Sessions
Day 1
Session A: 9:00-9:45
Providing AT Services with Centers for Independent Living; Adam Krass, Brian Fitzgibbons
For many adults with disabilities accessing assistive technology services can be difficult-to-impossible. This is especially true for adults who are not working or obtaining career-related education. Although there are a number of public and non-profit organizations that provide supports for adults with disabilities, navigating their requirements can be complicated. Centers for Independent Living (CILs) often provide the vital link between adults with disabilities and the community-based services they need. They can also provide a range of direct services. Heightened Independence and Progress (HIP), in partnership with Adam Krass Consulting, has provided direct assistive technology services and a small-scale AT purchase program to adults with disabilities living in Bergen and Hudson Counties (NJ) for close to 10 years. This model of community-based direct assistive technology services paired with a small-scale AT purchase program is a successful model other Centers for Independent Living can replicate for their respective geographic areas Session A.1 Notes
Voices for a Lifetime: AAC & Transitions; Tracy Lee
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems provide individuals with significant speech and language difficulties a means to communicate. At times of life transitions, such as early intervention to school-based services and then to adult life, resources to provide AAC systems and supports change. This session will address considerations to meet the needs of AAC users at these critical times. Session A.2 Notes
Using Whiteboard.chat as an Accessible Learning Tool; Elisa Wern
In our current global circumstances it is continuing to be important to have tools to successfully integrate technology and participation from a variety of settings and locations. The session will share a multitude of features from the freemium web-based platform whiteboard.chat. This tool was developed during the pandemic by programmer parents who experienced their own children’s distance-learning and developed a platform that provided other options for student engagement. This presentation will focus through the lens of universal design for learning in presenting features which allow for access and participation by a wide range of students with and without disabilities. Use case examples as well as tutorials will also be integrated into the session. Participants will have the opportunity to engage live during the session with a platform to learn as their students would. Features that allow for social emotional learning check-in’s, visual motor integration activities, writing tasks, math, and many others will be shared throughout the presentation. Come and learn about another tool for your toolbox! Session A.3 Notes
Creating Supports for Comprehensive Emergent Literacy Instruction; Beth Poss
This session examines how educators and therapists can create a wide range of resources to support comprehensive emergent literacy instruction for learners with significant disabilities, including complex communication needs and physical disabilities. Learn how to pair evidence based strategies with digital tools to create custom materials that will engage emergent readers and writers and be used as part of a systematic approach to develop print concepts, alphabet Session A.4 Notes
Using Beacons to Increase Student Notetaking Skills; Maria Spade
This presentation will benefit higher education professionals that provide services to students with disabilities, such as ADA Coordinators, Disability Service Providers, Test Center Coordinators and AT Specialists. Over the past few years, our Disability Services Office faced several challenges providing note-taking services and encouraging registered students to embrace new forms of assistive technology. As a result, several technology/product trials and case studies were completed to address common problems within our disability services office. With a collaboration with ATAC, the Learning Access Program at Stockton University was able to enhance note-taking services through the installation of Beacons. In addition, a new “Student Accessibility Advocate Program” was implemented to provide peer to peer skills and technology training. This program proved to be highly successful in motivating students with disabilities to try new technology and improve their own note-taking and study skills. Combining the newly installed technology with our current note-taking procedures and Access Advocate trainings ....... (this is where I hope to have concrete data to say how we helped. If not, it would be preliminary.) Session A.5 Notes
DRNJ Presents: Medicaid and Community Living; Michael Brower, Charles Oslander, Gwen Orlowski
A panel of expert attorneys from Disability Rights New Jersey will facilitate a roundtable discussion about some of the most common barriers to community living for people with disabilities. Participants will guide the discussion by sharing experiences, resources, concerns, and solutions. To maximize the effectiveness of this discussion, participants should view the webinars made available on Workability, Medicaid MCO Adverse Benefit Decisions, Special Needs Trusts, and Medicaid Eligibility Groups.
