Thank you to all our participants, exhibitors, vendors, speakers, volunteers, and anyone else who had a part in making our 2011 Conference such a success!
Congratulations to Dr. Kate Mc Carthy-Barnett, recipient of the 2011 Elizabeth M. Dalton Assistive Technology Award!
Sponsors
Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services
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
RIDE, Office of Student, Community, and Academic Support
Rhode Island Department of Health, Disability and Health Program
Rhodes to Independence
Paul V. Sherlock Center of Disabilities at Rhode Island College
TechACCESS of RI
Rhode Island Rehabilitation Association
HMEA, Inc.
Exhibitors
ABLE Program
Table 38
The ABLE Program is a research study for a new wellness program designed for individuals who use an assistive device to help them get around. The program focuses on those individuals who smoke cigarettes or have quit within the past two years. We have several opportunities to help shape a new video program for quitting smoking. See us at our booth for more information!
Adaptive Driving Program, Inc.
Table 21
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)
Table 13
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.
ATG Rehab
ATG Rehab provides a comprehensive range of Mobility & Seating Solutions including: Wheelchairs, Adaptive Seating, Scooters, Walking Aids, Bathing Equipment and Standing Aids. Our focus is exceeding our customer’s expectations including proper fit, fast delivery, outstanding communication and responsive repair turnaround.
Amramp
Table 39
Amramp,America’s leading ramp, helps people with mobility issues improve the quality of their lives, maintain their independence, and preserve their dignity. Amramp wheelchair ramps are affordable, available for RENT or buy, and installed in days. Amramp offers FREE evaluations.
Assumption College
Table 29
AssumptionCollege’s Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling program is ranked in the top 50 in the nation by US News. Its CORE accredited program is offered both on-line and on theWorcester campus.
Cambium Learning Technologies
Table 41
Cambium Learning Technologies create 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.
Carroll Center for the Blind
Table 7
The Carroll Center for the Blind, located inNewton,Massachusetts, provides training and adaptive devices to individuals of all ages who have lost their sight so they can live independent and fulfilling lives.
Charm Medical Supply
Table 24
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.
Crick Software
Table 2
Crick Software strongly believes in Universal Design for Learning and most products are switch accessible, enabling students with disabilities to benefit from the same educational software as their peers.
DynaVox Mayer-Johnson
Table 22
DynaVox Mayer-Johnson offers a full spectrum 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.
Easter Seals MA
Table 27
Easter Seals provides assessment, consultation and training on augmentative and alternative communication, adapted computer access and electronic aids for daily living. Our highly skilled, itinerant staff travel throughout MA and RI.
Enhanced Vision
Table 31
Enhanced Vision. Our products are like “magnifiers on steroids”, helping people read mail, newspapers, write checks, view photos, etc. They are considered the most simple, diverse, and reliable on the market.
Freedom Scientific
Table 18
HMEA
Table 11
HMEA affirms and promotes the values, dreams and potential of people with developmental disabilities through education, support and life experiences. Though a variety of programs, HMEA is committed to working in partnership with people with disabilities and their families to create supports that best meet their unique needs.
Hudson Seating & Mobility
Table 33
With 30 RESNA Certified ATPs throughout our 9 locations,Hudson is the largest and most experienced Rehab Technology Supplier in the Northeast.Hudson is a valuable resource for additional assistive products for home access. We hope to help minimize problems and maximize independence.
HumanWare
Table 34
HumanWare is the global leader in assistive technologies for the print disabled. HumanWare produces a range of highly intuitive and intelligent solutions that empower people with visual impairment and learning disabilities by giving them the autonomy to participate effectively within a sighted world. From advanced Braille products and electronic video magnifiers to digital talking book players and beyond, our tools help end-users to live independently and compete successfully in today’s fast moving society.
In-Sight
Table 8
In-Sight is a nonprofit agency that promotes independence and opportunities for people living with vision loss. In-Sight offers a range of programs including independent living skills training, radio reading service, low vision assessments and services, diabetes counseling and presentations, youth summer program, and adult recreation programs.
SureHands Lift and Care Systems
Table 20
SureHands 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)
Table 9
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.
New England Assistive Technology (NEAT) Resource & Education Center
Table 35
The NEAT Center at Oak Hill enriches lives by enhancing independence and quality of life for people with disabilities including visual impairments. It sets the standard in providing innovative solutions, program excellence, services and advocacy for people with disabilities.
Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL)
Table 5
OSCIL offers the following services: advocacy, information and referral, peer support, skills training, benefits counseling, hosing assistance, assistance with understanding and acquiring assistive devices, specialized services for the Deaf, home modification program, nursing home transition, and special outreach programs.
Office of Rehabilitation Services
Table 12
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 interdependently in the community.
Optelec / AdaptiVision
Table 37
A wide range of video magnification and OCR products from Optelec, the leading innovator of products for the visually impaired. Featuring the new Twin View PC Split Screen monitor and the revolutionary Compact 5 HD portable.
Perkins Products
Table 10 A
(next to the TechACCESS Table)
Perkins Products provides assistive devices and technology training for children and adults who are visually impaired. New products include Braille displays and handheld magnifiers. We offer technology training and evaluations.
Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities at Rhode Island College
Table 48
The Sherlock Center is aUniversityCenter on Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research & Service. Since 1993 theSherlockCenter 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.
PARI Independent Living Center
Table 6
Prentke Romich Company
Table 25
PRC believes that everyone deserves a voice. View our full line of dedicated AAC products, literacy tools, and training programs and learn more about Essence(TM), out new device for literate adults.
ProxTalker
Table 40
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 Human Services, Division of Elderly Affairs
Table 43
Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (RICDHH)
Table 15
Rhode Island Department of Health
Table 47
Rhode Island Disability Law Center
Table 42
Rhode Island Disability Law Center (RIDLC) provides free legal assistance to persons with disabilities. Services include individual representation to protect rights or to secure benefits and services; self-help information; educational programs; and administrative and legislative advocacy. The agency administers eight federally funded advocacy programs, each of which has its own eligibility criteria.
Rhode Island Materials Access Center (RIMAC)
Table 32
RIMAC provides educational materials in accessibile formats for students with visual impairments and other print disabilities. We also house the large print and Braille lending and resource library. TheRhode IslandMaterialsACCESSCenter is the statewide system to implement to NIMAS and NIMAC requirements in Part B of IDEA.
Rhode Island Office of Library & Information Services, Talking Books Plus Program
Table 46
Talking Books Plus, the RI Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, provides a free library services to anyone in Rhode Island who is unable to read standard print because of a visual or physical handicap. As part of the RI Office of Library & Information Services, Talking Books Plus lends reading materials and specially designed equipment free of charge.
Rhode Island Parent Information Network (RIPIN)
Table 45
Rhode Island Relay
Table 16
Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry
The Rhode Island Department of Health and Emergency Management have joined together to develop a registry for Rhode Islanders with disabilities, chronic conditions, and other health-care needs. Enrollment allows first responders to appropriately plan, prepare for, and respond to the needs of the community.
Rhodes to Independence
Table 44
Rhodes toIndependence was created through a federal Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG). The MIG goal is to support people with disabilities in securing and sustaining competitive employment in an integrated setting.
Ride-Away Handicap Equipment Corp.
Table 19
Ride-Away isAmerica’s largest provider of wheelchair accessible vehicles and adaptive equipment for people with disabilities.
SafetyNet by LoJack
Table 30
Saltillo
Table 36
Silver Lining Technologies
Table 17
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.
TAP-it
Table 3
TechACCESS of RI
Table 10
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.
TextHelp
Table 23
Texthelp provides literacy software including Read&Write GOLD, reading/writing/research support toolbar that integrates with mainstream applications; and Fluency Tutor, online solution for developing/assessing oral reading fluency. Download your FREE trial today!
TobiiATI
Table 1
Tobii is the premier developer of hardware and software solutions for people with physical, cognitive and speech disabilities. Our products include the latest in eye-tracking technology and speech generating devices.
Vision Dynamics
Table 28
Vision Dynamics, together with ABiSEE, will have the newest scan and read systems, video magnifiers, handheld magnifiers and much more. Come see the latest adaptive technology!
VizZle by Monarch Teaching Technologies
Table 4
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.
Presentations
RJ Cooper’s Road Trip – All Day!
