[vc_row fullwidth=”no” bg_image_custom=”121″ el_id=”home” css=”.vc_custom_1433644863872{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-image: url(http://www.assistivetechnologyconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/slider_bg_squares.jpg?id=2674) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}” container=”1″ parallax_bg=”1″ stellar_background_ratio=”0.6″ section_id=”home” type=”full_width_background” enable_parallax=”” parallax_speed=”1″ full_width=”stretch_row”][vc_column width=”1/1″ css=”.vc_custom_1417507329606{padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1433614555294{border-bottom-width: 80px !important;padding-top: 80px !important;}”]
November 19th – 20th, 2015
Assistive Technology Conference
of New England
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1433615719909{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”][vc_column_inner el_class=”” width=”1/3″][thb_gap height=”10″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1433616115696{margin-left: 100px !important;}”][thb_button link=”http://www.assistivetechnologyconference.com/general-registration/” icon=”icon-budicon-175″ size=”large” rounded=”” color=”accent” animation=”animation scale”]Register[/thb_button][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”” width=”1/3″][thb_gap height=”10″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1433649640965{padding-top: 20px !important;background-color: #0b2f55 !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: contain !important;}”][vc_column_inner el_class=”” width=”1/4″][thb_iconbox type=”left type1″ icon=”icon-budicon-472″ heading=”Date” heading_color=”#6abac5″ use_btn=”” btn_size=”small” btn_color=”accent” icon_color=”#ffffff” content_color=”#ffffff”]November 19th – 20th, 2015[/thb_iconbox][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”” width=”1/4″][thb_iconbox type=”left type1″ icon=”icon-budicon-652″ heading=”Location” heading_color=”#6abac5″ use_btn=”” btn_size=”small” btn_color=”accent” icon_color=”#ffffff” content_color=”#ffffff”]Crowne Plaza Hotel, Warwick, RI[/thb_iconbox][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”” width=”1/4″][thb_iconbox type=”left type1″ icon=”icon-budicon-489″ heading=”Exhibit Hall” heading_color=”#6abac5″ use_btn=”” btn_size=”small” btn_color=”accent” icon_color=”#ffffff” content_color=”#ffffff”]Full vendor hall on Friday[/thb_iconbox][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”” width=”1/4″][thb_iconbox type=”left type1″ icon=”icon-budicon-204″ heading=”Presentations” heading_color=”#6abac5″ use_btn=”” btn_size=”small” btn_color=”accent” icon_color=”#ffffff” content_color=”#ffffff”]Over 30 Presentations[/thb_iconbox][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1428394403301{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 70px !important;padding-bottom: 70px !important;}” fullwidth=”no” el_id=”about” container=”1″ parallax_bg=”0″ stellar_background_ratio=”0.6″ section_id=”about”][vc_column width=”2/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1417501673381{padding-bottom: 40px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
WE’VE EXPANDED!
The Assistive Technology Conference of New England features state-of-the-art workshops, information and exhibits on the technologies that enhance and change the lives of persons with disabilities of all ages.