Session B: 10:00-10:45
The Kitchen Sink of Engaging Learners; Sharon Plante
Educational technology provides many tools that teachers can use in the classroom to deliver content by removing text barriers, differentiating instruction, and promoting the student's voices. Participants still weigh the pros and cons of apps and websites that can support students with organization, time-management, and note-taking. We will investigate tools that can provide teachers and students the opportunities to demonstrate knowledge in ways beyond traditional paper formats that can be so challenging for those who have learning differences. Session B.1 Notes
Making the Most of Bookshare; Vanessa Lombardo
In this presentation, participants will be introduced to Bookshare and ways to use it with their students. We will specifically focus on adding individual students, reading lists, special collections and tools to read Bookshare eBooks. Session B.2 Notes
Beyond Communication to Connection: Supporting ALS Clients with AAC; Nacham Lehman
Bridging Voice is a non-profit organization that has been providing remote Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) support to ALS patients across the country. Bridging Voice recently launched an initiative that provides all their services free of charge to any ALS patient residing in New Jersey. Often we think of AAC through a narrow lens of basic communication. While the ability to communicate with your health providers, family, and friends is critical, AAC can provide even more. AAC can be a tool for providing the type of connection that enhances and defines our lives. During this session we will share examples of different ways Bridging Voice has used AAC to go beyond basic communication, to help our ALS clients maintain and build deeper connections in their lives. Drawing on examples from our 750+ ALS clients we’ll explore how we’ve provided AAC support remotely and share some of the lessons we’ve learned along the way. Through case studies, we’ll show how we’ve helped clients maintain their businesses, continue their education, explore their passions and maintain strong relationships with their children. We’ll share how we can create opportunities to expand relationships and maintain the social networks that are the critical ingredients for quality of life. Participants will leave with greater insight on how AAC can enrich client’s lives and concrete takeaways for how to support ALS clients with their personal goals. Session B.3 Notes
Accommodating a Hybrid Workplace; Teresa Goddard
The presentation will highlight scenarios where consultants were brought in to provide practical guidance and work through tailored solutions to overcome workplace barriers including equipment and teleworking policies, changes to accommodations due to reentry to the workplace, and emerging requests arising from changing needs. Cost-benefit data will be provided where available. Session B.4 Notes
Tech Tools to Work Smarter Not ...; Elisa Wern
As we begin a new school year that will continue to present unique challenges, it is more important than ever that our time is used in the most effective ways. No matter your job title you are often pulled in multiple directions at once and this can create some communication frustration and confusion. Things get forgotten or team members can reach a space where they are very overwhelmed! Obviously this can then affect our ability to go and serve the students and clients we work with, which no one desires. Enter technology! We will be covering tools, tips, and templates that will enable you to keep track of the work that you do in a streamlined way hoping you to be more effective while also assisting with the very necessary elements such as data collection for assistive technology, AAC, and other accommodations. Some of these are for monitoring and tracking referrals for example, as well as organizing the tasks of mentoring and coaching. Come and learn some resources and tips that can help you start the year off right! Session B.5 Notes
DRNJ Roundtable: Nursing Home Transition: Finding Your Home in the Community; Elena Zoniadis, Amy Brown
Amy Brown is the Director of Outreach and Advocacy for I Choose Home, Office of the Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly (OOIE). Elena Zoniadis is the Managing Attorney of Institutional Rights for Disability Rights NJ. They will be holding a panel discussion regarding the I Choose Home program and person-centered planning for individuals in nursing homes and long-term care facilities who are seeking community placement. Session B.6 Notes
Session C: 11:00:-11:45
Leveraging AT With ABLE, AFP And SSA Work Supports; Laurie Schaller
