MONDAY, March 14, 2005: Choose ONE of 9 full day (6 hr) workshops
TUESDAY, March 15, 2005: Choose ONE of 10 full day (6 hr) workshops
Come Early... Learn More!
Monday, March 14, 2005 ~ Full Day (6 hr) Workshops, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday, March 15, 2005 ~ Full Day (6 hr) Workshops, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
PRECONFERENCE WORKSHOPS OF MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2005
| TOP |Monday, March 14, 2005 ~ 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Room: Chicago/Dallas (PC Computer Lab) - Marriott
Level: Beginner
A) Exploring Web Accessibility: A Hands-On Introduction
This workshop guides participants through common Web accessibility issues. Participants will experience Web accessibility problems and solutions using different Web sites, Web browsers, and assistive technologies. This workshop is designed for anyone interested in learning the basics of: how people with different disabilities interact with the Web; how to use Web browsers and assistive technologies for increased accessibility to the Web; how Web developers can make their Web sites more accessible, and how authoring tools can make it easier; and what resources are available, including guidelines from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). Prerequisites: Some experience using computers and the Web.
• Shawn Lawton Henry is Web Accessibility Outreach Coordinator for the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), where she leads W3C's worldwide education and outreach activities promoting Web accessibility for people with disabilities. Shawn develops online resources to help Web developers understand and implement Web accessibility guidelines, and provides presentations and training on accessible Web design and development. Shawn worked as a consultant with international standards bodies, research centers, government agencies, non-profit organizations, education providers, and Fortune 500 companies to develop and implement strategies to optimize design for usability and accessibility. Shawn has presented and published papers on accessibility and usability for Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES), Usability Professionals' Association (UPA), and Computer-Human Interaction (CHI) conferences. Her publications also include "Understanding Web Accessibility" chapter in Constructing Accessible Web Sites, April 2002; and "Everyone Interfaces" chapter in User Interfaces for All, July 2000.
Monday, March 14, 2005 ~ 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Room: Denver - Marriott
Level: Intermediate
B) Using the Job Accommodation Process: Integrating Win-Win Accommodations for the Employment Setting
This workshop provides information on how to integrate the job accommodation process into company procedures. This workshop will include extensive information on applying the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and special emphasis will be given to the integration of assistive technology (AT). Specifically, participants will learn how to integrate AT into the accommodation process, how to integrate the job accommodation process into company policies and procedures, understand accommodations related to motor disabilities, and understand accommodations related to hidden disabilities.
• Beth Loy, Ph.D has been a Job Accommodation Network (JAN) consultant since September 1996 and is an Assistant Professor at West Virginia University. She is a member of JAN's motor team and specializes in technology-related accommodations. Dr. Loy also serves as JAN's webmaster and has extensive experience performing training throughout the United States.
• Anne Hirsh, M.S. has been a Job Accommodation Network (JAN) consultant since September 1988 and is JAN's Services Manager. She has a Masters of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling and Vocational Evaluation and has worked with all specialty teams.
Monday, March 14, 2005 ~ 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Room: Imperial A/B - Marriott
Level: Beginner
C) Overview of Assistive Technology
This workshop will provide a fundamental overview of assistive technology (AT) that includes an array of subtopics within AT: Legislation/Funding; Team Building; Leadership; importance of low-tech and light-tech; trends; assessment and resources; and of course, areas of assistive technology devices. This workshop is meant for participants new to the field of AT and new to the "Technology and Persons with Disabilities" conference.
• Joy Zabala, ATP is a general educator and special educator who has been involved in the field of assistive technology for over 20 years and holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Florida, a Master of Education from Florida Atlantic University and is a doctoral candidate at the University of Kentucky. Joy is currently a professional developer and consultant who provides AT and leadership support to school communities, universities, professional associations, and individuals across the nation and abroad. She is the developer of the SETT Framework and a founding member of the QIAT Consortium for which she serves as the facilitator of the QIAT Listserv. Joy is the president-elect of the Technology and Media (TAM) Division of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and the co-chair of the Technology Desk of DICES. Currently, her professional responsibilities include: faculty associate at Johns Hopkins University; online mentor for the Commonwealth Center for Instructional Technology and Learning at the University of Kentucky; and researcher for the ATSTAR Project at Knowbility, Inc. She also serves on the advisory boards of several national projects.
