2013 Conference Presentations & Handouts

Speakers: Kavita Parikh & Niraj Parikh
Presentation/Handouts: N/A

While many technological developments make today’s hearing aids easier to fit and more satisfactory, hearing aids are not always the sole answer to a person’s communication difficulties. Along with hearing aids, alerting devices should be considered as they alert us to various signals that occur in our lives – at home, at the office, at schools, while traveling, etc.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Concrete answers for which alerting devices will help in various environments
2. Understanding of how the alerting devices work
3. Facts and research to support the need for alerting devices

Speakers: Ann Gortarez & Mary Keeney
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

There are many valuable educational open-source or web-based resources that are absolutely free. Because they are free, they can be installed or accessed on multiple computers and in any environment with a computer and/or internet connection. Text readers, voice recognition, photo editors, and teacher tools will be demonstrated in this fast-paced intermediate-level session.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Define Assistive Technology in legal terms.
2. Identify free web-based resources that can be used in the classroom setting.
3. Identify at least 3 other resources to support students needing AT.

Speaker: Ana Nunez & Betty Schoen
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

Aloha to all you righteous dudes and salty sisters! Come hang loose with RSA and learn about the gnarly services for people with disabilities to help them prepare for, get, and/or keep a job or maintain their desired level of independence. Cowabunga, dudes, it’s da bomb!

Key Learning Outcomes:
1. Understanding of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Independent Living programs available through RSA;
2. Knowledge about the eligibility requirements, planning process, and potential services available from the VR and IL programs;
3. Understanding of how AT fits into the VR/IL service plans.

Speaker: Nikkol Anderson & Lesley Lacona
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

This presentation will give a brief, beginner overview of using eyegaze systems for AAC evaluation. It will cover select features on eyegaze systems that are commercially available and how they can be used to determine appropriate candidates for high-tech eyegaze systems. It will also cover light tech solutions you can use to prepare AAC users for their eyegaze evaluations.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Participants will be able to identify 3 features to consider when completing an eyegaze evaluation.
2. Participants will be able to identify why positioning is important for use of eyegaze for AAC.
3. Participants will know how to construct a light tech, fixed display eyegaze board.

Speaker: Tracey Antista
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

This fun, hands on (BYOD) workshop will allow participants to discover new apps for the iPad and how those apps can be used to facilitate learning. Attendees will stroll in and take an interactive quiz using an apple device. Then they will take a deeper look at iPad settings and learn about the preinstalled assistive technology software and how to open and use those elements. Next, they will see samples of works that have been created by students using an iPad. Finally, a little fun and games, and hopefully a spark of inspiration, by discovering how three apps can facilitate and motivate even the most reluctant student writers.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. To share information with others on the basics of iPad technology.
2. To show how various apps can be used as a learning tool for all learners.
3. To motivate teachers, IEP team members, and support staff to use their iPads in the classroom to help reinforce student learning, and show how the device can be a tool for those reluctant learners who struggle learning in traditional ways.

Speaker: Bruce Kennedy
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

A print disability can pose a major barrier for academic and employment success. Digital reading supports for young students, transitioning students and potential employees is changing rapidly. Come to this session and learn the basics about getting accessible reading materials into the hands of your students and clients who have print disabilities.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Matching individuals with appropriate technology
2. Understanding the features of various support devices
3. Understanding the features of various support software and/or apps.

Speaker: Paul Ferry
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

The presentation will be an overview of the Home Modification process in RSA.

Historically, perceptions of Home Modifications have been Ramps and Roll-in showers, the widening of doorways, the adaptability of bathrooms and kitchens. These modifications have been the most common ways to eliminate barriers for the client.

Today, products for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing, for the Blind/Visually impaired and the physical modifications surrounding Adaptable devices (Electronic Control Units) may be included in the Home Modification.

Key Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will understand the role of the Home Modification Construction Coordinator.
2. Participants will gain an understanding of the Home Modification Evaluation/Evaluator process, the Request for Contractor Pricing, and the Completed Project.
3. Participants will be able to better serve their clients that have accessibility needs.

