ATIA Maker Day 2023

ATIA Maker Day 2023 will take place on Saturday, February 4 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall. AT makers join forces to share everything from low-tech solutions to modified technology solutions and explore a wide range of creations that have helped solve challenges in the AT community.

What is ATIA Maker Day 2023? ATIA Maker Day 2023 is an opportunity to explore exciting innovations and learn from the AT maker community. It is open to all registered attendees and those holding free exhibit hall passes. (Registration options at: www.atia.org/registernow).

Who are makers? The maker community is comprised of people – high school STEM and robotics students, hobbyists and DIY electronics enthusiasts – who are interested in using their skills to create and make solutions for people with disabilities. These are not always experts in AT, but they have a myriad of interests and just simply like to solve problems and make things.

Meet Your Maker Day 2023 Leaders

Therese Willkomm, PhD, Director of Assistive Technology in New Hampshire, Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), RESNA

Dr. Therese Willkomm, PhD, is the Director of New Hampshire’s State Assistive Technology Program with the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) She is known nationally and internationally for her innovative strategies for creating solutions in minutes. She has designed and fabricated over two thousand solutions for individuals with disabilities. She has presented her work in 42 states, ten foreign countries and three U.S. Territories and has authored over 22 publications including her recent book Assistive Technology Solutions in Minutes Book 3: – “Make Stuff and Love People.”

Judith Schoonover, MEd, OTR/L, ATP, FAOTA, AT Consultant, Representing Early Intervention & School Special Interest Section, American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

Judith Schoonover, MEd, OTR/L, ATP, FAOTA is an occupational therapist and former elementary school teacher. She is certified as an assistive technology professional (ATP) by RESNA and was a founding member of the Loudoun County Public Schools Assistive Technology Team. Judith has provided direct services in schools for more than 44 years and is a nationally and internationally recognized speaker presenting on the topics of school-based occupational therapy, transition, literacy, and assistive technology. She has authored numerous articles, and chapters in Early Childhood: Occupational Therapy Services for Children Birth to Five, Occupational Therapy for Children (6th-8th eds.), Best Practices in School Occupational Therapy, Assistive Technologies, and Occupational Therapy and Transitions: A Cross-System Perspective. She participated in National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) workgroups addressing the response to intervention (RTI), transition, and virtual schools. Currently, Judith represents AOTA on the National Joint Committee (NJC) for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities and serves on the editorial board of the Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits (ATOB) Journal.

Questions?

A Lot Takes Place at ATIA Maker Day 2023

Join us for your opportunity to:

Explore Solutions from AT Makers – Maker groups from around the country will demo their AT solutions and products.
Participate in Hands-On Maker Training
Bring Your Challenges to AT Makers – Come discuss your challenges with AT makers and leverage the knowledge and skills of those makers to potentially create solutions. Hear their experiences and insights on challenges they have faced and worked to solve.

Please keep in mind the following:

Adults must be registered and will receive a badge to enter the Exhibit Hall. Registration can be in advance online or onsite.
Families with children under 16 do not need to register children. Children will be allowed into the Exhibit Hall when accompanied by an adult with a badge.