• Russ Holland is an educator who has been involved in the field of assistive technology for the past 25 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and Sociology, a Master of Education degree in special education and special education certification from New Jersey and New York. As a classroom teacher, the founder and director for nine years of Techspress (an Alliance for Technology Access Center in upstate New York), and an independent consultant, he has been involved in advocacy work, training, consulting and public speaking focused on eliminating barriers faced by people with disabilities and realizing the potential of assistive technology. Related activities include serving on the Microsoft Accessibility Advisory Council and the CSUN Advisory Board. He is the president of Adirondack AccessAbility, Inc., an ATA Associate organization providing consulting and training in upstate New York, and currently serves as the Program Director of the Alliance for Technology Access.
Monday, March 14, 2005 ~ 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Room: Imperial C - Marriott
Level: Beginner
D) Speaking to Write: Speech Recognition Tools for Students with Mild Disabilities
This introductory workshop will explore three speech recognition programs for use with students with problems with the motor aspects of writing. Participants will compare the programs for capability and will develop a user benefit comparison of the products to allow successful implementation within the classroom. (PC based). Participants will be able to: identify and describe types of writing problems students demonstrate and how speech recognition can overcome these problems; factors for successful use of speech recognition within a classroom setting; compile a personal resource list of people; print and electronic resources for using speech recognition within the classroom; and select a speech recognition program that matches the abilities of an individual child.
• Paula Walser, ATP is the statewide assistive technology consultant for the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI). She is a certified Speech and Language Pathologist and has been lecturing and using voice recognition technologies within the classroom for the last 8 years. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh , Paula began her practice as a Speech and Language Pathologist working with students with significant disabilities and an emphasis on augmentative communication. Paula assisted with the development of the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative and with her role as the statewide consultant, she develops and provides professional development to teachers and administrators in the areas of assistive and regular instructional technology.
Monday, March 14, 2005 ~ 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Room: Imperial D - Marriott
Level: Beginner
E) The Assistive Technology Assessment Process
This workshop will walk participants through the process of putting together or refining their current assistive technology assessment process. This 10-step process begins at the intake and is completed with the development of an implementation plan and strategies for follow-up. Attendees will gain knowledge in: the 10 steps of the Fundamental Assessment Process (FAP); reviewing and independently using/explaining how to use a minimum of one assessment tool in the assistive technology assessment process; comparing and contrasting their current assessment process in reflection of information gained in the session; identifying at least 2 key similarities/differences in order to revise their current assessment processes; and gaining knowledge regarding ways of obtaining assistive technologies for the trail portion of the assessment process.
• Kelly S. Fonner, MS is a self-employed consultant and trainer in the areas of assistive and educational technology. She has been working with individuals with disabilities since the mid 1970s. She has 21 years of experience in assistive technology. Her work experiences have been as a teacher assistant, teacher, instructional media specialist and assistive technology consultant in early childhood, preschool and school age programs. Kelly has consulted to university and adult programs concerning access to technology by persons with disabilities. She speaks internationally on a wide range of topics including access, technology integration, AAC, literacy, library access, assistive technology assessment and implementation strategies. Kelly is also an associate lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in both the Occupational Therapy and Exceptional Education departments and she has taught at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Kelly has a B.S. in Special Education, an M.S. in Educational Technology, and holds a certificate in Assistive Technology Applications from California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
Monday, March 14, 2005 ~ 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Room: Imperial E/F - Marriott
Level: Beginner
F) Learning Disabilities through the Life Span: Matching Technology Solutions
This workshop explores the available technology solutions and matches them to the neuropsychological framework for the assessment of learning disabilities. Participants will learn to match the individual with the features of the assistive technology; identify the student's environments, needs and tasks and match the features of technology to those needs; identify technology available to assist individuals with dyslexia; identify technology available for individuals with dysgraphia; and identify technology available for individuals with dyscalculia. In addition, participants will learn about technology tools for organization, scheduling and memory aids.