Internationally known assistive technology developer and speaker RJ Cooper will be working with seven “learners” from our community live during the November 30th conference. RJ Cooper’s exciting, unique, and life-changing approach is not to be missed. RJ’s goal while working with an individual with disabilities aka “learner” is to have the learner do something new and exciting that he/she has never done before. Working with the educator or parents that know the learner best, RJ helps identify materials, technologies, strategies and techniques that will enable the child or adult to accomplish at least one new skill. Maybe it will be using a switch in a completely new position that no one has thought of before, or it could be a breakthrough to using pictures as communications tools. RJ has had over 18 years experience in making breakthroughs with individuals. His expertise ranges from severe/profound to mild learning disabilities and has worked with, literally, thousands of people from infants to adults.
Make the APPsolute Fit! Select the Right Mobile Device Apps
Presented byMadalaine Pugliese
Availability of free and low-cost apps for mobile devices grows exponentially. Many practitioners and families have turned to these lesser expensive tools and content hoping for a simple and affordable way to accommodate learners with special needs. However, we must keep already known decision-making process in mind when designing and recommending interventions. Practitioners need to be care of “magic wand syndrome”. Take care to make the fit for the user just as you would for any other assistive technology. One decision-making process is the Stages Framework. The focus on learners with cognitive and language delay helps to narrow the scope of the apps being considered. Recommended apps that purposely align with the Stages Framework are demonstrated and accompanied by a thorough handout.
Integrating Technology Tools into Instruction: What’s Working in Inclusive Classrooms
Presented byMadalaine Pugliese
In more than 20 years of working with graduate students in assistive technology, I have seen how the role of assistive technology specialists has changed. We are no longer only called upon to recommend physical access to the curriculum. Now we are also asked to become curriculum and strategy advisors. We need to understand content and be able to design modifications that maintain the essence of the classroom experience for any learner regardless of challenge. The tools and strategies that we recommend must be invisible and put the student and curriculum first, resulting in a successful active learning environment.
This year our graduate program was honored with an invitation from Council for Exceptional Children’s Technology and Media division to write about our work. Our recently published book provides real classroom models for practical and effective technology integration. Whether considering the needs of one learner, a classroom of heterogeneous learning needs, or planning for an entire organization, it is important to keep people first, then integrate the tools that will facilitate reaching goals. These articles describe typical learning challenges from the teaching perspective then embed tools and strategies seamlessly.
An introductory chapter describes competencies that instructional and assistive technology specialists who are working on co-teaching teams should have when helping teachers integrate technology tools into curriculum and instruction. The remaining chapters describe how expert practitioners are using instructional and assistive technologies in inclusive classrooms to enhance student learning. Each chapter is filled with practical ideas, strategies, and a variety of easily obtainable technology tools that can be easily implemented.
This presentation will describe recommended technology integration ideas as well as open an audience participation discussion with regard to competencies needed in order to be successful.
Madalaine Puglieseis the Assistive Technology Graduate Program Director at Simmons College in Boston,MA. She has over 38 years experience in public education and is a nationally recognized speaker and authority in assistive technology. Madalaine is the author of the Stages Developmental Framework book and accessible diagnostic software. She was named as a “Shaper of the Future” by Converge Magazine.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Moving from Innovation to Implementation
Presented by Dr. Patti Ralabate, Dr. Fran Smith, and Joanne Karger
In the early 90′s, researchers at CAST proposed an innovative framework for instructional design called Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL is now identified in federal policies and state initiatives as a “scientifically valid framework for guiding educational practice” that allows educators to meet the learning needs of all learners. During this session, participants will briefly review the UDL principles and the latest version of the UDL guidelines (2.0) in order to understand how implementing UDL can improve their practice. In particular, this session will focus on new UDL resources and tools offered through the National Center on UDL, including the UDL Series – a free, web-based rich media professional learning opportunity
Patricia Kelly Ralabate, Ed.D. As CAST Director of Implementation, Dr. Ralabate leads efforts to implement Universal Design for Learning (UDL) at school, district and state levels. In addition, Dr. Ralabate is Director of the National Center on UDL. During 2010-2011, she served as aBostonCollege postdoctoral fellow in residence at CAST working on UDL Leadership issues. After teaching as a speech-language pathologist for 25 years inConnecticut public schools, Dr. Ralabate joined the National Education Association (NEA) as its first Senior Policy Analyst for special and gifted education in 2002. Dr. Ralabate functioned as the key special education consultant for NEA’s 50 state affiliates, facilitated professional development services provided by the NEA IDEA Resource Cadre and advised NEA leadership on various federal policy issues. She received her doctorate in special education from theGeorgeWashingtonUniversity and teaches bilingual and special education policy courses for the GW Graduate School of Education and Human Development.