Speaker: Allison Haller, Jill Pleasant, Betty Schoen & Marta Urbina
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

Do you know what resources and services are available to help young adults move forward into adult life after high school? Independent living, health care, employment, mental health services and obtaining assistive technology are some of the services and decisions a young adult and their family may need to consider as he/she moves from high school into adult living. This session provides information from state agency experts discussing the Division of Developmental Disabilities, Rehabilitation Services Administration, and Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs and Arizona Department of Health Services’ Division of Behavioral Health Services. The presenters will address eligibility requirements for each program, the type of services available, the agency’s role in transition planning, and how the agencies work together to support the needs of young adults with disabilities as they move from high school into adult living so that they sustain healthy and satisfying adult lives. Participants will also learn about alternative funding sources for assistive technology including AzTAP’s financial loan program, Arizona Loan$ for Assistive Technology.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Participants will have knowledge of key supports/services for individuals with disabilities that are available while in secondary education and after a student exits from high school.
2. Participants will describe the role of each agency for transitioning youth with disabilities to adult life.
3. Participants will identify eligibility requirements and contacts for these supports/services.

Speaker: Christine Milano & Vicki Thompson
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

Come find out about what captioned telephone is, how it works with the various Relay Services, and what the differences are in the different models. Some of the lesser known intricacies will be discussed such as age of user, caption delay, cognitive abilities, and too much hearing to be effective or efficient. Cellular amplifying and captioned smartphone options will also be covered.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Attendees will learn various methods of telephone communication including landline and cellular in both the amplified and captioned realms.
2. Attendees will learn about what AzTEDP offers and the program requirements.
3. Attendees will gain a complete understanding of the varied and many facets that play into effective captioned telephone conversations.

Speaker: Aaron Marsters
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

Learn about tools and strategies to support students struggling with writing! This session will cover common software features and strategies to support struggling writers to include: graphic organizers, text to speech, speech to text, word prediction, voice notes, visual supports, grammar checks, spell checks, commenting, word banks, alternative formats etc. Information on research-based findings examining the effectiveness of technology in supporting writing will also be provided.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Learn about various research based technologies and strategies used to support struggling writers.
2. Identify commercial software/hardware with recommended mid-high tech features to support struggling writers.
3. Identify assessment strategies and tools used to (a) make informed AT writing considerations and (b) gauge effectiveness of AT writing interventions.

Speaker: Ellen Boyd, Brian Mickelson & Dan Sigler
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

Study Success, Ergo/PH! Last year we peeked at Assistive Technologies used on-the-job for Dan, Brian and Ellen who have very different ergonomic and physical access needs. This year the same team of presenters will share additional details about what it takes for each of them to achieve success on the job. From perspective of the SETT framework, topics covered in this session may include but not be limited to: access to the computer, workstation design, adaptive vehicles, managing print materials and more. Bring your questions and be prepared to learn from AT-Ergo/PH experts in the field!

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Participants to be able to cite examples of differences between medical diagnosis and functional limitations
2. Participants to be able to list 3 or more examples of Assistive Technology that support individuals with Ergonomic or Physical Access Needs
3. Participants to be able to name a minimum of (1) advanced feature of speech recognition software (Dragon Naturally Speaking Professional)

Speaker: Thomas McMullen
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

Our Special Needs, At-Risk, and ELL Students often struggle to master the demands of extensive curriculum content. With Common Core State Standards being implemented across the state, students will be required to gain a much deeper understanding of content standards. Kurzweil 3000 is a “Literacy Toolbox” that offers lifelong learning support and access to a multitude of print and writing materials, while Firefly offers anytime, anywhere access to digital text-based content. These powerful literacy tools enable individuals with cognitive ability, but not literacy skills, to achieve their academic and personal goals.

Key Learning Outcomes:
1. Participants will observe the Digital Toolbox that enables all users to access any curriculum.
2. Participants will discover how even digital content can be made accessible for whole class instruction
3. Participants will learn how all learners can access their digital text from any location without installing software.

Speaker: Ann Gortarez & Mary Keeney
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

There are so many apps out there! No one has enough time or money to download dozens of apps only to be disappointed. Come and get valuable resources for locating app reviews by trusted sources, and for evaluating apps using various rubrics tied to common core standards and accessibility.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Identify ten resources for reliable app reviews.
2. Identify 2 resources for determining if an app is appropriate for a given individual/goal.
3. Identify accessibility features within iOS and after-market peripherals and accessories to enhance iPad and/or app accessibility.