• Scott Marfilius has been working with individuals with disabilities for the past 23 years. The past 17 years has involved implementing assistive technology at various levels. First within an integrated classroom as a classroom teacher, then implementing a district wide system change within a Public School System by assisting their District Wide Team. He continues to assist teams and individuals in assessing students assistive technology needs. His teaching certifications are in Early Childhood Handicap, Cognitive Disabilities, Emotional Disability, and Learning Disability. He also consults with individuals and businesses to determine adaptations that are needed in work place settings. Scott's focus areas in assistive technology include computer access, and technologies that assist those with cognitive and learning disabilities. Scott holds a certificate in Assistive Technology Applications from California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
Monday, March 14, 2005 ~ 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Room: Marquis 1 - Marriott
Level: Intermediate
G) Electronic Aids to Daily Living: Providing Independent Control of Devices in the Environment
This workshop provides a comprehensive overview of Electronic Aids to Daily Living (EADL), home automation and robotics. Topics covered include classification of various electronic aids to daily living; access methods including direct access, switch access, AAC based EADLs, telephones, etc.; functional features of aids, home automation and robotics; and evaluation including matching product features with consumer needs. Participants will also have hands-on time to try and compare a variety of products.
• Michelle L. Lange, OTR, ABDA, ATP is the clinical director of the Assistive Technology Partners of The Children's Hospital of Denver. She evaluates children and adults in the areas of positioning, mobility, access to communication devices and computers, and electronic aids to daily living. She is Secretary of RESNA, past Member at Large of RESNA, past Education Chair of RESNA, on the teaching faculty of RESNA, a Senior Disability Analyst and Diplomat with the American Board of Disability Analysts, on the Advisory Board of the Rehabilitation Engineering Center for Wheeled Mobility and past editor of the Technology Quarterly of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Michelle is a frequent author and speaker.
Monday, March 14, 2005 ~ 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Room: Marquis 3 - Marriott
Level: Intermediate
H) Assistive Technology and Autism
This session will explore the use of assistive technology, specifically and especially augmentative communication which has improved the independent functioning level of students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and their ability to participate in classroom activities. A review of the existing literature and examples from actual student video segments will add to the information participants receive regarding the use of assistive technology in program planning for students with autism.
• Susan R. McCloskey, M.S., CCC-SLP, is currently a program specialist and the department chairperson of the county-wide assistive technology team for the Volusia County School District in Florida. After fifteen years of consulting in the statewide educational support network in Pennsylvania as an assistive technology consultant, Susan relocated to Florida in the spring of 2003. In her new position, Susan supports assistive technology needs of students in a diverse, suburban school district with a student population of 70,000. She has presented nationally on a variety of assistive technology topics and has trained teams nationwide on the implementation of strategies known as Environmental Communication Teaching (ECT). She holds the Certificate of Communication Competence from the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), and completed a certificate program in Applied Behavior Analysis for Special Education from the Pennsylvania State University. Susan is a past member of the national steering committee for the Division of Augmentative and Alternative Communication of ASHA.
Monday, March 14, 2005 ~ 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Room: Scottsdale - Marriott
Level: Beginner
I) Section 508 Overview and e-Learning/Multimedia Compliance Certificate Course (PartA)
The US Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) has created a certificate program to provide everyone who works with Section 508 a standardized approach on creating and evaluating compliant products.
This workshop is a low-tech overview on USPTO award-winning, best practice processes. It includes their interpretation for creating compliant products that meet the multi-media; self contained, closed products; and, desktop and portable computers standards. It also includes a comprehensive three-hour session on creating compliant e-learning products. All attendees will receive a CD copy of the 250+ pages USPTO Section 508 Reference Guide. This workshop is recommended for federal and state employees, contractors, vendors, and academic staff.
