabilitation Services administers the Vocational Rehabilitation Program Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Disability Determination Services and the Assistive Technology Systems Change Grant. The goal of the Office of Rehabilitation Services is to assist people with disabilities to become employed and to live independently in the community.
PARI Independent Living Center
A community based, consumer-directed independent living resource center providing services to individuals with disabilities, family members, service providers and the general public.
Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities at Rhode Island College
The Sherlock Center is a University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research & Service. Since 1993 the Sherlock Center has worked towards a shared vision that individuals with disabilities participate fully in their communities. Independence, productivity, and community inclusion are key components of this vision.
The Point
THE POINT provides information, referrals, and help getting started with programs and services for seniors, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers.
Prentke Romich Company
Prentke Romich Company believes everyone deserves a voice. Visit our booth to see PRC’s new Accent family for devices, LAMP: Words for Life application, new training opportunities and services, and updates to our AAC Language Lab.
ProxTalker
The Logan ® ProxTalker® is the first moveable picture communication device that actually talks. Encoded picture sound tags produce voice output when pressed. Tags can be customized with any image and sound.
Rhode Island Department of Health
The Department of Health is a diverse and interactive state agency with broad-ranging public health responsibilities. As Rhode Island has no local health departments, we coordinate public health activities across the state.
Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
CDHH provides information and referrals, networking, advocacy, ASL interpreter and CART referral service, ADA consultation, outreach, and training. The CDHH library has videos, books, and articles also available for borrowing.
Rhode Island Disability Law Center
Rhode Island Disability Law Center (RIDLC) is the designated Protection and Advocacy Agency for Rhode Island. We receive federal grants to provide free legal assistance to persons with disabilities. Our AT grants allow us to provide advocacy to individuals with disabilies seeking access to assistive technology devices and services, with emphasis on obtaining funding from vocational rehabilitation, special education, and Medicaid/Medicare.
RI Department of Human Services, Division of Elderly Affairs
Our Mission Statement to preserve the independence, dignity, and capacity for choice for
seniors, adults with disabilities, families and caregivers
Rhode Island Materials Access Center (RIMAC)
The Rhode Island Materials Access Center (RIMAC) is the solution to insure that eligible students who are blind or print disabled receive their instructional materials at the same time as their non-disabled peers. RIMAC is administered by TechACCESS of RI, to work with districts to request texts from the national clearinghouse (NIMAC) to provide instructional materials for students in a timely manner as required by Federal Law.
Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services
Talking Books Plus, the Rhode Island Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, provides free library services to anyone in Rhode Island who is unable to read standard print because of a visual or physical disability.
Rhode Island Relay
Rhode Island Relay provides telecommunications relay services that allow individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or have difficultly speaking to communication via the telephone. Visit www.RIRelay.org for more information.
Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry
The Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry is a system for the identification of Rhode Islanders who may require assistance during or after an emergency.
Ride-Away Handicap Equipment Corp.
Ride-Away is America’s largest provider of wheelchair accessible vehicles and adaptive equipment for people with disabilities.
Saltillo
Saltillo develops, manufactures and distributes assistive technology for persons with physical disabilities. The company specializes in voice output communication devices. Saltillo also offers voice amplification and memory assistance products.
Silver Lining Technologies, LLC
Providing technology and training solutions for people with vision disabilities, and learning challenges. An authorized distributor for Freedom Scientific and Mimio Classroom Technologies, Dell computer partner, and Apple accessibility training.
TechACCESS of RI
TechACCESS is the central information, resource, and demonstration site for the Assistive Technology Access Partnership (ATAP), the Rhode Island Tech Act grant. We provide assistive technology evaluations, consultations, technical support, individual/group training and customized workshops.
TobiiATI
TobiiATI is the premier developer of hardware and software solutions for people with physical, cognitive, and speech disabilities. Let us help you find your voice!
Toby Churchill Ltd.
Established for almost 40 years, Toby Churchill Ltd has designed, manufactured, and supplies AAC solutions such as the Lightwriter(R) communication aid to people with little or no ability to communicate verbally.
VizZle by Monarch Teaching Technologies
Award winning web-based autism software for technology based, visually supported access to curriculum. Customize peer reviewed, pre made lesson or create your own. Track improved outcomes by IEP goals.