This session will share ABLE savings and investment account basics and how they support people with disabilities in achieving increased levels of health, independence and quality of life. The Social Security Administration encourages people with disabilities to pursue education and employment to one’s fullest ability. Assistive technology can support people as the pursue these goals. Grants and funding referrals are provided by Alternative Finance Programs (AFP) helping people to obtain AT. In the event funding is not available, an affordable loan is offered. SSI and SSDI disability recipients can use an ABLE account, specific work supports and an affordable loan together to boost their outcomes and financial self-sufficiency. The AFP loans are available to anyone who needs AT, regardless of age, or household income. Best practices and specific examples will be shared. Session C.1 Notes
Living and Aging in Place: Supporting the Caregiver; Garth Heid
Our modern homes currently are not often designed to accommodate us throughout our lifetimes as we change. These changes can be brought on by illness, disability, aging, or a combination of all three, affecting everyone in the household. Fortunately, current trends in supports and funding are leaning toward community, not institutional living. Come learn what can be done with existing spaces when the need arises. We will outline how we evaluate homes for accessibility, including modifications to entrances and bathrooms. We will discuss options that can be retro-fitted. Session C.2 Notes
Digitizing the Intent: How to create custom AT Solutions; Bill Binko
AT users are often limited not by their abilities or ambition, but by the lack of available technology solutions that match their specific challenges. In this session, you will learn how ATMakers create custom solutions by converting the user's intentions to digital form and then uses common Maker technologies to bring them to fruition. Session C.3 Notes
Top 9 Things Educators Can Do To Support Students; Kelli Suding
While there are many ways we can support our students, we have come down to the Top 9 to implement right out of the gate. Building relationships with our students can set the groundwork for the school year; as well as supporting and teaching the skills for executive functioning. Whether you are a special educator, general education teacher, administrator, related services provider, paraprofessional, school staff, we all can play an integral role in successful student outcomes while supporting equitable opportunities for student independence. This session will leave you with practical ideas and actions to consider to facilitate engagement, represent an action and expression for ALL students. Session C.4 Notes
Kids Just Wanna Have Fun...and AT Can "Make" That Happen; Judith Schoonover
Never underestimate the importance of play in child growth and development! Removing barriers and providing access to young children with differing abilities can expand play repertoires. Whether working virtually or face to face, simple adaptations with easily found materials can make play experiences more meaningful. This presentation will highlight simple positioning supports, adapted toys and books, and communication aids. Session C.5 Notes
DRNJ Roundtable: Spotlight on Decriminalizing Disability-Special Education and Juvenile Justice; Regina Ann Smith, Ruby Kish
Through this 45-minute roundtable conversation, the panelists will review the overrepresentation of youth of color with disabilities in the juvenile justice system and how effective education advocacy can be a tool for preventing mis-incarceration through both out-of-court and in-court advocacy and training. We will identify common education issues that arise when representing young people in the juvenile legal system and we will brainstorm creative strategies when working with youth who are court-involved. We will also examine the educational challenges of youth who transition among multiple settings. We will discuss resources available through state-wide organizations to enhance the advocacy on behalf of these youth with disabilities. Although the format is virtual, we will use polls and hypotheticals to engage the audience in this roundtable conversation. Audience participation is strongly encouraged! Session C.6 Notes
Denise Ghizzone A lifelong AT user, Denise will share insights on using technology to increase independence and discuss her TWO books: Determination: What I'm All About and Knowledge, Acceptance and Compassion: A Journey of Learning About, Understanding and Responding to People as Individuals. For more details see the Keynote session of the website.