• Fred DiFiore has over 25 years experience as an information technology professional in technical and management positions in the military, academia, and the federal sector. His specialty is implementing and managing IT-related, corporate-wide programs. As the Section 508 coordinator, Fred reviews and approves major procurement, software development documentation, internet and intranet postings, and training modules for accessibility compliance requirements. He has developed training programs to help his users and managers understand and meet the requirements of the law, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Federal Accessibility Standard, and has implemented stringent processes for internet and intranet development bringing benefit to disabled individuals working in the agency and to those disabled members of the public that need to access Patent and Trademark systems for information.
• Debra Ruh has more than 25 years of professional experience implementing and creating technology, compliance, policy, quality assurance, training and distance learning solutions for government agencies and organizations all over the world. Debra's work experience includes Founder and President of TecAccess, Chief Executive Officer of Strategic Performance Solutions, Vice President and Dean of Distance Learning with Market Street Mortgage, Vice President of Training and Quality Control and Development for SunTrust Mortgage. She is a recognized leader in the E&IT Accessibility and Section 508 Compliance arena. She has spoke on Section 508 Compliance and IT Accessibility issues all over the world, to include the US Government Section 508 Coordinators on several occasions. Debra has authored many articles for national publications and is a major supporter for the rights of persons with disabilities.
• Joyce Miller is uniquely qualified in the area of Sections 504 and 508. Joyce has over 23 years experience in contracting, contract administration, requirements generation, consulting on IT-related issues, asset management, cost analysis, and program management. In 2003, she received an Assistive Technology Applications Certificate from California State University, Northridge. Currently, she is working as a contractor for Project Performance Corporation supporting the US Patent and Trademark Office as the Deputy Sections 508 Coordinator and the IT Section 504 Coordinator. She was instrumental in developing the USPTO multi-awarding winning Section 508 program and is recognized as a leader in the Section 508 community. Her major contribution in Section 508 include developing, implementing and maintaining the policies and processes for the agency's Section 508 program. In the area of Section 504, Joyce is recognized by the USPTO as the leader in IT reasonable accommodations.
PRECONFERENCE WORKSHOPS OF TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2005
| TOP |Tuesday, March 15, 2005 ~ 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Room: Carmel (MAC Computer Lab) - Hilton
Level: Intermediate
J) Becoming Acquainted with Mac OSX Accessibility Options
Come to the land of the accessible Macintosh! During this hands-on workshop, we will explore the OSX available options across the areas of access including vision, hearing, keyboarding, mouse, speech, and cognitive access. We'll also explore available options for individuals with learning and cognitive disabilities. Expect to go at a quick pace, expect to see many options, expect to get a large overview, not an in-depth session on any one option, and expect to have some fun!
• Kelly S. Fonner, MS is a self-employed consultant and trainer in the areas of assistive and educational technology. She has been working with individuals with disabilities since the mid 1970s. She has 21 years of experience in assistive technology. Her work experiences have been as a teacher assistant, teacher, instructional media specialist and assistive technology consultant in early childhood, preschool and school age programs. Kelly has consulted to university and adult programs concerning access to technology by persons with disabilities. She speaks internationally on a wide range of topics including access, technology integration, AAC, literacy, library access, assistive technology assessment and implementation strategies. Kelly is also an associate lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in both the Occupational Therapy and Exceptional Education departments and she has taught at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Kelly has a B.S. in Special Education, an M.S. in Educational Technology, and holds a certificate in Assistive Technology Applications from California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
• Scott Marfilius has been working with individuals with disabilities for the past 23 years. The past 17 years has involved implementing assistive technology at various levels. First within an integrated classroom as a classroom teacher, then implementing a district wide system change within a Public School System by assisting their District Wide Team. He continues to assist teams and individuals in assessing students assistive technology needs. His teaching certifications are in Early Childhood Handicap, Cognitive Disabilities, Emotional Disability, and Learning Disability. He also consults with individuals and businesses to determine adaptations that are needed in work place settings. Scott's focus areas in assistive technology include computer access, and technologies that assist those with cognitive and learning disabilities. Scott holds a certificate in Assistive Technology Applications from California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
Tuesday, March 15, 2005 ~ 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Room: Chicago/Dallas (PC Computer Lab) - Marriott
Level: All (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)
K) Accessible Web Design Beyond the Basics: CSS and Other Techniques, Tips, and Tricks
This workshop introduces Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and other techniques for accessible, visually-appealing, high quality Web design and development. Participants will learn the benefits of style sheets for accessibility and beyond. Step-by-step instruction starts at the basics of CSS and gives participants the opportunity to create their own style sheets to define colors, fonts, positioning, and other Web page presentation aspects. The latest developments in accessible Web techniques, tips, and tricks - such as scripting techniques - will also be covered in this hands-on computer lab workshop.
