Assistive Technology: Improving Lives Daily


A conference for people with disabilities, families and professionals

 

TUESDAY, November 27, 2007
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Crowne Plaza at the Crossings
Warwick, RI


Schedule
Conference Sponsors
Exhibitors
Presentations, Session I - 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Presentations, Session II - 10:30 AM - 12:00 NOON
Presentations, Session III - 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Registration Information
Registration Form
Registration Form (to print on separate sheet)
Directions to the Crowne Plaza

Assistive technology can play a critical role in the life of a person with a disability. A wide range of presentations and an exhibit hall offering product demonstrations and information will provide conference participants with the opportunity to learn what a powerful impact assistive technology can have in improving the lives of people with disabilities.



Conference Schedule

7:30-8:30 Registration and Coffee

8:30-10:00 Session I

10:30-12:00 Session II

12:00-1:30 Lunch and Awards
KEYYNOTE Address

1:30-3:00 Session III

Exhibit Hall Open All Day 8:00 - 3:00

Conference sponsored by:

Assistive Technology Access Partnership (ATAP), Office of Rehabilitation Services
RI Department of Education, Office of Special Needs
RI Department of Health, Disability & Health Program
The Governor's Commission on Disabilties
The Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities at RI College
Rhode Island Rehabilitation Association
TechACCESS of Rhode Island

Partial List of Exhibitors: (as of this printing)



Assistive Technology Access Partnership
AbilityPLUS Inc.
Accessing Community Transportation, Inc.
Adaptive Technology Consulting, Inc.
Custom Specialty Products
Dynavox Technologies
Easter Seals MA
EVAS
Freedom Scientific
Hudson Home Health Care
Lift & Care Systems, Inc.
National Federation of the Blind of RI
New England Assistive Technology Center
Patient Lifts of New England
Prentke Romich Company
Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic
Rhode Island Parent Information Network
Rhodes to Independence
Ride-Away Handicap Equipment Corporation
Texthelp Systems, Inc.
Vision Dynamics
Zygo, Inc.

Presentations


Session I - 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

 

A . Putting Assistive Technology to Work
Session one of this three hour presentation will provide background on the theory and practice of the use of AT in employment, and the value of a good match between the person and the technology in order to promote success.
Marcia Scherer, Institute for Matching Person & Technology, Inc., NY

B. Teaching Literacy Skills to Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
This session will highlight the core deficits students with autism spectrum disorder have with learning to read and with comprehension. Low tech and high tech supports to teach literacy skills will be presented.
Sue Constable, Autism Support Center, RIDE, RI

C. The Assistive Technology Decision Making Process: Evaluation, Consultation and Trial
Participants will gain an understanding of the Assistive Technology decision making process. They will learn about evaluation, consultation and device trials and will be able to determine what approach is needed for an individual.
Amy Norton, NEAT Center at Oakhill, CT

D. Zygo, Inc. : An overview of Zygo Communication Products
Brian Weiss, Zygo representative, will provide an overview of Zygo communication devices. Zygo is one of the top three augmentative communication device manufacturers.
Brian Weiss, Zygo Inc., CT
Presentation by a product vendor

E. Kuzweil 3000: Adaptability to the Universal Design for Learning Model
Session will focus on this popular software product that supports inclusive learning for students with learning disabilities.
Nancy Avery, Kurzweil Educaitonal Systems and IntelliTools, Cambium Learning Technologies Companies
Presentation by a product vendor

Presentations


Session II - 10:30AM - 12:00 NOON

 

F. Putting Assistive Technology to Work
Session two will focus on practical applications, case studies, and decision making about the most appropriate AT to select. Participants will be provided with the Assistive Technology Device Predisposition Assessment materials and will have practice in using them.
Marcia Scherer, Institute for Matching Person & Technology, Inc., NY
Presentation by a product vendor

G.Cause & Effect Software with Mission Control
Get experience with a wide array of software programs and the new Mission Control access device built to foster interactive responses from students. Skills building activities will be explored. Software giveaways.
Erin Lavin, Tool Factory/AT KidSystems, VT
Presentation by a product vendor

H. Assistive Technology Implementation Strategies
Implementing assistive technology requires planning, shared responsibility, accountability, and documentation. Participants will discuss the implementation process and learn several frameworks for implementation.
Amy Norton, NEAT Center at Oakhill, CT