Dr. Frances (Fran) G. Smith, CVE has followed the fields of instructional and assistive technology for the past 25+ years and integrated these approaches in her work as a college instructor, vocational evaluation practitioner in rehabilitations and secondary public schools, assistive technology provider and staff development trainer. She earned her Ed.D. from theGeorgeWashingtonUniversity and has taught a graduate course there in universal design for learning (UDL) for the past nine years. She is currently a 2011-12 UDL Fellow in residence with the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) and Boston College.
Joanne Karger, J.D., Ed.D., is a 2011-2012 UDL Fellow at the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) and the Lynch School of Education atBostonCollege. She has a law degree fromBostonCollegeLawSchool and a doctorate in special education policy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. For the past four years, she has been working as an education attorney with the Center for Law and Education, a national nonprofit legal advocacy organization dedicated to promoting a high-quality education for all students, in particular students from low-income backgrounds. Her previous work included serving as a member of a team of consultants that conducted evaluations of the special education programs in a number of large urban school districts, includingNew York City, theDistrict of Columbia, and several low-income school districts inMassachusetts. She has also worked as a consultant for theNationalCenter on Accessible Instructional Materials and the National Center on Accessing the General Curriculum, in which capacity she analyzed legal and policy issues pertaining to the provision of accessible instructional materials to students with disabilities and universal design for learning.
Online UDL Tools to Support Student Learning Needs and Differences
Presented by Karen Janowski
Providing students with their own tools for success is essential for all who work with struggling learners. Fortunately, a wealth of free, electronic resources exist which remove obstacles to learning, promote independence and provide alternative ways for students to demonstrate what they know. Using the framework of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) combined with Toolbelt Theory, participants will learn about a variety of tools that promote engagement, independence and learning for students. Participants will leave with a better understanding of UDL to support the needs of all the students with whom they work. Come and be inspired to immediately implement tools for school success!
Karen Janowski is an Assistive Technology Consultant who presents locally and nationally on a variety of special education topics. She is an Adjunct Professor atSimmonsCollegeinBoston,MAand works part-time as the Assistive Technology Specialist in theNewton,MAPublic Schools. In addition, she is co-chair of the Massachusetts AT Advisory Council. She maintains a blog at teachingeverystudent.blogspot.com. Her passion is to remove the obstacles to learning for all students using assistive and educational technology strategies and solutions.
Universal Design for Learning in the Classroom: Tools for Observing and Planning UDL into Your Instruction
Presented by Dr. Elizabeth M. Dalton
With the diversity of students needs in our schools and our classrooms, we need to learn new approaches to design for and meet the learning needs of all students. Instructional goals for special needs students, and actually ALL students, can be achieved by using a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. UDL addresses natural student variation in the design of goals, methods, materials, and assessments of instruction. The framework is explained through practical examples from a Rhode Island UDL implementation project. Use of a UDL observation and assessment tool for practical use in classrooms will be demonstrated and discussed. Additional tools and resources will be shared.
Dr. Dalton was a 2010 UDL Leadership Fellow atBostonCollegeand CAST, Inc. She is Assistant Professor of Special Education atRhode IslandCollegeand Coordinator of Assistive Technology for thePaulV.SherlockCenteron Disabilities. She was recognized for Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation in Education Award, 2009, Kappa Delta Pi (RI), for “The Relationship between Assistive Technology State Standards for Teachers, Assistive Technology Implementation, and Student Performance in the Context of Evidence-based Practice” and is the first recipient of the Elizabeth M. Dalton AT Leadership Award from RIATAP in 2010. Dr. Dalton taught special education inProvidence, Narragansett, andWesterlyschools inRhode Island, and was counselor /advisor / instructor to non-traditional students at theCommunity CollegeofRIfor many years. She helped found TechACCESS of RI and was Board Chair for 10 years. Her current work is focused on effective strategies for teacher preparation, with emphasis on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and research in assessment, education standards, and teacher competencies, and has presented her work locally, nationally, and internationally.