Session D: 1:15-2:00
AT: Assistive Tech or Attitudinal Traits? Carol Allen
We have a world of Assistive Technology and in this ever-developing market, the choice extends regularly and the effectiveness increases. Yet, there are still so many barriers to effective implementation which prevent successful access for users. How much of this is down to attitude? This session will explore the synergy between attitude and implementation. In this session we will explore some of the common barriers to successful introduction of AT to support children in our schools and more importantly, discuss some of the ways these can be overcome. Given that there is a world of opportunity for those that need help, it is so frustrating for all if solutions cannot be found to ensure consistent usage and access for students when they need support. Even more frustrating are the artificial barriers sometimes constructed by the divisions in life, for example between home and school or transition to a new class or school. Based on years of experience, this lively session will look at how attitude and approach can be key features in achieving the best outcomes. The power of collective voice; of simple wins; of access to practical support and training and the equation of building on small step successes will be covered. In need of re-energizing; new ideas or reminders that everything shiny and new is not always best? Why not come along, join in and enjoy the session? Session D.1 Notes
Indestructables: Making Some Tough AT; Scout Merry
This session will show make it yourself AT that can withstand a variety of outside forces. These will be devices and holders that are put together with basic supplies and skills. All devices will be able to withstand a slam or stand on test. I will show assembly, discuss what to avoid, and include options. The design ideas are to assist individuals, families and educators with solutions for users who are more exuberant. There are devices available but some are very expensive and some are not durable or do not have the functionality needed for the individual. When the basic design is tough and flexible, the end user’s needs may be better met. I have been making You Tube videos since March of 2020, when we all started working from home and living on Zoom. Until that time I had never made a video in my life-and they are still works in progress! I am not shy to do goofy things while still providing good information about the devices I highlight. I would like nothing more than to have participants get their hands on materials, but we seem not to be there yet. My goal is to encourage participants to feel confident to try something new. I would like us all to make the AT fit the individuals instead of making the individuals fit the AT. Session D.2 Notes
Creating Customized Communication Playground Boards: A "Blueprint" for Success; Catherine Fredericks, Barbra Seltzer; Travis Tallman, Jennifer Cristiano
Playground Communication Boards provide increased opportunities for communication, and expand community exposure to Augmentative and Alternative Communication [AAC]. This presentation will focus on the benefits of creating a custom playground board. An organized "blueprint" (from inception to implementation) will be presented, including multi-cultural considerations, ways to engage with the community, benefits of multi-disciplinary involvement, and funding ideas. Session D.3 Notes
Five Things I Wish I Knew Before College; Nick Foley
College presents new challenges to all students, and especially those with learning differences. Learn from a current college student about the importance of self advocacy, assistive technology, study skills, time management, and college-level support services. Session D.4 Notes
DRNJ Roundtable: Transition - Know the Facts; Susan Head, Robert Robinson
Navigating successful transition planning can be overwhelming. Disability Rights New Jersey will highlight best practices for creating an effective transition plan within the IEP and securing additional transition services through the State VR agency. Effective transition planning is possible when you know your rights and the facts! Session D.6 Notes
Session E: 2:15-3:00
Personalized Learning in the Classroom for EVERY Student; Jamie Rifkowitz
Personalized Learning in the Classroom for EVERY Student will provide learners with practical strategies to use in the virtual/hybrid classroom right now. While students have access to more technology now than ever, it is vital to leverage that technology to meet the needs of each individual student. Learners will walk away from this session with a focus on strategies and engagement techniques to increase the skill sets of students from K-12. Special focus will include leveraging Google tools to support student learning and applying ed tech tools to allow each student to meet his/her best potential. Session E.1 Notes
Supporting Family Caregivers: How AT Can Help?; Stephanie Howland, Stephanie Samuel, Susan Cohen
Simple devices (e.g. video doorbells, virtual assistants and drop-in cameras) and/or Assistive Technology have been proven to decrease stress and isolation, while also increasing support and independence. United Way of Northern New Jersey’s Assistive Technology for Caregiving Families Program, as part of United Way Caregivers Coalition, provides families with these devices, as well as ongoing support from Assistive Technology Specialists. Attend this presentation to learn about the program, the devices used and how they can be of help to you and your loved ones. You will also be provided with information about United Way Caregivers Coalition and how it provides caregivers across the lifespan with resources, information, education to help them with their vital role. Session E.2 Notes