Speaker: Sheri Predebon & Jean Walsh
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

AAC can be hard…Hard to guess what will happen, even in structured situations… Hard to predict the vocabulary that will be needed…Hard to teach vocabulary across different situations…Learn how to simplify with CORE vocabulary!

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Identifying what CORE vocabulary is.
2. Understanding the importance of CORE vocabulary.
3. Learning how to use CORE vocabulary to foster language growth.

Speaker: Shelby Nurse & Tom Nurse
Presentation/Handouts: N/A

This workshop highlights the importance of collaborative and coordinated transition and resource planning based on a vision of the future. The National Assistive Technology Advocacy Project’s recently published Work, AT & Transition Aged Youth highlights the importance of long-term advocacy and skill acquisition, while also systematically connecting to systems that can help support improving post school outcomes. This outstanding resource will be highlighted and shared with attendees.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Participant will gain insights into the importance of starting transition planning as early as possible, with the post school outcomes in mind
2. Participants will gain insights into the importance of coordinating public and private supports to better meet the needs of individuals
3. Participants will be connected to helpful national resources related to assistive technology and transition

Speaker: Bruce Kennedy
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

Mobile devices are providing greater access to information for everyone. A print disability can pose a major barrier for academic and employment success and a small hand held mobile device can help to reduce barriers for success. Come to this session and learn the basics about getting accessible reading materials into the mobile learning devices that can support greater independence for your students and clients.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Matching individuals with appropriate technology
2. Understanding the features of various support devices
3. Understanding the features of various support software apps.

Speaker: Graham Bunce
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

Workshop provides a look at where the development of assistive technology systems for the disabled and aging populations started. Where the industry is today, how it compares with advances in other technologies, what direction it is likely to take in the future and the importance of ILSs in attaining Optimal Health for the disabled and elderly.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Differentiating between switching devices and true independent living systems; What’s now possible
2. How and why the industry has been stalled and why development is now ready to accelerate
3. The new capabilities of Voice Recognition and Alternative Inputs: What works and why

Speaker: Jeremy Legaspi & Jane Odom
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

This session will focus on using the 6 Stages of Language Development to determine the best therapy solution for a child who uses AAC. We will look at the six stages in detail and then recommend a variety of mobile apps to help develop therapy solutions for each of the stages that is fun and meaningful for the child.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. The participant will identify the 6 Stages of Language Development
2. The participant will be able to identify the language objectives for each of the 6 Stages of Language Development.
3. The participant will be able to identify 12 apps that are commercially available that will enable them to teach the language objectives in the 6 Stages of Language Development.

Speaker: Gayl Bowser
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

Effective assistive technology (AT) supports involve a variety of strategies, including direct service to students, consultation to families and educators, and collaboration with team members. This workshop will address each of these support strategies and provide a more in-depth look at the potential of coaching to improve AT services. It will offer guidelines about when to use each of the strategies as a tool for support of AT integration efforts.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Participants will be able to identify the main characteristics and effective use of consultation, collaboration and coaching
2. Participants will understand three key aspects of effective coaching.
3. Participants will develop their own “question recipe” to use in providing supports for students who use AT.

Speaker: Aaron Marsters
Presentation/Handouts: N/A

Engage and collaborate with conference participants to generate new ideas across the field of Assistive Technology! This will be an interactive session where you can share successes, gain ideas and collaborate through multiple small group roundtables. Topics related to AT will be generated by the group. Be prepared to identify potential roadblocks, but our FOCUS will be to identify as many AT solutions, strategies and successes as time allows.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Increase knowledge of AT content
2. Develop effective strategies for applying AT knowledge, skills and tools
3. Synthesize and evaluate information regarding various AT topics, tools and strategies

Speakers: Tamara (Tami) Taylor & LaConda Walker
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

Have you seen Language Activity Monitoring (LAM) data? A wealth of information can be obtained from the data collected! LAM data can provide valuable information about the language development of the individual using the AAC device. LAM language samples can be used to assist with the development of language tasks in the classroom and in therapy settings, reducing the guessing and frustration of “What’s next?”