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of HTML. (No knowledge of CSS expected.
• Shawn Lawton Henry is Web Accessibility Outreach Coordinator for the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), where she leads W3C's worldwide education and outreach activities promoting Web accessibility for people with disabilities. Shawn develops online resources to help Web developers understand and implement Web accessibility guidelines, and provides presentations and training on accessible Web design and development. Shawn worked as a consultant with international standards bodies, research centers, government agencies, non-profit organizations, education providers, and Fortune 500 companies to develop and implement strategies to optimize design for usability and accessibility. Shawn has presented and published papers on accessibility and usability for Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES), Usability Professionals' Association (UPA), and Computer-Human Interaction (CHI) conferences. Her publications also include "Understanding Web Accessibility" chapter in Constructing Accessible Web Sites, April 2002; and "Everyone Interfaces" chapter in User Interfaces for All, July 2000.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005 ~ 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Room: Denver - Marriott
Level: Intermediate
L) Eliminate the Fear Factor: How to Establish and Operate a Successful AT Center
This workshop explores different methods and approaches to establishing assistive technology (AT) centers that support people with disabilities in work, educational and recreational settings. The presenters will walk through approaches that were successful in implementing their onsite technology evaluation centers and their virtual centers on the Web. This workshop will provide information on: defining the scope and mission of AT centers; identifying specific stakeholder requirements; securing funding; and other issues and concerns that develop during the establishment process. The presenters will share their personal experiences creating and managing AT centers as they assist participants in creating their own strategic business plans for creating or modifying AT centers.
• Dinah Cohen is the Director for the Department of Defense (DoD) Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP). She provides the leadership and direction to ensure employees have the appropriate accommodation solutions in their workplace. Dinah received the "1995 Federal 100" Award, sponsored by Federal Computer Week, for her impact on the development, acquisition and management of information technology in the Federal government and the DoD Exceptional Civilian Service Award for her leadership and management of the CAP program. She served as the DoD representative and past Vice President of the United States Council on International Rehabilitation. Dinah is an international speaker on disability policy, reasonable accommodations, accessibility and information technology and its impact on employment of people with disabilities. She continues to serve on numerous interagency, accessibility committees and conference groups.
• Derek Shields is a Program Manager for Axiom Resource Management, Inc. He provides leadership and management support to the Department of Defense (DoD) Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP). Derek has presented at several national conferences. His focus is on the utilization of accessible technology in federal disability policy and programs to increase employment of people with disabilities in the federal workforce. Recently, he has worked to map disability management strategies into the human capital elements of President Bush's Management Agenda.
• Michael Young serves as the Manager of the Department of Defense Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program's Technology Evaluation Center (CAPTEC). In this capacity, he conducts needs assessments for individuals with disabilities, reviews work and learning environments, provides integration and configuration management, develops and conducts assistive technology presentations and training sessions, collaborates with other assistive technology service providers in the Federal government to ensure continuity of services and to share best practices.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005 ~ 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Room: La Jolla A - Hilton
Level: All (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)
M) Quality Services for Quality Outcomes: Working Together to Achieve Results
This workshop provides participants with guidelines for: Identifying goals; determining AT devices and services needed to address goals; using AT to achieve goals; and measuring outcomes to determine the effects of assistive technology use and what changes, if any, are needed. Critical elements and research-based Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Services (QIAT) for each step will be shared and explored in this active, participative session. Participants will be able to explain the relationship between quality AT services and AT outcomes, identify elements involved in the identification of functional goals and outcomes, describe considerations that guide selection of AT devices and services, list ways to collect outcome data, explain data-based decision-making as it applies to outcomes and identify resources.