Abandon the clipboard: Using iPads for Real-time Formative Assessment
Presented by Shawn Rubin
In all classrooms, at any grade, what teachers do, or should be doing, is a process of continual assessing and tracking to see how well their content is being received by their students. Ongoing formative assessment is challenging, and relies heavily upon teacher time, diligence and organization. Unfortunately, teachers are currently using antiquated tools like paper, clipboards and excel spreadsheets to keep up with formative assessment, which makes it overly time-consuming, awkward and difficult to manage.
This workshop will explore new apps that make it easier and faster for teachers to organize, analyze, and group students around their understanding and competence with the skills that have been taught.
Teachers need an efficient classroom assessment tool that provides them with a more comprehensive understanding of each individual student’s specific needs, skill levels, and challenges. Teacher’s can then apply this new knowledge toward more targeted and effective teaching for each student. Touch technology has transformative potential when applied to classroom assessment. Come and learn about the newest and greatest.
Shawn Rubin is the Director of Technology Integration at the Highlander Dunn Institute as well as the CEO of Metryx. Shawn began his education career in 2000 as a founding faculty member of theHighlanderCharterSchool. Shawn taught many different grades during his 10 years in the classroom, but spent most of his time as a kindergarten teacher. Shawn is also the founder of an international non-profit located inProvidence,RIcalled Longitude. Shawn has two sons under the age of four and a 14 year-old dog named Cuddles
Introduction to Smart Board Whiteboard Technology: An Interactive Tool for All Students
Presented by Lisa Labitt
Accessible, engaging and dynamic learning environments come alive with Good Teaching! Instruction and learning via Interactive Whiteboards have opened up new worlds for all students, including those with learning differences. The presenter will demonstrate SMART technology Whiteboards and Notebook Software. Websites and resources in content areas:Reading, Multimedia, Mathematics, Writing & Science will be explored. Educator examples will be highlighted during the presentation.
Smart Board System full setup for this presentation is provided by Shanix. Shanix is one of the leading security and audio visual technology integrators in theNew England area, servicing government and academic institutions.
Lisa Labitt, Assistive Technology Specialist and ATAP Children andYouthResourceCenterDirector atEastBayEducational Collaborative,Warren,RI. Lisa provides consultation and training to teams of RI educators statewide, assessment of students and provides demonstration and Assistive Technology device loans.
VizZle – Visual Learning Software for Students with ASD
Presented by Joanne Roe
Using technology to individualize curriculum for students with autism makes 21st century learning a current reality in special education. In this session participants will learn how individualized visual language meets the needs of the autistic learner, and how adapting curriculum into a visual format engages the strengths of the autistic student.
Joanne Roe is a visual learning software consultant with Monarch Teaching Technologies. Joanne has a Master’s degree in Adult Education fromElmiraCollege, and held numerous corporate training positions with companies such as Apple, Computer Curriculum Corp, and Pearson. Her passion is working with youth and adults on the spectrum. She volunteers as an Ombudsman, advocating for the rites of residents in assisted living and skilled nursing care facilities.
Assistive Technology for the Hard of Hearing at Home and at Work
Presented by James Litvack and Dorian Havers
Two full time professionals with a hearing loss will discuss how they use technology and personal strategies at the work place to effective provide services to others and to receive information from consumers and co-workers.
James Litvack was born with a hearing loss and used hearing aids until the age of 35 when he received a cochlear implant. He uses a variety of assistive technology both at home and at the workplace. James works at PARI and among his duties is to educate people about technology related to hearing loss.
Dorian Havers graduated from URI with a BA in Speech Pathology/Audiology. While doing graduate work atNorth Illinois University, Havers was diagnosed with Meniere’s Disease and was informed she would lose her hearing. Her focus turned to Vocal Rehabilitation Counseling specializing in Deafness. In 2004 Havers worked for theHelenKellerNationalCenterand moved back toRhode Islandafter the birth of her son. Havers began working forRhode Island’s Office of Rehabilitation Services in 2007.
From Dorian: During the course of my Meniere’s Disease I have had numerous setbacks. My hearing fluctuates, but my hearing loss falls in the moderate-severe range. I do use bilateral hearing aids, but they are mostly to help with the constant ringing in my ears (tinnitus). I depend on technology a lot to compensate for what I can’t hear. I use a combination of tools to stay current in my field and stay in contact with my clients. I use sign language interpreters when needed, Hamilton CapTel on my cell phone, an FM system with bluetooth capability for small meetings and even my TV, and Purple Video Relay when needed. On the side, I am also a singer and perform with a successful local cover band, and use in-ear monitors coupled with my hearing aids to help me hear myself on stage and stay in key. I have two children ages 4 and 5 and both of them sign and use spoken English.