Attended by hundreds from New England and the North East each year, the conference focuses on uses of technology in education, communication, employment, recreation, home, and independent living. This year’s conference will feature an extra full day of more in-depth workshops that will be presented by AT experts from all over the country!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text][thb_gap height=”10″][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”color” fullwidth=”no” css=”.vc_custom_1433640324250{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 40px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;background-color: #3496a4 !important;}” container=”1″ parallax_bg=”0″ stellar_background_ratio=”0.6″ type=”full_width_background” enable_parallax=”” parallax_speed=”1″ el_id=”exhibitor-registration”][vc_column width=”2/3″ animation=””][vc_column_text]
Exhibitor Registration
Early Bird Rates Still Available
Early Bird Rate deadline is July 31. Includes discounted rate for exhibit space, name in Conference Registration Brochure, and your name listed in the Conference Program Book.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Exhibitor Registration” style=”flat” shape=”square” color=”white” size=”md” align=”left” i_align=”left” i_type=”fontawesome” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-adjust” i_icon_openiconic=”vc-oi vc-oi-dial” i_icon_typicons=”typcn typcn-adjust-brightness” i_icon_entypo=”entypo-icon entypo-icon-note” i_icon_linecons=”vc_li vc_li-heart” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fatcne.wpengine.com%2Fexhibitor-registration%2F||” button_block=”” add_icon=”” i_icon_pixelicons=”vc_pixel_icon vc_pixel_icon-alert”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ animation=””][vc_column_text][thb_image animation=”animation right-to-left” alignment=”center” lightbox=”” image=”2714″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” enable_parallax=”” parallax_speed=”1″ css=”.vc_custom_1433642004376{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 70px !important;}” fullwidth=”no” el_class=”light” container=”1″ parallax_bg=”0″ stellar_background_ratio=”0.6″ section_id=”schedule”][vc_column width=”1/1″ animation=””][vc_column_text][thb_header style=”style2″ color=”dark” is_image=”” title=”Conference Tickets” sub_title=”Early Bird Rates Valid Until July 31th”][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=”” row_id=”” type=”in_container” enable_parallax=”” parallax_speed=”1″ bg_video_src_mp4=”” bg_video_src_ogv=”” bg_video_src_webm=”” bg_video_overlay_color=””][vc_column width=”1/3″ animation=””][vc_column_text][thb_pricingcolumn featured=”” title=”Pre Conference Ticket” currency=”$” price=”125″ use_btn=”true” btn_caption=”Register” btn_link=”http://www.assistivetechnologyconference.com/general-registration/”]Thursday November 19th Only,8 Full Day Workshops to Choose From,Full Lunch[/thb_pricingcolumn][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ animation=””][vc_column_text][thb_pricingcolumn featured=”” title=”Saturday Single Day” currency=”$” price=”125″ use_btn=”true” btn_caption=”Register” btn_link=”http://www.assistivetechnologyconference.com/general-registration/”]Friday November 20th Only,25 Workshops to Choose From,Vendor Hall,Bringing Access to Life Expo,Full Lunch / Coffee & Pastry Breakfast[/thb_pricingcolumn][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ animation=””][vc_column_text][thb_pricingcolumn featured=”” title=”Full Conference Ticket” currency=”$” price=”225″ use_btn=”true” btn_caption=”Register” btn_link=”http://www.assistivetechnologyconference.com/general-registration/”]Includes Both Days[/thb_pricingcolumn][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1433617281804{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 70px !important;}” fullwidth=”no” el_class=”light” el_id=”schedule” container=”1″ parallax_bg=”0″ stellar_background_ratio=”0.6″ section_id=”schedule” type=”in_container” enable_parallax=”” parallax_speed=”1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text][thb_header style=”style2″ color=”dark” is_image=”” title=”Presentation Schedule” sub_title=”Be Sure to View Both Days – Thursday and Friday”][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” enable_parallax=”” parallax_speed=”1″ el_id=”preconheader”][vc_column width=”1/1″ css=”.vc_custom_1433617321699{padding-top: 15px !important;background-color: #6abac5 !important;}”][vc_column_text]
Thursday, November 19th
Pre Conference Workshops
8 Full Day Workshops to Choose From
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=”” row_id=”” type=”in_container” enable_parallax=”” parallax_speed=”1″ bg_video_src_mp4=”” bg_video_src_ogv=”” bg_video_src_webm=”” bg_video_overlay_color=””][vc_column width=”1/1″ animation=””][vc_accordion collapsible=”” disable_keyboard=”” style=”style1″][vc_accordion_tab title=”Chrome Bootcamp – Mike Marotta”][vc_column_text]Presented by Mike Marotta, AT Specialist, Inclusive Technology Solutions, LLC
Participate in a full day hands on learning experience – explore the Chrome Operating System and the Chromebook platform. Participants will dive deep into the Google Apps for Education suite of tools as well as the built in accessibility features of Chromebooks. Chrome is the latest trend in Assistive Technology – see what all the excitement is about! Participants will experience an array of Google Chrome apps and extensions that could be beneficial to ALL students. By leveraging the power of this common browser, we can make significant customization to meet the needs of struggling students. Areas covered will include: reading, writing, brainstorming, and organization. Through hands on learning experiences, participants will develop strategies to integrate these powerful tools into the curriculum to promote a Universal Design for Learning classroom by engaging various learning styles. In order to maximize learning, participants are strongly encouraged to bring a Chrome equipped computer to the training, however, any operating system will work. The items and activities will be accessible whether on a Chromebook, Windows or Mac computer. Participants should also have a Google Account, in order to access Google Drive and the apps / extensions we will utilize throughout the day.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Apps Across the Curriculum: Supporting Struggling Learners on all Devices & Platforms! – Diana Petschauer”][vc_column_text]Presented by Diana Petschauer, M.Ed, ATP