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Participants will understand the principle behind the need for Language Activity Monitoring.
2. Participants will demonstrate an understanding of how to use LAM data to monitor the progress of both the device user and models from the facilitator.
3. Participants will demonstrate an understanding of how to use LAM data to define the language path that the user is on and what the strengths and weaknesses are, naturally generating “next step” ideas for language development tasks in the classroom and the therapy setting.

Speakers: Mary Highline, Sean Kugler, Betsy Pierz, Amy Ronn, Valerie West & Linda Wilkins
Presentation/Handouts: N/A

Project MATTERS (Make And Take Technology Educational Resource Services) is an essential part of Flagstaff Unified School District’s Special Education department. Join us and learn how our Assistive Technology Team’s vision became a reality. Learn how Project MATTERS works. We are a resource for educators to make materials, prepare curriculum, including many resources to help foster ideas and training opportunities.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. The audience will know how we came up with the idea for Project MATTERS.
2. The audience will know how we made it a reality.
3. T he audience will learn how others can set up their own project rooms.

Speakers: Gayl Bowser
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

Effective assistive technology (AT) supports involve a variety of strategies, including direct service to students, consultation to families and educators, and collaboration with team members. This workshop will address each of these support strategies and provide a more in-depth look at the potential of coaching to improve AT services. It will offer guidelines about when to use each of the strategies as a tool for support of AT integration efforts.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Participants will be able to identify the main characteristics and effective use of consultation, collaboration and coaching
2. Participants will understand three key aspects of effective coaching.
3. Participants will develop their own “question recipe” to use in providing supports for students who use AT.

Speaker: Alicia Craven & Matthew Press
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

Assistive Technology is a broad term, but not one normally associated with behavior management. Come learn how your assistive technology team can support the RtI process for behavior management and receive free resources to use in your district!

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Participants will list 3 strategies they could implement in their district/role
2. Participants will identify the importance of a district wide set of tools
3. Participants will identify methods to implement at the large group and individual student level

Speaker: Jill Sclease
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

This session will provide an overview of available vehicle modifications for persons with visual, physical or cognitive deficits who want to drive as well as provide options for those who require transportation resources.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Participants will be able to identify three vehicle modifications to assist a person with physical deficits.
2. Participants will be able to identify Arizona’s Motor Vehicle Department physical and visual requirements for drivers.
3. Participants will be able to identify low tech versus high tech driving equipment.

Speakers: Janelle Bauerle & BJ Bolender
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

Speakers: Michele Fahy & Beth Molaskey
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

How does one successfully implement assistive technology in over 20 schools? Kyrene’s Michelle Fahy will outline the strategies she used to accomplish this with Read&Write GOLD, an award-winning UDL program. Learn how students use these tools to meet the challenges presented by the Common Core State Standards. Examples of how Read&Write GOLD correlates to these standards will be presented. Attendees will receive free trials to use with their students.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Participants will learn the key steps to successfully implementing an AT tool as a UDL solution across multiple buildings.
2. Participants will learn best practices of how to overcome common setbacks in large implementations of AT software.
3. Participants will leave with practical knowledge of how multiple students benefit from a successful AT/UDL implementation and how it relates to the Common Core Standards.

Speaker: Janet Dylla, Sharonda Greenlaw & Bea Shapiro
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

Study Success, BVI! Last year we peeked at Assistive Technologies used on-the-job for three specific individuals using blindness and/or low vision technologies with a healthy discussion about the inclusion of Braille as an AT tool. This year learn more about what it takes to be successful on the job using screenreading, screen magnification, OCR, video magnification and other AT-BVI Technologies. Bring your questions and be prepared to learn from AT-BVI experts in the field!

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Participants to be able to cite examples of differences between medical diagnosis and functional limitations
2. Participants to be able to list 3 or more examples of Assistive Technology that support individuals who are blind or have visual impairments
3. Participants to be able to name a minimum of (1) advanced feature of an assistive technology device for persons who are blind or visually impaired

Speaker: Gayl Bowser
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

Competent assistive technology use does not always transfer from one environment to another. However, if a student has the right skills and supports during transitions from school to post-school environments, continuity of AT use is much more likely. This session will describe the three main aspects of effective transition for K-12 students who use AT; 1) AT Skills for Independence; 2) Self Determination; and 3) Quality Transition Planning. Self determination and AT will be a primary focus.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Participants will understand the legal requirements for transition planning and instruction that are included in IDEA 2004 and be able to describe how transition planning can include planning for AT transitions.
2. Participants will be able to describe the essential elements of competent and independent AT use and apply them to transition planning for students that they know.
3. Participants will learn the six elements of self determination and identify self determination skills that can be taught to their students who use AT.

