2014 IDEAS Conference in St. Simons Island

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Visit the 2014 IDEAS Wiki Page for more information about the Conference

Access and Explore! Using Environmental Control in the Classroom

Presenters:

Carolyn Phillips, Tools for Life Director

Ben Jacobs, Accommodation Specialist, Tools for Life

Michael Leverett, Director, Disability Connections

The move from classroom to “real life” can be a major transition. Students go from being surrounded by their teachers, peers and helpers regularly, to being by themselves more often and needing to learn strategies for independence. Creating an environment in the classroom that enables learning independence can help ease the transition process. In this session, presenters will demonstrate affordable environmental control solutions that can be implemented in the classroom and then used throughout the transition process. Multiple environmental control options and options for interacting with the environment (voice, computer, tablet, phone) will be covered.

  • As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to list 3 environmental control protocols and their effectiveness.
  • As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to assess and implement solutions for students to interact with their environment.
  • As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to identify 3 affordable solutions to implement in the classroom.

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Across the Table: Personal & Professional Perspectives

Presenters:

Carolyn Phillips, Tools for Life Director

Liz Persaud, Training, Outreach and Development Coordinator, Tools for Life

Aimee Copeland, Advocate and Tools for Life Advisory Council Member

Many of us have sat at "the table" making decisions that often have a significant impact on lives of students with disabilities. We, too, have sat at that decision making table on many occasions and in various roles. Most people know us as professionals in the AT community, but we both have personal experiences in the AT field that have impacted and informed our professional lives. Join us as we reflect back, look forward and share a little bit of our story of lessons learned and resources that helped us as we stumbled along the way. We will also share tips on developing self-determination skills, tricks of how to climb out of transition gaps and resources to help build bridges to better services & support.

  • As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to list 3 resources for developing & promoting self-determination skills.
  • As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to access and assess 3 resources to discover AT solutions to support students.
  • As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to apply 2 strategies for more successful transitions.

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On Your Mark, Get Set, PLAY! Exploring Adapted Recreation

Presenters:

Martha Rust, AT Specialist, Tools for Life

O’Ree Crittendon, Peer Supporter, Access 2 Independence

Aimee Copeland, Tools for Life Advisory Council Member

Recreation and socialization are two important aspects for children in school. However, for a student with a disability, participating in recreational activities might be difficult to achieve and often not even an option. The lack of participation by students with disabilities in recreation sports can lead to ineffective coping mechanisms and even secondary health conditions. During this session, presenters will share recent research that sheds light on the gaps and needs of adaptive recreation for children with disabilities. Discussion will center on the importance of recreation for students of all abilities as well as share examples and resources of adaptive sports, devices and socialization opportunities that can make a difference in the lives of students with disabilities.

  • As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to identify 2 research outcomes on the gaps and needs of adaptive recreation for children with disabilities.
  • As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to identify 3 adaptive sports opportunities in Georgia.
  • As result of this activity, the participant will be able to identify 3 adaptive recreation devices.

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What's New in AT: Tracking Trends & Transferring Knowledge In the Classroom

Presenters:

Carolyn Phillips, Tools for Life Director

Jennifer McCambridge, DeKalb County Schools

Maria Kelley, Senior AT Specialist, Washington Assistive Technology Program

Welcome to the Assistive Technology revolution! The world around us is evolving at an astounding rate. Assistive Technology developments have been foundational in this evolution and a catalyst producing positive life-changing results for individuals with disabilities. Come learn about what's new in AT & the AT community as we explore where we were, where we are and perhaps, where we are going. We will also discuss possible solutions to expedite knowledge transfer from research journals to your classroom & community.

  • As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to summarize 2 current research studies or technology trends regarding applying specific AT in educational environments.
  • As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to summarize the evolution of 1 assistive technology solution.
  • As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to access and assess 3 resources to discover new AT solutions to support students.

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From Velcro to Voice: Computer in Tablet Access for All

Presenters:

Maria Kelley, Washington Assistive Technology Program

Curt Johnson, University of Washington

Ben Jacobs, Tools for Life

Students today can use their hands, eyes, mouth, or voice to access their computers and tablets. With technology constantly changing, this presentation will explore current trends teachers can employ to increase computer access in the classroom. By incorporating low tech solutions with high tech products, educators can improve individual outcomes on a budget.

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Learn More and Do More: Exploring Accessibility and Apps for Android

Presenters:

Martha Rust, AT Specialist, Tools for Life

Ben Jacobs, Accommodations a Specialist, Tools for Life

Liz Persaud, Training, Outreach and Development Coordinator, Tools for Life

When it comes to accessibility features and apps, Apple iOS dominates our classrooms. But did you know that the Android system has over 12,000 various products on the market? With so many to choose from, we can only wonder if the Android platform can support our students in the classroom and through the transition process. If you've always wanted to learn more about Android, then this session is for you! Presenters will provide an overview of the Android system, explore the built-in accessibility features and share some apps that can assist with reading, writing, organization, computer and environmental access. Participants are encouraged to bring their Android devices to this session. Presenters will also provide a few Android tablets for demonstration purposes.

  • As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to identify the difference between Apple iOS and Android systems.
  • As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to name 3 native Android accessibility features.
  • As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to identify 5 apps that can benefit students in the classroom.

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Statewide Collegial Study (Evidence-based Practices)

Presenters:

Carson Cochran, Georgia Department of Education

Carolyn Phillips, Tools for Life

Today’s climate of Research Based Interventions and Evidence Based practices can leave IEP teams in a quandary when considering assistive technology. One such way of keeping abreast of current research findings is participation in a collegial conversation group. These groups read and discuss selected articles on selected topics. This session is designed provide information on what relevant information to look for in a research article, review selected articles complied by researcher, Dave Edyburn, and survey interest in forming a “for credit” online state-wide collegial conversation. For addition information on collegial conversation groups please refer to: https://pantherfile.uwm.edu/edyburn/www/what/conversations.html

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