ATP, CEO, AT for Education & Access4Employment
Many schools are implementing BYOD (Bring your own device) as well as issuing Chromebooks, iPads, and laptops, and some are Going Google! How do you support struggling learners on all of these devices, using free and low cost Apps & AT solutions? Join us for full day of hands-on app support! Half-Day iOS apps for the iPad; Half-Day Chrome Apps & Extensions for all other devices (Laptops, android tablets, Chromebooks, windows tablets, Surface Pro). You will also learn about free and low cost AT solutions to support your struggling students to access textbooks and learning materials (Handouts/ worksheets), and to complete assignments using technology. AT and app solutions to support students with learning disabilities, Dyslexia, Physical disabilities, blind or low vision students, and students who need support with executive function, literacy and math. These apps and assistive technology supports will foster access and success across all platforms, devices, and subjects![/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Accessibility in an Age of Transitioning Technology – Dan Hurlihy”][vc_column_text]Presented by Dan Herlihy, Connective Technology Solutions
Technologies are evolving at a rapid rate. Even new emerging technologies, from tablets, cloud apps and Bluetooth access devices continue to morph and change. Instead of just learning how a specific device works, this session will focus on learning how to provide accessibility to both content and technology with what is current, and strategies for learning how to utilize and incorporate new technologies as they arrive on the educational scene. Learn how to easily integrate a plethora of diverse devices, from iPads, Android, Chromebook, computers, Bluetooth technologies, switches, cloud apps and more into your learning environment through common apps, commonalities of devices, hardware solutions and the cloud, and how to thread accessibility, from access to supports for expression and communication, across all technology platforms[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Switch School – Jennifer Keenan”][vc_column_text]Presented by Jennifer Keenan
Description TBA[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Enhancing Communication and Learning for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum – Jennifer Abramson”][vc_column_text]Presented by Jennifer Abramson
Description TBA[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Strategies for Implementing AT in Today’s Classroom- Kelly Fonner”][vc_column_text]Presented by Kelly Fonner, Consultant
During this session, participants are presented tips for successful implementation of assistive technology in schools. This includes a systematic way to address integrating assistive technology into the classroom. The first focus will be on planning for curricular based activities at the highest levels of academic, physical, social and independent participation supported by assistive technologies and strategies. Participants will receive a resource list and a planning matrix. The tips in this matrix relate to the adaptations and modifications in reading and writing tasks since these activities cross the curricular areas of Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies/History. Apps, software, and tools of assistive technology can be utilized to support students in each of these areas throughout the school day and educators need to be reminded that it doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be plannful. We will be demonstrating a wide variety of these examples Participants can come with a particular classroom or student in mind or be individuals who have a responsibility for a small or large program, these strategies will work in all of these locations.. Participants are encouraged to bring their classroom schedule and/or a list of students and their individual schedules. They will have opportunities to work on creating an implementation plan yourself or with colleagues who also attend.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Free & Low Cost AT for Reading and Writing – Create YOUR AT Toolkit!”][/vc_accordion_tab][/vc_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=”” row_id=”” type=”in_container” enable_parallax=”” parallax_speed=”1″ bg_video_src_mp4=”” bg_video_src_ogv=”” bg_video_src_webm=”” bg_video_overlay_color=”” el_id=””][vc_column width=”1/1″ animation=”” css=”.vc_custom_1433617321699{padding-top: 15px !important;background-color: #6abac5 !important;}”][vc_column_text]
Friday, November 20th
Conference Workshops
24 Workshops in 8 Rooms, 3 Time Slots
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” enable_parallax=”” parallax_speed=”1″ css=”.vc_custom_1433641243207{margin-bottom: 90px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/1″ animation=””][vc_tabs interval=”0″ style=”style1″][vc_tab title=”Room 1″ tab_id=”de6020a0-85d8-1″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1433650184114{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”]
Creating and Sustaining an AAC Environment: Low Tech to High Tech AAC Solutions
Presented by Nerissa Hall, Commūnicāre, LLC
Description TBA[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1434562061885{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”]
Individuals with Differeing Needs: Bridging the Gap Between PECS and Dynamic Display (vendor presentation)
Presented by Glen Dobbs, President, LoganTech