2012 Presentations
Sessions
9:15 – 10:30
URI Capstone Design Projects on Assistive Technology
Presented by Dr. Ying Sun, Dr. Eugene Chabot, and URI Biomedical Engineering Students Brian Ramos, Aleksey Gladkov, Kaitlin Abbate, Jeffrey Crispo, Morgan Rosenberger, Nicholas Beretta, Nicholas Mulhern, Neil McCaffrey, Tanya Wang, Josh Harvey, David Ramsay, Brian Kennedy, Cameron Elliott, Garabed Tashian, Thomas Franklin, Stephen Sladen, and Angela Phongsavan.
Senior-year undergraduate students in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Rhode Island are engaged in capstone design projects. The objective of this workshop is to introduce some of the on-going projects on assistive technology. One team develops a smartphone-based voice activation system to operate a TV remote control, while another team takes an universal design approach to develop a low-cost, single-switch environmental control system. A wearable activity analyzer capable of playing back pre-recorded voice messages is useful to encourage and instruct daily exercises. Myoelectric activation of electromechanical devices is studied in terms of mixed-signal (switching and proportional) controls. Essential motion information extracted from a miniature camera can be presented via audio signals for persons with visual impairments. The learning outcomes include an understanding of some available technologies and the concept of universal design. The attendees will gain insights to specific engineering design approaches and skills.
Ying Sun, Ph.D., is a professor of the Dept. of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Rhode Island, and the Director of the URI Biomedical Engineering Program. He has conducted research in innovative assistive technology and has served as a member of the Rhode Island Council on Assistive Technology (RICAT) for the past 12 years.
Eugene Chabot, Ph.D., is an engineer at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center and an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Rhode Island. His research interest includes the visual-tactile sensory substitution.
9:15 – 10:00
Living with Vision Loss
Presented by Chris Butler
Chris Butler, Executive Director of INSIGHT, will demonstrate adaptive techniques that people living with vision loss can use to remain independent, including organization, labeling, using our other senses, contrast, lighting, simple tools, and technology.
Chris Butler has been the Executive Director of INSIGHT since 2006 and has worked for disability related agencies for more than twenty years. Chris lives in Cumberland, RI where he sits on the town’s Planning Board. Chris is also a member of the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities and the Fund for Community Progress.
10:00 – 10:30
Advances in Hearing Aid Design, Function, and Connectivity: A Shift in the Development Paradigm
Presented by James E Healey, Au.D.
Important changes in hearing aid technology have converged, resulting in improved consumer acceptance, more reliable function and expanded hearing opportunities. This workshop will highlight some of these advances.
James Healey’s professional experience has included several years of academic and clinical training for audiologists and speech-language pathologists. Publications have covered impact of hearing loss, rehabilitation of children and adults, and workplace accommodations. He currently splits his time between assessment and technological support in the classroom environment and adult hearing loss rehabilitation.
9:15 – 10:30
App-tastic Classrooms
Presented by Nicole Feeney
Students are becoming increasingly more familiar with the iPad and its convenience, intuitiveness, and efficiency. In this workshop, participants will be introduced to a variety of ways that the iPad and its applications (native and third-party) can be used in your classroom to increase motivation, collaboration and productivity. We will demonstrate video mirroring from the iPad, as well as using your iPad as a Remote Desktop from anywhere in your classroom and projecting onto an interactive whiteboard. There will be a selection of apps covering literacy, comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, organization, written expression and presentation skills. Participants will also explore the potential use of the iPad as a personal learning tool and/or assistive technology device used to support a student’s learning needs. Please feel free to bring your personal handheld device, as there will be plenty of time for hands-on involvement.
Nicole Feeney, M. Ed. – Assistive Technology Specialist and Special Educator provides professional development, training, technical assistance, and consultation on the continuum of assistive technology devices and services to families, educators, therapists, clinicians, and healthcare professionals; provides AT consultations and evaluations to people with disabilities of all ages; and offers AT demonstrations to promote community awareness. Nicole has taught students with special needs in the classroom as well as helped them to develop and improve their skills through the use of assistive technology. She has provided ongoing support, mentoring, and guidance to her students while promoting innovative approaches for their employment, independent living and community needs. A master’s degree in Assistive Technology from Southern CT State University has also allowed her to provide professional development and assistance to educators in K–12 settings.