Speaker: Tammy Patrick
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

This session will cover some voting basics on how to be an informed voter in Arizona, as well as provide information on what services are available to voters. However, we want to hear from you! Have a suggestion on how to improve the voting experience by mail or at the polls on Election Day? Want to share your story? Come to this session and be part of the solution.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Voters will better understand their rights under the law and what services are available to them.
2. Voters will know where to locate information to inform their decision making.
3. The Elections Department will gather crucial feedback to ensure that we are fulfilling the needs of the electorate and potentially identify areas where solutions can be found if we have fallen short of the public’s expectations

Speaker: Hindi Becker Dershowitz
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

Are you worried about how your students will be able to access the general education curriculum due to their reading and/or writing issues? Do you have the tools needed to justify to your administration and/or parents that a student needs a certain type of tool? We will look at tools that can be used to make these decisions and tools that students can use to meet their academic tools.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Participants will be able to adapt/modify decision making tools to help determine what features are needed by a student.
2. Participants will be able to compare features available in various text to speech tools.
3. Participants will be able to verbalize how they will collect data in evaluating tools that students will be using to meet their goals.

Speaker: Sean Furman & Michele Michaels
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

Study Success, DHH! Last year we peeked at Assistive Technologies used on-the-job for two specific individuals, one who uses visual technologies as a person who is Deaf and one who uses auditory and visual technologies as a person who is hard of hearing. This year Beca and Michele will share additional details about what it takes for an AT-DHH user to achieve success on the job. Topics covered in this session may include but not be limited to: communication technologies for persons who are Deaf and persons who are Hard of Hearing, mobile devices, telephone access and tips for using interpreters. Bring your questions and be prepared to learn from AT-DHH experts in the field!

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Participants to be able to cite examples of differences between medical diagnosis and functional limitations
2. Participants to be able to list 3 or more examples of Assistive Technology that support individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
3. Participants to be able to name a minimum of (1) advanced feature of an assistive technology device for persons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Speaker: Niraj Parikh
Presentation/Handouts: N/A

Gompers Habilitation Center is making great commitments in establishing an advanced Assistive Technology program by investing and building partnerships with visionary organizations.

These relationships have led to: SMART Boards in each classroom, customized Adaptive Equipment built by university students, having 3 in house therapists working with Assistive Technology, and most recently establishing an Assistive Technology Specialist position. In this presentation we want to share how Gompers, since 1947, has been an industry leader in providing programs, services, and resources to people with cognitive disabilities in the Valley. Through special education, day training for adults, employment services and now Assistive Technology services, we are committed to assisting these individuals in maximizing their greatest potential.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Learn about 3 major services that can change an individual’s and Parents/care takers life. .
2. Learn how Assistive Technology is changing the outcomes in individual’s lives.
3. Allow the community to have a voice in creating a Model Assistive Technology Center that would enhance the outcomes of the individuals at the Gompers Habilitation Center and in the community.

Speaker: Lisa Montez Stockstad
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

This presentation will introduce you to Sonja, a PRC ECO2 with ECOpoint user, who is learning to communicate successfully with this eye-gaze device. The challenges of making language accessible to her which led to the selection of this particular device will be described. The vocabulary pages she uses at home and at school will also be discussed. In addition, the various device mounting options evaluated will be shown which led to a final mounting solution for her wheelchair.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Participants will become familiar with the PRC ECO2 with ECOpoint device.
2. Understand how this eye-gaze device best suits a particular user.
3. Become familiar with the various mounting options for this device.

Speaker: Mary Sagstetter
Presentation/Handouts (.zip file)

Access to the iPad can be is a challenge for those who have motor challenges. Learn how to access the iPad for communication, and to support instruction.

Key Learning Outcomes
1. Explain how these recently released innovative technologies promote self‐determination and communication independence.
2. Discuss the application of this technology across multiple age and ability groups.
3. Describe how to apply this knowledge to students/clients specific needs for accessible consumer technology.