Delivering an Accessible Online Course: Lessons Learned in the Pandemic; Dr Sheryl Burgstahler
Particularly relevant in the age of the pandemic accompanied by an explosion of online offerings, in this presentation participants will explore what online instructors need to know in order to make their online courses accessible to students with disabilities who include • students who are blind and use screen readers that read text using synthesized speech; • students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia who use text to speech (TTS) technologies that read aloud digital text while visually highlighting each word; • students with low vision who enlarge text and images; • students with fine motor impairments who use assistive technologies such as speech recognition, head pointers, mouth sticks, or eye-gaze tracking systems; and • students in a noisy or noise-free environment or who are deaf or hard of hearing and therefore depend on captions or transcripts to access audio content. The proactive universal design framework will be shared along with tips regarding the design of instructional materials that include • Avoid PDFs, especially scanned images • Structure headings • Provide descriptive text for hyperlinks & images • Use large, sans serif fonts, uncluttered pages, plain backgrounds • Caption videos Tips for designing instructional practices include • Make instructions & expectations clear • Address wide range of tech skills • Provide options for communicating, learning, and demonstrating learning • Spell out acronyms, define jargon Resources for further study will be shared, including the document 20 Tips for Teaching an Accessible Online Course and the websites AccessDL and the Center for Universal Design in Education. Session E.3 Notes
Beyond ADL: Fostering Creativity and Learning Opportunities; Jordan Jankus
The primary focus of long-term care systems for people with cognitive disabilities is ensuring their health and safety and acquiring basic living skills to maximize their independence. Another area that has received less systemic focus is providing stimulating technology-based learning opportunities that promote a person's self-awareness, creativity and imagination. This presentation will provide practical ideas for us to go beyond the basics of ADL and focus on broader quality of life issues. Session E.4 Notes
Mindfulness in the AT World: Not Just Another App; Priscilla Danielson -CANCELLED
Mindfulness is a state of awareness that can support increased self-awareness and sense of calm in the home, school, and employment environments. Not everyone engages mindfulness in the same way and some individuals have difficulty achieving a mindful state for themselves. For some individuals presenting disabilities, mindfulness is not easily achieved. If we consider mindfulness as including varied tasks and approaches, we may be able to reach more individuals and allow mindfulness to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Mindfulness includes multiple processes, such as meditation, taking breaks, establishing calming opportunities, using breathing practices, yoga, making choices for yourself, and having self-awareness regarding emotional states. Individuals presenting disabilities have access to and approach the above activities differently. Being sensitive to these variations in access will empower providers, therapists, and families to better support the emotional, physical and communication needs of individuals with disabilities. Assistive Technology (AT) provides resources and tools that can assist the mindfulness process and allow for inclusion of more and varied individuals. This presentation will review research in the area of mindfulness with individuals with disabilities, will review activities associated with mindfulness and focus on how Assistive Technology (AT) can support mindfulness and allow for stronger connections with individuals presenting disabilities as well as those who are able bodied and supporting individuals with disabilities Session E.5 Notes
DRNJ Roundtable: Employment First and Getting A Job in NJ; Jill Hoegel, Charles Ouslander
Join the staff of Disability Rights NJ for an interactive discussion about Employment First and what it means for you. Our experts will be available this session to answer questions about employment services for individuals with Intellectual and developmental disabilities in New Jersey as well as provide some guidance on how to obtain the right services to support individuals seeking competitive integrated employment opportunities This session is targeted to adult individuals or recent graduates and their family members who support them. In order to prepare for this session here are 2 resources that you may review ahead of time "Employment Support Services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD): Frequently Asked Questions and "Vocational rehabilitation (VR) services for those with Developmental Disabilities: Frequently Asked Questions Session E.6 Notes
DAY 2
Jennifer Jacobs; Assistant Commisioner; NJ Dept. of Human Services
In her role at the New Jersey Department of Human Services, she leads New Jersey's Medicaid program and the Children's Health Insurance Program, which together are known as NJ FamilyCare. For more details see the Keynote session of the website.