9:15 – 10:30
Providing Common Core Standards Based Curriculum to Students with Significant Needs
Presented by Darlene Brodbeck
Are you struggling with aligning common core standards to the academic curriculum for your students with significant learning needs? Come discover the Unique Learning System’s comprehensive curriculum. ULS is aligned to the common core standards through the provision of chronologically grade appropriate differentiated lessons, materials, and assessments. Learn how the Unique Learning System’s monthly materials provide access to general education academic content and functional skills through units designed specifically for learners with significant disabilities while collecting valuable data with the use of common and formative assessments. GPS, the data collection tool within ULS provides for collaboration and consistency for all students, allowing educators to make clear, data driven decisions. Explore providing greater access to the curriculum with various low to high tech assistive technology tools.
9:15 – 10:30
Eye Gaze: From Switch Scanning to Direct Selection
Presented by Matthew Provost MS, CCC-SLP
Eye gaze technology is a cutting edge addition to the field of assistive technology. It allows users with complex access needs to increase their efficiency and independence. This workshop will describe current eye tracking technology and outline the considerations of evaluation and implementation. Participants will also hear two adult users of eye tracking devices talk about their experience with the technology and their transitions from switch scanning to this method of direct selection.
Matthew Provost has a Masters of Science in Communication Disorders from Emerson College and holds a Certificate of Clinical Competency as a Speech and Language Pathologist. Matthew has taught the Augmentative Communication graduate course at the University of Rhode Island, and continues to provide workshops on augmentative communication topics throughout the state. Matthew has been in the field for over 16 years.
11:00 – 12:15
Brain Wellness Platform for Independent Aging
Presented by Yuval Malinsky and Avi Nevel
Our first objective is to explain the difference between brain fitness and brain wellness and to educate the attendees about the importance of brain wellness activities to people’s well-being and to the U.S. economy. Our second objective is to demonstrate how brain wellness software can be an important component of the solution to brain wellness. We shall look at brain wellness in groups, for individuals and for different populations – normal aging, people with mild cognitive impairment and people with dementia. We shall touch on the topic of conducting research using the software and using it for marketing by senior living institutions.
Yuval Malinsky is co-founder and CEO of Vigorous Mind, Inc. and developer of My Vigorous Mind, the brain wellness and social networking software for senior living. Mr. Malinsky founded and built several software and health technology companies in his more than 25 years of experience in the US, Europe and Israel. He was a mentor at MITs Venture Mentoring Service for five years, is a Board of Governors’ member of the Jerusalem College of Engineering and a former Chair of the New England Israel Business Council.
11:00 – 12:15
Emergency Devices Options To Preserve Independent Living
Presented by Denise Corson and Darlene Messier
Even though most people strive to live independently, there are times when living alone means that there is no one to assist you should you need help. A simple fall can have devastating consequences. Without immediate help, you may suffer pain, emotional distress, or experience serious secondary medical problems such as dehydration, hypothermia or pneumonia. This workshop will feature a presentation and demonstration on different options of emergency devices that are available. Philips Lifeline will discuss such services as AutoAlert and Philips Medication Dispensing Service. The ATEL Program will discuss two of their emergency products which do not have monthly monitoring fees: Clearsounds CSC600ER Amplified SOS Alert Telephone and the Freedom Alert.
Denise Corson has been working as the ATEL Program Coordinator since March 2006. Denise received a BS in Business Management from the University of RI, and was employed as an Insurance Underwriter for the 10 years prior. During her 6 years as Program Coordinator, she has strived to develop a working knowledge of the principles and methods used in communication with persons who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, have a speech disability, or have neuromuscular damage or disease. In 2007, ATEL became the new partner in the Assistive Technology Access Partnership (ATAP).
11:00 – 12:15
App-tastic Apps for Autism
Presented by Nicole Feeney
In this workshop, participants will learn how to choose and utilize a variety of visually supportive iPad apps for children with autism. Apps discussed and demonstrated will include: augmentative communication, social skills, literacy, math, data collection, behavior management, music, songs, art and games based on all age groups. Please feel free to bring your personal handheld device, as there will be plenty of time for hands-on involvement.
Nicole Feeney, M. Ed. – Assistive Technology Specialist and Special Educator provides professional development, training, technical assistance, and consultation on the continuum of assistive technology devices and services to families, educators, therapists, clinicians, and healthcare professionals; provides AT consultations and evaluations to people with disabilities of all ages; and offers AT demonstrations to promote community awareness. Nicole’s has taught students with special needs in the classroom as well as helped them to develop and improve their skills through the use of assistive technology. She has provided ongoing support, mentoring, and guidance to her students while promoting innovative approaches for their employment, independent living and community needs. A Master’s Degree in Assistive Technology from Southern CT State University has also allowed her to provide professional development and assistance to educators in K–12 settings.