During this presentation learner will be informed of the RFID Technology that is used in most of our devices. Listeners will learn how the technology is uniquely used for speech devices to expand and meet the needs of individual sensory and motor planning skills through tactile and voice feedback. Listeners will learn how these devices can bridge that gap between PECS and a dynamic screen device. This presentation will touch on the topic of blind and demonstrate ways that the BrailleCoach, ProxTalker, and ProxPAD can be used to help non verbal blind individuals and those who need to learn Braille and implement it in their daily living.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
AAC Strategies to Support Students with Poor Intelligibility
Presented by Linda K Cullen MS CCC-SLP, Speech Language Pathologist, South Coast Educational Collaborative
Do you have students who struggle with poor intelligibility? Students who are verbal but have intelligibility issues that impact their ability to be successful communicators across contexts and with a variety of communication partners? If you answered yes, this workshop is for you! Attendees will learn a variety of augmentative communication strategies to support students with poor intelligibility. Supports for both non-readers and students with basic and emerging literacy skills will be discussed. We will explore lo-tech through hi-tech augmentative communication supports and share ideas for implementing these strategies. Implementation strategies will focus on getting our students to talk more, in more places, and with more people.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_tab][vc_tab title=”Room 2″ tab_id=”1433650243350-1-0″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1433650426191{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”]
Top 10 Ideas for Including Students with Significant Learning Difficulties
Presented by Jennifer Edge-Savage, MS, EdS, OTR/L
In this session participants will explore ideas for thoughtfully and meaningfully working with students with multiple significant difficulties through using a range of low and high tech tools. Discover AT ideas 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, alternate keyboards, Powerlinks, iPads, eyegaze, accessible software, online resources, favorite ipad apps and more. Explore the Top10, of Assistive Technology in transforming the academic and leisure experiences of students with significant difficulties. Brainstorm and share ideas and resources for making curriculum accessible for ALL students.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1433650465227{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”]
Personalize Learning through a Suite of Products for the Inclusive Classroom
Presented by Kelly Fonner, Educational/Assistive Technology Consultant
Writing doesn’t just happen at a child’s desk. Having materials immediately available for students who have difficulty writing is a challenge in any classroom. This is especially true when your student is fully included in an elementary environment that does lots of writing to demonstrate knowledge; and don’t forget that never ending pile of worksheets. How do you keep up with giving a student access to all of the same learning experiences as the rest of the kids in the class? During this session we will demonstrate apps and software programs that are flexible enough to be customized on the spot or have downloadable free writing activities tied to curricular content or modules. We will give demonstrations of ipad apps and software from K-6 classrooms.
We will give demonstrations of ipad apps and software from K-6 classrooms. We will show pictures from classrooms set up from all the areas of the classroom in which writing occurs. Writing doesn’t just happen at a child’s desk. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Mobility Independence (Vendor Presentation)
Presented by Joseph Sok, Sales and Marketing Manger, Adaptive Mobility Equipment
The presentation would revolve around key mobility features. Through a slideshow presentation, I will be informing the audience of key features that able individuals with certain special needs the ability to drive and be mobility independent. My main focus will be on presenting the accessibility and convenience that a handicap wheelchair ramp van offers. We offer both side entry and rear entry wheelchair accessible vehicles. Either the individual themselves can drive the vehicle with the assistant of specialty equipment or they can opt to have family members drive. Aside from presenting the ins and outs of the vehicle itself and their capabilities, I will then present the specialty equipment that aides the individual who wants to drive. Things such as hand-controls, which allows the individual to operate the accelerator and brakes simply by using the hands and not the feet. As well as many other assistive technology equipment that allows individuals to drive with ease and comfort. My goal in doing this presentation is that the individuals and their family members know that there are many options in terms of vehicle mobility and that the key take away is that we “Adaptive Mobility” can offer mobility convenience and independence![/vc_column_text][/vc_tab][vc_tab title=”Room 3″ tab_id=”1433650252960-2-1″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1434561671116{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”]Engaging Students with Different Learning Styles Through Digital Storytelling with Case Studies
Presented by Eric Braun & Karen Janowski, MS Ed
A classroom full of students with different learning styles can be a challenge. How do you get everyone to engage in learning when there are many differences? In some cases, all of the students in class may have disabilities. Digital Storytelling can help overcome this problem by allowing students to express their learning in different ways. Since many people learn and communicate in different ways, often the written word is not effective. This is a fundamental principle of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). We will explore how digital storytelling can be used as a communication option for learners, presenters and teachers and how they can all work together.
