ATIA 2021 Virtual Seminars

Start learning early with one- or two-day virtual educational seminars designed to give attendees in-depth education on critical assistive technology topics. Learn the in-depth professional development needed to successfully implement assistive technology in a variety of settings—including school, work, and at home, led by internationally recognized leaders in the field. Each seminar is 3 hours long.

Two-day Seminars

Saturday, January 30 and Saturday, February 6, 2021

 

Higher EducationPart 1 and 2: Transforming AT Services: The Role of AT Teams Continues to Change!

Presented by: Gayl Bowser,  Assistive Technology Collaborations

Strand: Education & Learning: Early Intervention – 12/Higher Education

In Part 1 of Transforming AT Services, we will explore numerous examples of the kinds of changes that AT programs in the U.S. and around the world are making to their AT service designs in traditional, virtual and blended learning environments. We’ll look closely at the specific characteristics of some innovative service models and identify essential elements that can be applied to current practice. Specific topics include capacity building, allocation of effort, differentiating AT services, and administrative support. Participants will work in breakout sessions to begin to develop a plan for change in their own practice.

Part 2 of Transforming AT Services shifts from assessing and defining the infrastructure, policies and leadership required to build AT capacity to the practice of designing, providing and evaluating equitable AT services and AT professional development in a variety of online and in-person school environments. We’ll look closely at: (1) blended learning via electronic media as well as traditional face-to-face teaching, (2) strategies to increase remote online engagement, (3) strategies to collect and analyze data, and (4) ways to build AT partnerships. Participants will work in breakout sessions to develop a plan for change for their own practice.

 

Augmentative and Alternative CommunicationDesigning and Delivering Empowering Experiences to Teach language Using AAC!

Presented by: Christopher Bugaj, Loudoun County Public Schools

Strand: Augmentative and Alternative Communication

This interactive experience explores strategies for teaching even the youngest students language by engineering environments so all communicators have opportunities for rich, meaningful practice of language in the context of everyday routines. Explore how to design educational experiences using interactive technologies that empower the learner and their support network to achieve their lifelong language goals. Participants will take an in-depth look at building the skills of communication partners and how training centered on coaching empowers parents and educators to take ownership of promoting the use of AAC systems in every lesson and activity all day long in all environments.

 

Vision and Hearing TechnologiesPractitioner’s Handbook: Virtual AT Services for People with Visual Impairment

Presented by: Rachael Trinkowsky, Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches

Strand: Vision & Hearing Technologies/Transition and Workplace Accessibility/ Mainstream & Web Accessible Technologies

We will explore techniques and options for remote instruction, assessment, and configuration within the continuum of AT services designed for people with visual impairments and other disabilities. Other topics will include configurations for audio and video communication that incorporate peripheral devices, strategies for assessing customization needs in virtual environments, digital accessibility and universal design, as well as approaches to stay up-to-date with emerging technologies for people with visual impairments.

 

Higher EducationAT Bootcamp: Part 1 and Part 2

Presented by: Kelly Fonner, Fonner Consulting

Strand: Education & Learning: Early Intervention – 12/Higher Education

AT Bootcamp welcomes new to the field service providers as well as those who are looking to expand or evaluate their current assistive technology provision. This first part of a 2-part virtual seminar concentrates on Assistive Technology Services.

One-day Seminars

Saturday, January 30, 2021

 

Higher EducationConsidering New Realities: Innovative Tech for Reading Skills

Presented by: Mike Marotta, Inclusive Technology Solutions, LLC

Strand: Education & Learning: Early Intervention – 12/Higher Education

Providing educators with the resources necessary to reach all learners during a time of hybrid and distance learning is essential during these unprecedented times. Fortunately, a wealth of innovative remediation and accommodation technology resources exist to add to your toolbox when reaching struggling readers. Participants will learn about a variety of tools that promote engagement and learning specifically adapted to reading instruction and bypassing reading challenges. Come and be inspired to immediately implement tools for academic success!

 

Augmentative and Alternative CommunicationMaking an AT Transformer

Presented by: Therese Willkomm, University of New Hampshire

Strand: Augmentative and Alternative Communication

An AT Transformer is a kit of materials that can be quickly transformed into several multi-use assistive technology solutions in minutes to support individuals who experience vision, hearing, communication, or upper extremity impairments. This session will discuss and demonstrate how Loc-Line; Instamorph; PVC, Bar Camps; Remo Two; and An Industrial Twist tie can be used to create over 70 different assistive technology solutions. In addition, Each participant will receive an AT Transformer kit and make 5 different assistive technology solutions using the materials in the kit.

 

Augmentative and Alternative CommunicationAddressing the Academic Difficulties of Students Who Successfully Use AAC

Presented by: Carole Zangari, Ph.D., Nova Southeastern University

Strand: Augmentative and Alternative Communication

How can classroom teams improve academic learning in students who are successfully using AAC systems? Students who use AAC successfully often struggle academically, in part, because of a discrepancy between the linguistic demands of the curriculum and their language abilities. In this seminar, we explore some of the linguistic challenges inherent in many curricular programs designed expressly for students with disabilities. Participants will learn how to gain insight into the language skills of students who use AAC and determine how their linguistic abilities align with curricular demands. Strategies that can be used to ameliorate these mismatches will be discussed.

 

Saturday, February 6, 2021

 

Augmentative and Alternative CommunicationMaking AT with Corrugated Plastic

Presented by: Therese Willkomm, University of New Hampshire

Strand: Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Explore over 118 different assistive technology devices for vision, hearing, communication, intellectual and physical impairments that can be created with recycled corrugated plastics election signs. This workshop will discuss, demonstrate over 100 different AT solutions. In addition, each participant will receive a Coroplast AT Maker’s Kit with 60 different pieces and will make seven multi-use assistive technology devices including – Multi-use sliding track board; multi-use spring clip; eye gaze board; iPad Holder; iPAD Flipper; QR Code Dot Maker; and page lifters.

 

AT for Physical AccessUsing What You’ve Got: Making EASY Assistive Technology at Home

Presented by: Judith Shoonover, Loudoun County Public Schools

Strand: Assistive Technology for Physical Access and Participation

When learning takes place in virtual classrooms, brick and mortar schools, and at the kitchen table, meeting the needs of students with more complex learning needs can challenge educators and caregivers, yet anyone can fabricate assistive technology including switches, sensory tools, adjustable eyegaze frames, an ART tool kit, and grasping and positioning supports from common household and easily located, inexpensive resources. Prior to the seminar, participants will be provided with a “shopping list” to collect items such a pizza boxes, milk jugs, PVC pipe and joints, and pool noodles so that they can “make along” with live and pre-recorded demonstrations.

 

Higher EducationThe Big Apple ?? Bites Back: Remote AT Assessments & Support in the Age of COVID

Presented by: Lindsey Huntley, MA-CCC-SLP, ATP, NYC Department of Education

Strand: Education & Learning: Early Intervention – 12/Higher Education

N.Y.C. was the epicenter of COVID-19. This session will showcase the process, platforms, tools and logistics utilized to perform remote AT assessments. Tools and case studies will be presented for reading, writing, math, executive functioning and communication assessments. Attend our virtual pre-conference while seated comfortably on your couch and dressed in your finest pajamas. Learn how the NYC DOE AT Team met the challenge head-on, and conducted remote AT assessments while all staff and students practiced social distancing. The NYC DOE AT Team will share innovative solutions on providing virtual AT supports.