Ongoing Professional Development for Educational Teams Serving Students with Complex Motor & Communication Needs
These are professional development opportunities addressing the unique motor and communication needs of students with more significant disabilities. Guest speaker, Cindy Richardson, is an AT Practitioner with over 30 years of experience and is the Business Development Manager with Ablenet, Inc. Participants who attend all 4 sessions will receive a special incentive from Ablenet, Inc. Limited space available, so register today!
March 23, 2017
Switch Accessibility and the iPad: The Basics and Beyond
Description: When we look at making the iPad accessible for students with significant disabilities, we often find motoric challenges impact potential success. In order to overcome this barrier, we often turn to switches as a tool to support access. However, in order for our kids to be successful, we need to understand a few foundational concepts related to Apple’s switch control settings, scanning options, as well as the different types of switches and interface devices, iPad cases, and mounting options.
This workshop will provide participants with an in-depth look at Apple’s built-in switch control settings, switch interface devices, mounting options, and tips for configuring switch enabled apps. Once we’ve set up our iPad, we’ll explore a number of apps for communication, literacy, math, and the content areas. Finally, we’ll look at meaningful ways these apps can be used to engage and motivate our students to access instruction.
Location: Virginia Tech T/TAC AT Lab, Blacksburg, VA
Intended Audience: Parents and professionals who support a student or students with complex needs
Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm (lunch provided)
Registration: Visit https://form.jotform.com/61676228801963.
May 4, 2017
Beyond the Switch: Affordable Eye Gaze for Instructional Access and Communication
Description: For many years, switch access has been the only option for many of our students with motoric challenges. Even once eye gaze technology became available, it was either too unreliable, challenging, or cost-prohibitive for school districts or our students’ families.
Recently, new, more affordable technology has emerged that is more accurate, forgiving, and customizable in terms of providing access to computer based activities and communication opportunities.
During our time together, participants will get an in-depth view of the technology, be able to identify potential candidates, explore eye gaze training software providing opportunities for individuals to develop the skills necessary to control a mouse cursor with their eyes, and how to collect and capture student data. Ideas for maximizing user success and opportunities to review 3rd party software designed to support communication access will also be shared.
Location: Virginia Tech T/TAC AT Lab, Blacksburg, VA
Intended Audience: Parents and professionals who support a student or students with complex needs
Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm (lunch provided)
Registration: Visit https://form.jotform.com/61683602021951.