• Joy Zabala, ATP is a general educator and special educator who has been involved in the field of assistive technology for over 20 years and holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Florida, a Master of Education from Florida Atlantic University and is a doctoral candidate at the University of Kentucky. Joy is currently a professional developer and consultant who provides AT and leadership support to school communities, universities, professional associations, and individuals across the nation and abroad. She is the developer of the SETT Framework and a founding member of the QIAT Consortium which for which she serves as the facilitator of the QIAT Listserv. Joy is the president-elect of the Technology and Media (TAM) Division of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and the co-chair of the Technology Desk of DICES. Currently, her professional responsibilities include: faculty associate at Johns Hopkins University; online mentor for the Commonwealth Center for Instructional Technology and Learning at the University of Kentucky; and researcher for the ATSTAR Project at Knowbility, Inc. She also serves on the advisory boards of several national projects.
• Russ Holland is an educator who has been involved in the field of assistive technology for the past 25 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and Sociology, a Master of Education degree in special education and special education certification from New Jersey and New York. As a classroom teacher, the founder and director for nine years of Techspress (an Alliance for Technology Access Center in upstate New York), and an independent consultant, he has been involved in advocacy work, training, consulting and public speaking focused on eliminating barriers faced by people with disabilities and realizing the potential of assistive technology. Related activities include serving on the Microsoft Accessibility Advisory Council and the CSUN Advisory Board. He is the president of Adirondack AccessAbility, Inc., an ATA Associate organization providing consulting and training in upstate New York, and currently serves as the Program Director of the Alliance for Technology Access.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005 ~ 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Room: La Jolla B - Hilton
Level: Intermediate
N) Creating Communication Opportunities in the Classroom: Environmental Communication Teaching (ECT)
This workshop will focus on Environmental Communication Teaching (ECT) which is a set of strategies designed to increase the opportunity for student-initiated communication in the classroom setting and support the implementation of augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) systems. This workshop will use videotaped segments of actual classroom scenarios to demonstrate the process, and allow participants to analyze the segments using the ECT parameters. Participants will be able to design a set of communication-focused, activity-based objectives for one activity, create a response for each step of the ECT prompt hierarchy, identify three environmental arrangements within an activity that will create additional communication opportunities and analyze a video example for missed communication opportunities with suggestions for modifications.
• Susan R. McCloskey, M.S., CCC-SLP, is currently a program specialist and the department chairperson of the county-wide assistive technology team for the Volusia County School District in Florida. After fifteen years of consulting in the statewide educational support network in Pennsylvania as an assistive technology consultant, Susan relocated to Florida in the spring of 2003. In her new position, Susan supports assistive technology needs of students in a diverse, suburban school district with a student population of 70,000. She has presented nationally on a variety of assistive technology topics and has trained teams nationwide on the implementation of strategies known as Environmental Communication Teaching (ECT). She holds the Certificate of Communication Competence from the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), and completed a certificate program in Applied Behavior Analysis for Special Education from the Pennsylvania State University. Susan is a past member of the national steering committee for the Division of Augmentative and Alternative Communication of ASHA.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005 ~ 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Room: Los Angeles - Hilton
Level: Beginner
O) Exploring Features and Functionality of Accommodations for the Visually Impaired
This workshop will provide an overview of currently available technologies for persons with vision impairment. Overview of currently available technologies will be covered through demonstrations and hands-on exploration. Technology accommodations will be reviewed for all ages and different types of visual disabilities including: specific accommodations through features of computer access; video magnifiers; scanning solutions and features; portable notetakers/PDAs; screen magnification; screen reading; and refreshable Braille displays. A review of various case examples will be discussed and resources shared.