Session F: 10:00-10:45
Let's Get Digital: Support AAC Learning with Digital Activities; Sarah Gregory
The past year has required us to become more comfortable with remote learning and digital tools. Some aspects of online learning we will happily leave in the past, while others are here to stay. This session will focus on technology tools that are easy to acquire and use, and that will support evidence-based practice in AAC learning. We will explore digital materials for direct therapy that are free/low-cost, easily customizable, and engaging. This session will also highlight technology tools that will increase the ease and efficiency of coaching and indirect support. Come and fill your toolbox with digital materials and resources that will make AAC support fun and functional whether learners are virtual or in-person. Session F.1 Notes
Learning Loss: Technological Strategies for Accelerating Growth in Reading and Writing; Nanci Shepardson
COVID 19 has exacerbated learning loss and access to grade level content due to extended remote learning. Now is the time to close the gaps so that students master essential literacy skills that tee them up for success. This session explores which technological tools will facilitate important literacy skill advancement. Attendees will leave this session with knowledge that may be implemented with students the very next day. Session F.2 Notes
Screen Readers and Accessible Powerpoints for the Modern Student; Kit Aronoff
PowerPoint accessibility is a perennial problem for students with visual impairments. Most schools of thought follow that a student can use a screen reader directly with the PowerPoint file or by converting it into a word document. But what if there was another option? HTML documents are the underutilized way to access and follow-along with PowerPoints. Session F.3 Notes
Notetaking in the Classroom: New Innovations and Strategies; Brian Friedlander
One of the biggest challenges that student with learning disabilities face is the task of taking notes independently in their classes. In this webinar participants will explore a number of new and innovative tools and strategies to assist students as they strive to take notes independently. Participants will explore low, mid, and high tech ways that students can take notes. Participants will explore digital pens, smart notebooks, audio transcription, and tools for audio recording lectures. The advantages and disadvantages of these tools and techniques will be discussed. Session F.4 Notes
Let's Talk Data: Simplifying the Process; Cassie Frost
In this practical session, come learn about how to simplify the ongoing process of data collection. From writing measurable goals to creating visual reports that make the data clear, this session will provide simple techniques to make the entire process easier. Learn how to set up Google Forms and Sheets to simply and easily collect data on IEP goals, device usage, classroom behaviors, and more. This session will look at easy techniques that can be used immediately as well as long-term systems to make the process seamless. Never walk into a meeting or write a report without concrete data again! Session F.5 Notes
DRNJ Roundtable: Social Security Overpayments-The Basics & How to Handle Overpayment Issues; Charles Ouslander, Susan Head
Disability Rights NJ has previously created and presented webinars on Social Security overpayments. Those webinars explain in a step by step process what overpayments are, how they might occur and what a Social Security beneficiary may do to eliminate or reduce those overpayment amounts. This roundtable discussion is intended to explain, discuss and address overpayments notices from the Social Security Administration and how to handle these notices through an appeal or other methods. Session F.6 Notes
Session G: 11:00:-11:45
Integrating Reading Supports with Edtech; Sharon Plante
The utilization of technology (Interactive screens, iPads, apps, and websites) can make reading instruction (decoding/encoding, fluency, and comprehension) a multi-sensory process that is engaging and explicit while maintaining the individualization and diagnostic-prescriptive aspects of the lesson. It can support the organizational challenges for necessary lesson materials that can occur when working with multiple students at once, while also allowing for ease of differentiation within a small group format. Additionally, educational technology can provide ways for the teacher to collect work samples and data from multiple students simultaneously and allow for individualized feedback. The session will focus on the use of various tools that can support differentiated and individualized engagement during various components of reading instruction, many of which can be used during remote learning. Session G.1 Notes
Exploring the Marrakeesh Treaty's Impact and Digital Accessibility Solutions; Auston Stamm
