ATIA 2014 in Orlando, FL

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Ergonomics in Educational Environments: Position for Learning

Thursday, January 30, 2014 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM - Caribbean VII

Presenters:

Maria Kelley - Washington Assistive Technology Act Program

Carolyn Phillips & Liz Persaud - Tools for Life, Georgia's Assistive Technology Act Program

Session Description:

Promoting full inclusion in educational environments often includes knocking down simple physical barriers by building up everyone's skills and knowledge of the principles of ergonomics and understanding of assistive technology solutions. This presentation will identify ergonomic challenges present in the classroom environment and will provide solutions that can assist with improving posture and enhance the student’s ability to focus on learning and promote inclusion.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will be able to identify basic Ergonomic principles for the educational setting and identify 3 factors that contribute to poor posture.

2. Participant will be able to identify 3 assistive technology tools and strategies to improve posture and attention to tasks.

3. Participants will be able to identify 3 resources on where to acquire assistive technology needed to improve ergonomics and learning in the classroom.

Pass It On: Expanding the Outreach of Assistive Technology

Friday, January 31 2014 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM - Cuarcao 4

Presenters: Carolyn Phillips & Liz Persaud, Tools for Life

Session Description:

Assistive Technology (AT) Reuse continues to grow as a national priority. Over 220 AT Reuse programs have been established to assist people with disabilities, their families, and circles of support to exchange or refurbish AT that they no longer use. Other individuals that lack insurance or don’t qualify for traditional funding solutions are seeking affordable, used assistive technology, including durable medical equipment, to meet their needs. The National Assistive Technology Device Reutilization Coordination and Technical Assistance Center known as the Pass It On Center is working with an established network of AT Reuse Programs to discover promising practices, define indicators of quality and promote safe and effective reuse of equipment. Assistive Technology Reuse programs accept donated Assistive Technology that is no longer used by others and properly sanitizes, refurbishes, identifies appropriate users, and matches the equipment to those who would otherwise go without. Appropriate assistive technology allows individuals with disabilities to lead independent and successful lives at school, work, or in their community. Underserved, underinsured and minimal financial options can be an overwhelming barrier to obtaining appropriate assistive technology. The Pass It On Center has collected data that shows the case for reuse of assistive technology as one possible solution and not a replacement for new equipment. This session will define and share successful reuse practices, discuss when reuse is appropriate, provide resources for establishing an AT reuse network, and expand upon the need for AT reuse in the rehabilitation world. The Pass It On Center has also created a website that is dedicated to promoting successful practices for AT reuse and assisting in shaping solutions for AT reuse programs. Information about these resources and where to find your local AT reuse program will be shared.

Learning Objectives

1. At the end of this session, participants will be able to identify and define the 4 types of AT Reuse.

2. At the end of this session, participants will learn 3 resources to establish an AT Reuse network.

3. At the end of this session, participants will know how to access resources, as well as local reuse programs, through the Pass It On Center website.

Across the Table: Personal & Professional Perspectives

Friday, January 31 2014 - 2:20 PM to 3:20 PM - Caribbean V

Presenters: Carolyn Phillips & Liz Persaud, Tools for Life

Session Description:

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.

Learning Objectives

1. As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to list 3 resources for developing and promoting self-determination skills.

2. As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to access and assess 3 resources to discover AT solutions to support those with disabilities.

3. As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to apply 2 strategies for more successful transitions.

Our Favorite Apps: Promoting Successful Transition

Friday, January 31 2014 - 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM - Caribbean V

Presenters:

Maria Kelley - Washington Assistive Technology Act Program

Carolyn Phillips & Liz Persaud - Tools for Life, Georgia's Assistive Technology Act Program

Session Description:

With the introduction of Apps, we are experiencing a drastic technology evolution that is revolutionizing the field of Assistive Technology and producing positive life changing results for individuals with disabilities. Apps are assisting students by promoting more independence, increasing opportunities for inclusion, promoting depth of learning, providing equal access in educational, workplace, and community settings and supporting smoother transitions. This session will provide participants with opportunities to explore specific App solutions that promote success in educational settings and then can ultimately assist with successful transitions into the workplace and community.

Learning Objectives

1. As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to identify 3 apps that are available for the IOS that can assist with successful transition within a school setting as well as the workplace and community.

2. As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to identify 3 apps that are available for Android that can assist with successful transition within a school setting as well as the workplace and community.

3. As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to understand the interface of the Tools for Life AppFinder to locate the best apps that are suitable for their students.

Resources for You!

  • Visit the WATAP website to learn more about Washington State's assistive technology services.