11:00 – 12:15
Independent Living Systems the new ECUs and EADLs
Presented by Graham Bunce
Come learn about the state of the industry for environmental aids to daily living (EADLs) and environmental control units (ECUs). Speak4Use is at the forefront of a new wave of technology that brings a combination of software and hardware in a “client centric” design to the people who need it the most, in an affordable and portable package. The emphasis being on ease of setup, ease of use and ease of maintenance in a design specifically created for the AT user. There are accessibility options for a wide range of users including our rapidly increasing aging population. Gain greater understanding of the direction and future of cutting edge technology, the demise of some current technology and the future benefits for users of AT, their caregivers and the communities that support them.
Graham Bunce is co-founder of Speak4Use,LLC and a RESNA member. He has spent 32 years as a financial advisor most recently Vice President at CreditSuisse. Now the co-founder of a technology firm developing independent living systems for the disabled and aging population.
11:00 – 12:15
Low Tech Ideas for Including Students with Significant Learning Difficulties
Presented by Jennifer Edge-Savage
In this session participants will discuss ideas for thoughtfully working with students with significant learning difficulties; learn about low-tech tools for ensuring that all students can participate and have a voice in the classroom; experience the power of battery-operated toys, battery interrupters, switches, switch toys, switch interfaces, Powerpoint and Powerlinks in transforming the academic and leisure experiences of students; and generate and share ideas for making accessible curriculum activities with low-cost and free tools.
Jennifer Edge-Savage, MS, EDS, OTR/L is an OT and AT Specialist. She has been passionately working in the field of AT for over 15 years, co-founding the SSEC Center for Assistive Technology in Hingham MA, exploring the corporate side of AT as the Director of Implementation Services for Cambium Learning Technologies, and volunteering as the Professional Development Coordinator for ISTE’s SETSIG. She is currently adjunct faculty for the Simmons College Graduate Program in Special Education Technology, teaching courses in UDL and Advanced AT Applications. She maintains a private AT consulting practice in the Boston area.
1:45 – 3:00
Improving Executive Functioning Skills with Video Games and Other Digital Media
Presented by Dr. Randy Kulman and James Daley
LearningWorks for Kids was founded on the principle that popular video games, apps, and other digital media, when used mindfully and responsibly, can be powerful tools for sharpening and improving children’s academic performance and executive functioning/thinking skills. This is especially true for the children we call Alternative Learners: kids who struggle with everything from mild learning and executive functioning difficulties to psychiatric disorders such as autism, Asperger’s, dyslexia, and ADHD. Drawing on original research and decades of experience in education and psychology, this presentation will demonstrate how LWK can inform and instruct both educators and parents on how to make the most of kids’ digital play time. We will exhibit how the new learningworksforkids.com platform can assist classroom teachers, parents, and clinicians to identify which thinking skills children need help with, choose the best games and technologies for each child’s unique learning needs, effectively use video games as a teaching tool for developing executive functioning skills, set a balanced play diet, and connect children’s screen time to real-world situations and opportunities for learning.
Randy Kulman, Ph.D. is a child clinical psychologist and the President of LearningWorks for Kids, an educational technology company that specializes in using video games, apps, and interactive digital media to teach executive functioning and academic skills. Additionally, Dr. Kulman is the author of numerous essays on the use of digital technologies for improving executive functioning skills in special needs children in which he has developed concepts such as “play diets” and “ engagement” to help parents and teachers understand the impact of digital technologies on children. He is the author of Training Your Brain for Success: A Teenager’s Guide to Executive Functions and the co-author of a chapter in the book Designing Games for Ethics: Models, Techniques, and Frameworks published in 2011 by IGI Global.
James Daley is the Vice President and Editor-in- Chief at LearningWorks for Kids. James oversees the editorial direction, design, and content production for all of LearningWorks for Kid’s websites and publications.
1:45 – 2:30
Increasing Access to the Home with Assistive Technology: Ten Common Solutions
Presented by Melissa Rosenberg
This workshop will feature a presentation and demonstration of the top ten most commonly utilized assistive technologies that help to increase independence and safety in the home. The items will be introduced and demonstrated for safe and proper use within the home and community. We will also discuss ways to obtain Assistive Technology solutions and provide ways to obtain funding.
Melissa Rosenberg, Assistive Technology Specialist at Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL). As coordinator of the adaptive equipment program, Melissa assists individuals with significant disabilities by providing equipment and information to increase their independence and safety while remaining in their own homes. Melissa sits on an advisory committee for the ATEL program. She is also involved in outreach throughout the community.