The centerpiece of this presentation will be a case study from an elementary age class from The Learning Center for the Deaf where students collaborate and develop a final multimedia project to show what they learned.
Digital Storytelling allows for the use of pictures, drawings, videos and audio to explain or present ideas. Bring your iPads or iPhones to get hands-on with the 30hands app for iOS and experience creating your own digital story using iterative creativityT. For those without iOS devices, we will break into teams.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1433650677986{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”]
The ADA and Transition-aged Youth Seeking Employment
Presented by Stacy Hart, ADA Trainer, Information and Outreach Specialist
Graduating from high school is a rite of passage that is both exciting and scary. To help smooth the transition from high school into employment there are important differences between the ADA and IDEA that young people need to know and talk about. We will discuss disclosure and asking for a reasonable accommodation on the job. It can feel tough to talk about a disability for the first time in a new environment, so it can help to think about the accommodations you need to do your job beforehand.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
The ABCs of AT for the Aging
Stacy Driscoll, Assistive Technology Specialist, LifeLong Assistive Technology
During this session participants will examine a variety of apps and devices available to seniors as they age. Apps to enhance vision, hearing, communication and memory will be demonstrated and feature matching will be explored. A variety of devices and adaptations will be discussed to help seniors age in place. Assistive Technology to enhance safety in and around the home will be explored. Attendees will discover both commercially available solutions and solutions they can quickly and easily make themselves using easy to obtain materials. Attendees can expect to leave with a broader knowledge of what exists and what is new and innovative in the world of Assistive Technology for seniors.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tab][vc_tab title=”Room 4″ tab_id=”1433650261801-3-8″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1433651067500{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”]
iOS Switch Control by AbleNet (Vendor Presentation)
Presented by Mary Sagstetter, Business Development Manager, AbleNet
Never before has a mobile operating system come with such a powerful switch accessibility toolset built directly into the operating system. With one or two switches connected via Bluetooth, users with significant physical disabilities can easily access an iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch running iOS to do tasks like communicating with an AAC app, writing an email, browsing the internet, watching a video, or listening to music. Every app, every screen item, is now accessible.
This session will share the powerful new accessibility features in IOS for Switch Control. For users with significant physical disabilities, Switch Control is a much needed feature that provides access to almost every feature in iOS through the use of one or multiple switches connected via Bluetooth.
Participants will view a video on how to set up Switch Control for one or two external switches. The NEW Blue2 Wireless switch will be introduced. This switch provides a sleek, modern design with new features that make it compatible with iOS and all apps and features.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1433698756442{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”]
Camera Mouse Head Controlled Computer
Presented by Maureen Gates Project Director EagleEyes /Camera Mouse Boston College
Laura Reyes, OTR/L, Therapy Department Manager Broward Children’s Center, Inc
The program was developed at Boston College to help people with disabilities use the computer. The main audience for this program is people who do not have reliable control of a hand but who can move their head. People with Cerebral Palsy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injury, various neurological disorders use this program and its predecessors to run all types of computer software.
Camera Mouse works as a mouse replacement system for Windows computers so it should work with just about any application program. For example people use Camera Mouse with entertainment programs, education programs, communication programs and web browsers.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Simply Accessible! Use Your PC and Smartphone to Create Easy-to-Understand Multimedia Materials
Deb Kney, Executive Director, Advocates in Action RI
Advocates in Action RI is an independent statewide Self-Advocacy organization. Our mission is to empower people who have a developmental disability to advocate for themselves and others, to support and strengthen the Self‐Advocacy movement and to raise awareness about disability issues in the community. One of the ways we do this is by creating a variety of multimedia educational materials that are designed in a simplified and accessible format. Our techniques has helped to empower individuals who may have an intellectual/developmental disability which would otherwise prevent them from learning in the traditional printed-word format. As a Self-Advocacy organization, we strive to help people become educated about their options, aware of available resources, able to make informed decisions so that they are in greater control of their lives, and involved within the community. We love using technology to help us do this!
