Difference between revisions of "ATIA 2015 in Orlando, FL"

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With 1.2 million apps in the Apple store, and a similar number available for Android, it is an increasing challenge to sort through the maze of apps to find the one that matches your need. This session will provide attendees with an in-depth exploration of the Georgia Tools for Life AppFinder, as well as an introduction to two or more other widely used app search engines. Resources for reviewed apps will be described, as well as the parameters used for various app rating and classification systems. Attendees will "visit" a variety of Facebook pages, blogs, and other forums that routinely discuss and review apps that may be useful for a variety of functions (communication, writing, organization, etc.) for people with disabilities of all ages. A "bonus" for attendees will be resources that frequently offer app sales or freebies for apps that otherwise must be purchased.
With 1.2 million apps in the Apple store, and a similar number available for Android, it is an increasing challenge to sort through the maze of apps to find the one that matches your need. This session will provide attendees with an in-depth exploration of the Georgia Tools for Life AppFinder, as well as an introduction to two or more other widely used app search engines. Resources for reviewed apps will be described, as well as the parameters used for various app rating and classification systems. Attendees will "visit" a variety of Facebook pages, blogs, and other forums that routinely discuss and review apps that may be useful for a variety of functions (communication, writing, organization, etc.) for people with disabilities of all ages. A "bonus" for attendees will be resources that frequently offer app sales or freebies for apps that otherwise must be purchased.


*[[Media:ATIA_2015_Environmental_Control_Jacobs_Leverett_Persaud_Phillips_FINAL.pdf | App Maze PDF Presentation]]
*[[Media:ATIA2015_Navigating_the_App_Maze_Goldman_and_Rust_final.pdf | App Maze PDF Presentation]]


===Here's Hope: Assistive Technology Supporting Positive Mental Health===
===Here's Hope: Assistive Technology Supporting Positive Mental Health===

Revision as of 20:51, 2 February 2015

Assistive Technology Solutions for Successful Aging

Thursday, January 29

Presenters:

Maria Kelley - Washington Assistive Technology Act Program

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

Session Description: 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, especially as we age. This talk will present what’s new in AT and the Aging in Place movement as we explore where we were, where we are, and perhaps, where we are going. Participants will receive updates on exciting research projects and product developments being produced at TechSage, the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC)at Georgia Tech. Apps to assist with aging well will be shown and resources for tracking trends will be shared. There are many obstacles older individuals encounter daily that can hinder them from remaining at home and in the communities of their choice. Join us for an insightful session that will shed some light on assistive technology strategies, solutions and devices that are used to help individuals age successfully in communities of their choice. Presenters will share real-life examples of AT that assists with fall detection and prevention, environmental control, memory, healthy-living, hearing, seeing, communication, and computer access. If you are currently working with or have family and friends that would like to age in place successfully, then this session is for you!

Pass It On: Expanding the Outreach of Assistive Technology

Thursday, January 29

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.

  • [[Media: | Pass It On PDF Presentation]]

Navigating the App Maze: Search Engines, Finders, Blogs and Reviews

Friday, January 30

Presenters:

Amy Goldman, Associate Director, Institute on Disabilities, Temple University

Martha Rust, AT Specialist, Tools for Life/ GaTech

Session Description:

With 1.2 million apps in the Apple store, and a similar number available for Android, it is an increasing challenge to sort through the maze of apps to find the one that matches your need. This session will provide attendees with an in-depth exploration of the Georgia Tools for Life AppFinder, as well as an introduction to two or more other widely used app search engines. Resources for reviewed apps will be described, as well as the parameters used for various app rating and classification systems. Attendees will "visit" a variety of Facebook pages, blogs, and other forums that routinely discuss and review apps that may be useful for a variety of functions (communication, writing, organization, etc.) for people with disabilities of all ages. A "bonus" for attendees will be resources that frequently offer app sales or freebies for apps that otherwise must be purchased.

Here's Hope: Assistive Technology Supporting Positive Mental Health

Friday, January 30

Presenters: Curt Johnson, University of Washington

Carolyn Phillips, Director of Tools for Life, Tools for Life/ GaTech

Cinda Johnson, Associate Professor and Program Director, Special Education, Seattle University

Maria Kelley, AT Specialist/ OTR, ATP, University of Washington/ WATAP

Session Description:

Assistive technology can be used as an innovative way to provide support for individuals with mental health issues. Use of AT is an emerging mental health treatment field which in many cases improves the accessibility, effectiveness and affordability of mental health care. Assistive technology is making significant strides in helping people living with mental health disorders. Applications on mobile devices are tracking emotions, lifestyle changes, providing therapeutic activity and supplementing traditional therapies. Personal use of electronic devices and associated Apps are helping individuals manage these issues, remain productive and increase independence. This session will discuss and review AT in educational planning, implementation and reporting. These will include a range of AT from digital cameras, use of telepresence, tablets, apps, text to speech and word prediction. In addition, an AT approach for recognizing and helping people stay off the "FAST" (Frustration or Fatigue, Anxiety, Stress and Tension) Track will be shared. Information will be shared concerning device use, low tech solutions, software applications, new technology and supporting accommodations. Use of AT in the workplace and classroom will cover specific applications to maintain accuracy and productivity. Discussion of ADL’s, home independence and monitoring will be included.

  • [[Media:| Here's Hope AT & Mental Health PDF Presentation]]

Access and Explore! Using Environmental Control throughout the Transition Process

Friday, January 30

Presenters: Liz Persaud, Carolyn Phillips, Ben Jacobs, Tools for Life and Michael Leverett, Disability Connections

Session Description:

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 into postsecondary education or community living. In this session, presenters will ask the “critical questions” that you need to know when assessing your clients and share success stories of individuals using a variety of environmental controls. This session will also include a demonstration of 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 and robotics) will be covered.

Creating a Successful AT Lab for Conferences

Friday, January 30

Presenters: Martha Rust, Carolyn Phillips, and Liz Persaud, Tools for Life

Session Description:

Have you ever wondered how to create a successful AT Solutions Lab at a state conference, international conference, or conferences geared toward a specific group? Come to this session and learn how! For the past 18 years, Tools for Life have been able to host a successful lab at a variety of different conference including but not limited to: Statewide conference covering all disabilities, conferences focusing on learning disabilities, conferences focusing on neurodegenerative disabilities, and conferences that focus on the aging. During this session, participants will learn the who, what, when, why and how to put one on yourself. Participants will come away with tools on how to set up a budget and creating partners to assist. They will also learn how to decide what equipment will be needed and how much equipment as well how to come up with a working schedule of who is in the AT Solutions Lab. Participants will also learn how integrate specific focused hands on training of equipment and presentations- all while making the lab fully accessible!

Additional Resources

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