• Matt Ater is the Program Manager for Integrated Concepts and Research Corporation (ICRC). He manages the Social Security Administration's contract for Assistive Technology Hardware and Software Support Services. He is responsible for managing this contract which provides hardware/software engineering, testing, implementation and integration, training, maintenance and help desk support for all assistive technology and mainstream technology used by employees with disabilities. Matt worked as a private consultant providing assistive technology assessments, integration, training and documentation for federal and state agencies. For the last several years Matt has been an instructor and assistant instructor for CSUN's Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program (ATACP).
Tuesday, March 15, 2005 ~ 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Room: Marina - Hilton
Level: Intermediate
P) Wireless Assistive Technology Applications and Solutions
This workshop will provide an overview of current mobile/wireless technology features and look at a variety of software applications that can be useful for individuals with disabilities. Participants will be given an opportunity to: identify and describe major accessibility features of mobile/wireless technology; work with specific case study scenarios and specific technologies to apply their knowledge in developing solutions; and give an oral presentation of the solutions to the group and share this information wirelessly within the group through hands-on demonstration.
• Richard C. Snider, Ph.D in his role as Technology Coordinator for the Training and Technical Assistance Center for Disabilities, has worked in the area of disability solutions at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) for the past 10 years. While in this position, he has provided consultative services to administrators, educators and staff engaged in the delivery of educational, technological, and school-to-work transition services to students with disabilities and designed and developed presentations on the integration of technology in education for delivery at conferences and workshops. Richard has also taught classes and researched, designed and developed accessible instructional content, and published articles related to research he has done in the area of disabilities solutions and assistive technology. He has worked with both educational institutions and business/industry in his research activities.
• Glenna Gustafson, M. ED has worked as a Technology Coordinator at the Training and Technical Assistance Center at Virginia Tech, in Blacksburg, VA for the past 6 years. Previously she worked as a general education teacher for 21 years. Currently her responsibilities include providing onsite consultations within the public education system as well as designing and conducting in-service and regional workshops focusing on the use of assistive technologies. Glenna is the Assistive Technology editor for the Virginia Society for Technology in Education Journal and serves on the Virginia Assistive Technology Task Force. She is currently working on her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with research interests including the integration of assistive technology knowledge and skills within the pre-service educator program, inclusive practices, and the use of Universal Design for Learning in curriculum design.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005 ~ 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Room: Pacific A - Hilton
Level: Beginner
Q) Making Learning Active: Simple Adaptations for Young Children and Children Functioning at Young Levels
This workshop focuses on creative and simple ideas for adapting learning materials using assistive technology. Part of the day will include a "make and take" component where attendees will construct adapted materials to use with children. Attendees will gain knowledge in: determining which children can benefit from simple assistive technology and why; describing how to make learning more active by utilizing three inborn motivational drives; explaining how simple toys and objects from around the house may be adapted to reach IFSP and IEP goals and objectives; learning how to adapt toys and educational materials with assistive technology such as: Velcro™, hot glue, carpet scraps, battery-operated toys and computers; understanding key features of software programs and adaptations that encourage active learning; and constructing adapted teaching materials that may be used directly with students.
• Linda Burkhart is a nationally known pioneer in the field of simplified technology for children with severe disabilities. She has developed numerous adapted switches and innovative applications for using these devices with children. She is the author of four books: two on homemade battery devices, one on using speech synthesis to facilitate communicative interaction, and one on Total Augmentative Communication in the Early Childhood Classroom. Linda was a classroom teacher in Prince George's County, Maryland for 15 years. Her experience includes teaching school age children with orthopedic disabilities and preschool children with severe and profound disabilities. In addition to teaching, she has presented workshops and consulted for programs nationally and internationally. Linda worked for eight years as an Augmentative Communication and Assistive Technology Specialist for the Center for Technology in Education - a joint project between the Johns Hopkins University and the Maryland State Department of Education. The position involved statewide direct service training and assistance. Currently, Linda works as a private consultant and technology integration specialist.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005 ~ 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Room: Pacific B - Hilton
Level: Beginner
R) The Impact of Technology Solutions on the Upcoming Global Aging Crisis
This workshop addresses the aging services challenges and the potential of technology solutions. Content will include: identification of the current and future global aging crisis and the need for new technology interventions; understanding the use of current technologies in institutional settings; presentation of adaptive technology for older adults; use of technology interventions for people with dementia; and reviewing the potential of remote platforms to deliver healthcare services to the aging population.
