Director's Keynote
Dr. John Malloy was the keynote speaker at the third annual Unleashing Conference, a TDSB day of professional learning focused on achievement, equity, well-being and the global competencies. His keynote address focused on the TSDB’s Vision for Learning, the remarkable things that happen when students are at the centre of their learning and helping all students succeed.
Closing Keynote: The Power of a Dream
Today’s technologies are levelling the playing field and opening up a world of opportunities for persons of all abilities. Today’s technologies have empowered Sady Paulson to realize her dream of becoming a videographer and how it led to her editing a video for one of the biggest companies in the world. Sady was born with cerebral palsy in Seoul, South Korea. When she was an infant she was adopted and brought to the United States. She continues to tear down barriers and misconceptions and shows how a young Asian girl with a disability can become a strong independent woman. Her story is one of empowerment, perseverance, and an unyielding determination to pursue a dream. We will show how technology plays an important part in her inspiring journey and how it allows everyone to look beyond the disability and focus on ability.
Sady Paulson is a film director, editor and presenter who graduated from Full Sail University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Cinematography. Sady also has Cerebral Palsy. Growing up, Sady always wondered if she would ever have a job that she loved. That changed 15 years ago when she met Mark Coppin, an Apple Distinguished Educator and Director of Assistive Technology at the Ann Carlson Center in Jamestown, North Dakota who introduced Sady to the technology that has helped her access the world. Now a self-described “Nerd” and “Tech Junkie” this is how she describes her relationship with her technology:
“Technology has been very helpful to me through my education, and now I am following my dreams. I love to make films about real life and the world. I enjoy being able to use my skills in the real world. I have Cerebral Palsy and it creates a lot of obstacles and challenges in my life, but I do not let this hold me back. My love for technology is more than just a passion; it gives me access to my world. I need help in some areas, but assistive technology enables me to communicate with my loved ones, and pursue my career.”
Mark Coppin is the owner of Prairie Assistive Technology. For 32 years, he was the Director of Assistive Technology at the Anne Carlsen Center in Jamestown, ND where he coordinated the provision of assistive technology services for the Center. He also provided technology evaluations and consultation services throughout North Dakota. Mark has presented at state, regional, national, and international conferences on such topics as technology and teaching, special education, assistive technology, mobile devices in education, and autism. He has presented twice at the United Nations on the importance of accessibility. Mark holds a bachelor's degree in speech communications and special education and a master’s degree in educational media design and technology. In 2009, Mark was named an Apple Distinguished Educator, and served on their advisory board from 2009-2012. His leadership was instrumental in the Anne Carlsen Center’s selection as an Apple Distinguished School for 2012-present. In 2013, Coppin was one of 10 educators recognized as a Champion of Change by the White House. Coppin also serves on the SXSWEDU (South By SouthWest Education) advisory board.