Our presentation will share some of the tools and techniques we have developed to create simple and accessible materials. We will focus on everyday technology that is readily available, without the need for specialized equipment or software.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tab][vc_tab title=”Room 5″ tab_id=”1433650270418-4-7″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1433699020080{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”]
Chrome as AT – Going Google!
Diana Petschauer, M.Ed, ATP, CEO, AT for Education & Access4Employment
Many schools are increasing their use of Google Chrome Apps for Education, as well as implementing 1:1 devices for students, including the Chromebook, or laptops with access to the Chrome Browser. How do you support the struggling student while using Google Chrome? Come learn about several FREE apps and extensions to support your struggling reader or writer, including options for text to speech, voice recognition (speech to text), highlighting and study skills, organization and time management, mind-mapping, researching, visual support, math support and more! These apps and extensions support all learners, including those who struggle with literacy and executive function.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1433699761659{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”]
Become a Digital Publisher? Create Your Own Engaging Materials for Students
Presented by Mike Marotta, AT Specialist, Inclusive Technology Solutions, LLC
Mobile devices are everywhere! But how do we leverage the power of these tools to provide access to educational materials? This session will focus on strategies and tools to enable us to create and deliver materials to students and adults – regardless of the devices they are using. Bring your own technology to the session to enhance your learning experience. The facilitator will guide the participants through strategies to create and manage customized electronic materials.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Google Tools to Support Reading and Writing
Presented by Gaby Richard-Harrington, Strategy 2 Design
Reading and writing supports are constantly being developed for Google Apps for Education and the Chrome Browser. Read&Write for Google, iPad, and Android by TextHelp are designed to assist struggling readers and writers and includes features such as word prediction, text-to-speech, picture dictionaries, highlighting, etc. TextHelp offers a FREE annual subscription for educators. This workshop will demonstrate the best Google has to offer including Read&Write, Beeline, Clearly, Read Comfortably, Dyslexie, and other extensions that work alone or in conjunction with Read&Write to add unique supports and scaffolds for our students.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tab][vc_tab title=”Room 6″ tab_id=”1433650280988-5-7″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1433700154266{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”]
Lock and Key: Securing iPad Accessibility with Third-Party Keyboards
Presented by Jamie Martin, AT Consultant, Eagle Hill School – Southport
As many people with learning disabilities already know, the iPad has developed into an indispensable tool for various language-based activities. With each new release of its mobile operating system, iOS, Apple has put a great deal of effort into steadily improving the built-in accessibility features of the iPad. Users can take advantage of built-in dictation, word prediction, and multiple options for text-to-speech. Now, the newest version of the operating system, iOS 8, allows for the installation of third-party keyboards, increasing the amount of assistive technology that can be used universally with iPad apps that involve reading and writing. This presentation will first review how alternate keyboards are installed and used on iPads. Then, a number of specific keyboards will be demonstrated, including Read&Write for iPad, Keeble, Ginger, and TextExpander.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1433700222139{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”]
Develop Writing with Clicker (Vendor Presentation)
Presented by Andrea Szechenyi, Crick Software
From their first steps in writing to becoming independent, confident writers, Clicker supports students at all stages of writing development. Discover how the innovative reading and writing tool uses targeted scaffolding as an effective strategy for developing the writing skills for students of all abilities, and in particular for emergent and struggling writers, English language learners, and students with special educational needs. Clicker’s powerful features, including speech feedback, word prediction and word banks, and integrated painting tools and webcam support, are used to target areas essential for learning the mechanics of writing and the necessary skills for the writing process.