• Russell Bodoff is the Executive Director for the Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) which he helped launch in March 2003. Russell came to AAHSA with over 7 years of experience in building online businesses and 20 years experience in product and program development and voluntary standards and certification programs. He was responsible for developing and launching the world's largest Internet consumer protection and privacy trustmark program, BBBOnLine. He has been asked to provide expert testimony on online consumer and privacy issues to the Senate Judiciary Committee, the House Commerce Committee and the European Commission. Russell has been quoted in hundreds of publications and has appeared on CNN and CNNFN as an expert on Internet consumer issues and most recently as an expert on issues involving technology and aging services.
• Kari Miner - information forthcoming
• Tim Wright - information forthcoming
• Jack York founded "It's Never 2 Late" in the summer of 1999 after spending 14 years in the semiconductor industry, shuttling between the Silicon Valley and New Jersey. He retired from that industry as vice-president of strategic sales for Vishay Intertechnology. In 1998, he began donating computers to assisted living centers in California with his other business partners.
• Cameron J. Camp, Ph.D, is a noted psychologist specializing in applied research in gerontology. He gives workshops on designing interventions for dementia across the country. Dr. Camp received his doctorate in experimental psychology from the University of Houston in 1979. For 16 years he served in academic settings, teaching coursework in adult development and aging while rising to the rank of Research Professor of Psychology at the University of New Orleans. He currently works as Director and Senior Research Scientist at the Myers Research Institute of the Menorah Park Center for the Aging in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Camp is a licensed psychologist in the state of Ohio, specializing in applied cognitive aging.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005 ~ 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Room: Scottsdale - Marriott
Level: Beginner
S) Section 508 Software and Web-Site Compliance Certificate Course
The US Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) has created a certificate program to provide everyone who works with Section 508 a standardized approach on creating and evaluating compliant products.
This workshop is a high-tech USPTO interpretation for creating compliant products that meet the software and web-based application standards. Participants will receive an advanced studies certificate in software and web-site development. Course is recommended for federal and state employees, contractors, vendors, and academic staff.
• Victor Tsaran has played an active role in promoting accessibility on the international level since 1998. He has participated in the Eastern European Network on Access Technology (EENAT) and administered web sites of International Council for Education of Visually Impaired People (ICEVI) and of the Overbrook Nippon Network on Educational Technology (ON-NET). For the last four years, he has conducted various workshops and computer training courses in Europe, South East Asia and the Middle East. Currently, he works as an access technology specialist/programmer at Bartimaeus Group, McLean, Virginia, USA. Victor has worked as a contractor with the US Patent and Trademark Office for over two years. He is recognized as an expert in evaluating software and web products for compliance. He was instrumental in creating an award winning Section 508 program at the USPTO that was identified as the best practice in the Federal Government at the agency-level.
• Tamas Babinszki is from Hungary and graduated from his country's most prestigious institutions with a degree in U.S. cultural history. He has been actively working with assistive technology for the blind for many years and has been working to enhance the opportunities of visually impaired people. In Hungary he consulted the Department of Education on creating their educational policies to provide more opportunities for disabled people. He has lectured at numerous European conferences on the use of assistive technology. For the last three years, Tomas has worked as a Section 508 and assistive technology consultant for the USPTO, America Online, Computer Sciences Corporation, and the Veteran's administration. He has received numerous awards for his work at the different organizations. His efforts played a major role in the USPTO Section 508 Program being nominated for the Harvard Innovation in American Government Award.