I. DynaVox Technologies: An overview of DynaVox Communication Products
DynaVox representative will present an overview of their products, including communication devices, the new (InterAACt) software, and the new Vmax device. Available funding options will be presented. DynaVox is one of the top three augmentative communication device manufacturers.
Jennifer Della Ruffa, CT
Presentation by a product vendor

J.Technology Options for People with Hearing Loss in the Workplace
Hearing accommodation technology for the workplace can be intimidating. This workshop will explore four areas of technology and help you decide what will work for you and your employer
Christine Thompson, Hearing Loss Association of Rhode Island, RI

Presentations
Session III - 1:30PM - 3:00PM

 

K. Assistive Technology: Making It Work
A five person panel of rehabilitation counselors will discuss the use of assistive technology as an aide in achieving successful employment outcomes for persons with disabilities
Linda Deschenes, RI Office of Rehabilitation Services, RI

L.Reading Tracts for the Inclusive Classroom: Special Education ESL and Under-achievers
Explore an English/Spanish screen reader using the new access device Mission Control. Explore the building blocks of reading up to fluency. Explore other interactive activities.
Erin Lavin, Tool Factory/AT KidSystems, VT
Presentation by a product vendor

M. Keys to Successful AAC Device Trial
Implementing a successful trial period for an AAC device can be overwhelming. This presentation will provide strategies for making the most of your trial period.
Matthew Provost, TechACCESS of RI

N. Prentke Romich Company: An overview of Prentke Romich Communication Devices
See the unique features of UNITY, the most powerful language system in AAC devices today. Area representative for Prentke Romich will provide product demonstration. Prentke Romich is one of the top three augmentative communication device manufacturers.
Shawn Malcolmson, Prentke Romich Company, OH
Presentation by a product vendor

O. Deciding to Have a Cochlear Implant: The Experience of Two Adults
Two recent adult cochlear implant recipients will present information about the cochlear implant surgery and share their own personal experience with the process.
Marie Younkin-Waldman, Tea with Marie, COX Cable, James Litvak, PARI, RI

Presentation of products or content does not imply endorsement by the Conference or its sponsors.

Registration Information

 

  1. A sit down luncheon will be served at 12:00 noon.

  2. Personal Attendants accompanying individuals may attend the conference at no charge; if they require a lunch, the cost is $20.00

  3. While every effort will be made to respond to requests for accommodations, none, including individual session interpreters, can be guaranteed if requested after Friday, October 14.

  4. Scholarship help may be available; call TechACCESS at 401-463-0202.

  5. Participants are requested to avoid wearing scents, in consideration of those having chemical sensitivity.

  6. There will be a CART reporter and an ASL Interpreter available at the luncheon.

Registration Form (Registration Form (to print on separate sheet))

Name, as it will appear on name tag: _____________________________

Agency/School: ______________________________________________

Address: ________________________________ home ____ work _____

City, State, and Zip: ___________________________________________

Phone: ______________________________________________________

I am attending the conference as a: (check all that apply)
__ Person with a disability __Family Member __Professional
__ Student

Accommodations requested: (must be received by Oct. 19, 2007)
___Large Print
___CD
___Braille
___ASL
___FM System (workshops only)
___Sighted Guide
___Vegetarian Lunch

Fee:
• Pre-registration, exhibits, lunch                 $70.00
• Student fee                                                $40.00
• Exhibit Hall Only                                        $20.00
• Lunch Only                                                $20.00
• Donation to support scholarships             $_____
• Total amount enclosed                             $_____


Pre-registration must be received by November 19, 2007. Walk-in registration is $85.00 (cannot be assured lunch).


Make check payable to:
TechACCESS of Rhode Island,
110 Jefferson Blvd., Ste. I, Warwick, RI 02888-3854
401-463-0202 (V/TDD), 800-916-TECH (8324) in state, Fax: 401-463-3433

We regret we are unable to process refunds.

Directions to the Crowne Plaza


801 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick, RI
(401) 732-6000

95 North Bound (from New York) -Take Exit 12A, bear right before light, hotel is on the right.

95 South Bound (from Boston) -Take Exit 12A, bear right before light, hotel is on the right.

Bus Information: Bus #13-East Greenwich (30-40 minutes from downtown Providence