As a result of this session, participants will be able to identify Clicker’s innovative features that support students through all stages of writing development; recognize ways to integrate Clicker into a writing program; and understand how special student populations that will benefit from Clicker’s integrated tools and easy customization.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Playing with a Full Deck: Using AT to Study Vocabulary
Presented by Jamie Martin, AT Consultant, Eagle Hill School – Southport
Back in the old school days, learning vocabulary involved index cards, markers, and images cut from old magazines. Students proudly carried around their color-coded vocabulary decks, either in their pockets or tucked away in their Trapper Keepers. Unfortunately, those decks were not accessible to students with learning differences. If they had difficulty reading the text themselves, they had to rely on others for help. Nowadays, there are many options for electronic vocabulary study that students can access independently. This presentation will explore desktop software, web-based tools, and iPad apps that can be used to build vocabulary. The discussion will include Read&Write Gold’s dictionary and picture dictionary, Inspiration, iFlash for Mac, Quizlet, Rewordify, Flashcards Deluxe, Endless Alphabet, Endless Reader, and iBooks textbooks. With these assistive technology tools, vocabulary study can go way beyond the traditional flashcard deck.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tab][vc_tab title=”Room 7″ tab_id=”1433650292901-6-5″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1433705602282{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”]
Exploring the Use of the iPad for Literacy Instruction
Presented by Nicole Feeney, Assistive Technology, NEAT Center at Oak Hill
Using the iPad for literacy instruction, means investigating how this device can facilitate positive and successful reading and writing practices for all students. In this session, participants we will explore iPad accessibility options, accessories, and third party apps that provide useful opportunities for building literacy skills. These apps will be identified because of the important features, customizable settings and ease of use for both teacher and student. The instructor will demonstrate and provide resources on how to evaluate an app and determine its potential use for classroom instruction.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1433705685672{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”]
AT Strategies to Aid Students with Written Expression
Presented by Hillary Jellison, Commūnicāre, LLC
Assistive Technology promotes greater independence by enabling individuals to perform tasks that they previously struggled with or were unable to accomplish. Through a combination of low-tech and high-tech tools educators are able to provide students with increased access to the general education curriculum. This workshop will explore an array of low-tech and high-tech tools that support legible handwriting, spelling, organization and sequencing of ideas, increased written output, and strategies for completion of open-response questions. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Autism, Apps and AT
Presented by Nicole Feeney, Assistive Technology, NEAT Center at Oak Hill
Participants will learn about the continuum of assistive technology tools that can help support students and individuals with Autism in a variety of environments including home, school, work and in the community.
There will be demonstrations of powerful apps, as well as accessibility options for mobile devices, assistive technology supports demonstrated will include items for enhancing social learning, sensory supports, leisure time, academic and functional skills, personal safety, visual supports and schedules, adapted books as well as social stories.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tab][vc_tab title=”Room 8″ tab_id=”1433650300891-7-6″][vc_column_text css_animation=”” css=”.vc_custom_1433650184114{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”]
Creating and Sustaining an AAC Environment: Low Tech to High Tech AAC Solutions
Presented by Nerissa Hall, Commūnicāre, LLC
Description TBA[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=”” css=”.vc_custom_1433650192207{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”]
ProxTalker (vendor presentation)
Presented by Glen Dobbs, President, LoganTech
During this presentation learner will be informed of the RFID Technology that is used in most of our devices. Listeners will learn how the technology is uniquely used for speech devices to expand and meet the needs of individual sensory and motor planning skills through tactile and voice feedback. Listeners will learn how these devices can bridge that gap between PECS and a dynamic screen device. This presentation will touch on the topic of blind and demonstrate ways that the BrailleCoach, ProxTalker, and ProxPAD can be used to help non verbal blind individuals and those who need to learn Braille and implement it in their daily living.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=””]
AAC Strategies to Support Students with Poor Intelligibility
Presented by Linda K Cullen MS CCC-SLP, Speech Language Pathologist, South Coast Educational Collaborative
Do you have students who struggle with poor intelligibility? Students who are verbal but have intelligibility issues that impact their ability to be successful communicators across contexts and with a variety of communication partners? If you answered yes, this workshop is for you! Attendees will learn a variety of augmentative communication strategies to support students with poor intelligibility. Supports for both non-readers and students with basic and emerging literacy skills will be discussed. We will explore lo-tech through hi-tech augmentative communication supports and share ideas for implementing these strategies. Implementation strategies will focus on getting our students to talk more, in more places, and with more people.
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Location
Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick
801 Greenwich Ave
Warwick, RI 02886
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