1:45 – 3:00
Using Technology to Manage Behaviors and Build Competence of Young Children
Presented by Minna Levine Ph.D.
Mobile computers provide many benefits to special educators, clinicians, and families. Their benefit is particularly evident in three domains: a) behavioral observations, b) intervention guidance, and c) outcomes evaluation. Progress notes written by professionals are often narrative. Professionals often ask families to take data at home, but the families don’t always follow through consistently or for long enough. Families try interventions they read about, but don’t take data to see if they work. This workshop will review new apps for use by professionals and families to monitor negative behavior and competence, get guidance in-the-moment, and evaluate progress and treatment effectiveness. Apps by the author and others will be demonstrated.
Minna Levine, OTR/L Ph.D. has a doctorate in psychology. She has led workshops and has written on the use of mobile technology for monitoring care and self-management. She has managed three small business grants to SymTrend from the National Institute of Mental Health funding, for the development of tools for use by individuals on the autism spectrum and their caregivers. She consults with schools and clinics about the development of custom applications for functional behavior assessments, interdisciplinary progress monitoring, and self-guidance tools for teens. She has developed tools for families to monitor their young children’s behaviors and development.
1:45 – 3:00
Digital Literacy for ALL: Ensuring access through UDL and AT
Presented by Donald Gregory, Dr. Elizabeth Dalton, and Gloria Stuart
The BroadBand RI Initiative is building the infrastructure and programs for all Rhode Islanders to gain access to the full resources of the Internet. Developing digital literacy across the RI community is an important thrust of the BBRI initiative. For persons with differing needs, disabilities, and backgrounds, acquiring basic skills to effectively use the Internet is often problematic, due to challenges of language, accessibility, and opportunity. BBRI’s Digital Literacy curriculum is designed to reduce access barriers and increase adult student’s engagement. During this presentation, participants will learn the components of the BBRI Initiative and how to become involved, learn how Universal Design for Learning shaped an accessible digital literacy curriculum, understand technology access challenges to comprehensive statewide digital literacy, and resources to address these challenges.
Donald Gregory is the BBRI Digital Literacy Coordinator, and manages all of the online data and resources for the DL project. He is an independent consultant on technology integration and use.
Dr. Dalton is Director of Development and Research, and consultant to special projects at TechACCESS of Rhode Island (including BroadBand RI and its Digital Literacy Program). Prior to this, she was Assistant Professor of Special Education at Rhode Island College and Coordinator of Assistive Technology at the Paul V.
Sherlock Center on Disabilities. Dr. Dalton holds a PhD in Education from University of Rhode Island, receiving the Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation in Education Award in 2009. In 2010, she was awarded a post-doctoral fellowship in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Leadership through Boston College and CAST, Inc. She has worked as counselor & advisor for students with disabilities at the Community College of RI, taught special education in RI, and conducts trainings. In 2012-13, Dr. Dalton is president-elect for the Special Education Technology Special Interest Group (SETSIG) of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).
Gloria Stuart is a Low Vision and Blind Technology Specialist with TechACCESS of RI who has been helping children and adults with visual impairments for over 18 years. She is the Coordinator of CyberVISION, a peer group of technology users who meet once a month to advance their skills on all types of technology. She is co-chair of the RIVESP Advisory Board. Gloria has presented workshops and device trainings both locally and nationally.
1:45 – 3:00
Learn & Loan: AT Devices for Educators
Presented by Lisa Labitt
Come and see what educational and assistive technologies are available for loan through the ATAP Device Loan Program…and leave with technology to support your students!
The East Bay Educational Collaborative lending library contains hundreds of pieces of technology that allow professionals the opportunity to trial technology with students prior to purchasing, serve as a short-term technology accommodation, or provide an opportunity to explore technologies for your own knowledge/Professional Development. Low tech, mid tech and high tech tools demonstrated during this session will include: reading tools, writing technologies, and devices for those with visual impairments. We will provide a brief demonstration of each technology tool and explain its possible uses within the classroom environment. At the conclusion of the session, these devices will be available for a short term loan. A similar loan library is available at TechACCESS of RI .
Lisa Labitt is the Assistive Technology Specialist and ATAP Children and Youth Resource Center Director at East Bay Educational Collaborative, Warren, RI. Lisa provides consultation and training to teams of Rhode Island educators statewide, assessment of students and demonstration of Assistive Technology and device loans.