E-readers for ALL Ages: Eeney Meeney, Miney, Mo
Presented by Gloria Stuart
The way we read has changed drastically in the last few years. Almost every month a new device comes on the scene with the “newest features” and “slickest accessories” to attract your attention and temp you to buy. With so many devices and such a quickly changing market, how can you select the device that’s best for you and your individual needs? This session will identify and discuss features of the most popular e-readers such as the Kindle, Sony, and Nook, as well the Apple, Windows, and Android tablets. Whether you have low vision, are blind, have dyslexia or a reading/language disability, or just like the feel of an electronic reading device in your hands, you will want to attend this session.
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 identify and learn how to use the types of technology that can support their participation in school, in the community, and on the job. 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. Recently, she has been named Co Chair of the RIVESP Advisory Board. Gloria has presented workshops and device trainings both locally and nationally.
Breakout Sessions
CyberVision
9:00 – 9:30
TechACCESS’ CyberVision program mentors demonstrate their competency with blind and low vision technologies.
Ian Burchall
9:30 – 10:00
Ian Birchall will be speaking about Sonar, a digital audio workstation (DAW). Sonar turns your computer into an audio recording studio, and is made accessible to the blind through JAWS screen reader; opening up Audio Production as a major for any blind or visually impaired college student.
Rob Sanchez
9:30 – 10:00
Rob is a Assistive Technology trainer and student atRhode IslandCollege. He will be demonstrating the two piece of equipment he finds most useful in the classroom: the ONYX Flexible-arm Portable Magnification Camera and the Livescribe-Smartpen.
Adapted Telephone Equipment Loan Program
10:00 – 10:30
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.
Michelle Dixon
11:00 – 11:30
Michelle uses an eye tracking device, Tobii C Eye, for communication.
Jim Petrone
11:30 – 12:00
Jim will demonstrate advanced use of an augmentative communication device using a DynaVox Vmax.
Jason Pisano
12:00 – 12:30
At 38 years old Jason has completed 49 marathons. He uses a three-wheeled, aluminum racing chair built by Bob Hall. Jason works as a freelance reporter and motivation speaker. He uses his computer about 5 hours everyday using his left foot to type on an Intellitools Teflon keyboard in conjunction with a trackball mouse. Jason also uses a speakerphone with large numbers, and he is able to dial using his toes.
Hannah Rosenbaum, “Facebooking with my AAC”
1:30 – 2:00
Hannah is Augmentative Communication User (PRC Vantage 2) with both intellectual disability and visual impairment. She will demonstrate both casual conversation, and using her Vantage and Write:OutLoud software to interface with a computer for Facebook postings.
Rebecca Beaton
2:00 – 2:30
Rebecca uses a custom headpointer (made by Dr. Ying Sun and students at URI) and an adapated keyboard with customized overlay for computer access. She has just launched her own greeting card business.
Ying Sun and students at the URI Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedial Engineering
2:30 – 3:00
Dr. Ying Sun and the students at URI will speak about fabrication of a custom head pointer for computer access.
Vendor Sessions
Perkins Products
9:30 – 10:00
Perkins Products provides assistive devices and technology training for children and adults who are visually impaired. New products include Braille displays and handheld magnifiers. We offer technology training and evaluations.
Office of Library & Information Services Talking Books Plus
Talking Books Plus, the Rhode Island Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, provides a free library service to anyone inRhode Island who is unable to read standard print because of a visual or physical handicap.
Let’s Go Technology
An exclusive dealer for Enhanced Vision line of low vision aids and electronic magnifiers
Surehands Lift & Care Systems
Learn about Surehands Line of Patient Lift Equipment, National Ramp Systems, and Bruno Stair Lifts and Vertical Platform Lifts
Silver Lining Technologies
Open BookPearl
Freedom Scientific
Developer of JAWS for Windows Screen Reader, MAGic Screen Magnification, the PAC Mate, and WYNN literacy software.
Crick Software
Discover how WriteOnline, with its graphic organizer tool, WorkSpace, provides integrated tools and personalized support to guide students through all stages of the writing process.