This presentation will provide an overview of the significance of the Marrakesh Treaty and how it is helping ease international copyright restrictions so that accessible books can be produced. The presentation will also highlight some of the shortfalls of the treaty and how accessibility lawsuits and future legislation should lead to and digital marketplace for people to purchase accessible books in the future. The second half of this presentation will explore digital accessibility solutions that can be leveraged to create online courses that are more inclusive and utilize universal design principles. Session G.2 Notes
CITES Framework: Implementing Leadership Practices in Inclusive Technology Systems; Janet Peters
This session will introduce a roadmap to create an inclusive technology system, where AT, EdTech, and InfoTech synergize for the benefit of student success. No matter your sphere of influence in a district, the CITES Framework will help you start where you are with creating inclusive technology systems. CITES is the Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems at CAST Session G.3 Notes
Seven Up! 7 Ways to Boost Your AAC Implementation; Chris Bugaj
Beyond core vocabulary and modeling, this session will focus on seven strategies to boost the language acquisition process. Factors to be discussed include least-to-most prompting, morphological instruction (corephemes), explicit instruction of phrasal verbs, consistent symbol/word location, learning experiences centered around authentic problems, the Specific Language System First approach to tool selection, and developing a culture with embedded peer support Session G.4 Notes
Be a Captions Captain; Hillary Goldthwait-Fowles
Creating Inclusive Video Content with Closed Captions is easier than ever with Assistive and Inclusive technology tools! Join Hillary Goldthwait- Fowles, PhD, ATP as we learn about who captions benefit, what captions are when captions are a feature for all,, where captions belong, why captioning matters, and how to include captions in content you and your learners create! Session G.5 Notes
DRNJ Roundtable: Self Advocacy in the Workplace-Know Your Rights; Kathleen Redpath-Perez, Charles Ouslander, Susan Head
The Americans with Disabilities Act has been protecting employees for over 30 years. In more recent years, a self-advocacy movement has swept the country especially among those with disabilities. During this webinar event, you will learn about what your rights are in the workplace as a person with a disability under both the federal law (ADA) and the state law (NJ LAD). You will learn how to request a reasonable accommodation and what the rules are surrounding disability disclosure. Session G.6 Notes
Session H: 12:00:-12:45
Culturally and Linguistically Sustaining Practice in AAC; Christina Royster, Alma Partida, Jill D/Braunstein
This session will explain how to adapt both light tech and high tech AAC to meet the needs of all AAC users. We will discuss the importance of personalizing AAC apps (skin tone, language, dialect, cultural/religious vocabulary, physical features, etc.) and share current workarounds in the most commonly-used communication applications. Session H.1 Notes
AI & Students with Cognitive Disabilities; Dr. Al Jones Jr.
A presentation providing information and discussion around the use of artificial intelligence for students with disabilities in secondary education. Participants will engage around three primary questions: (1) what does it mean to know and learn, (2) what are concerns related to the use of AI in classrooms with individuals with cognitive disabilities and (3) how can AI shift learning outcomes? Session H.2 Notes
Accessible Library Services from NJSL Talking Books and Braille Center; Jennifer Apgar, Elizabeth Burns
Do you know someone with a print disability who struggles reading standard printed materials? Learn how the NJSL Talking Book & Braille Center can help. It’s easier than ever to sign up for TBBC’s collection of accessible material (audiobooks, Braille, large print.) Learn how individuals and institutions can apply; discover how to download audiobooks and braille; find out about updates. Session H.3 Notes
Promote Executive Function Skills with Inclusive Technology; Karen Janowski
Learners with executive function issues frequently exhibit challenges with organization, effective time management, effective studying, ability to research and synthesize information, and efficient notetaking, essential skills for learning success. This session will highlight the importance of harnessing the power of technology to compensate for skill deficits while equipping and empowering learners for success. Come learn explicit strategy instruction to help all learners thrive. Session H.4 Notes
Top 10 Accessibility Tips for Educators; Alexandra Mendez
From e-books to document formatting, there are ways to make learning more accessible. Learn how to solve common accessibility problems to improve access for all students. This session will provide educators 10 quick ways to improve accessibility for virtual learning materials. Session H.5 Notes
DRNJ Roundtable: Supported Decision Making; Michael Brower
Panelist: Michael Brower, Managing Attorney - Community Inclusion Team Disability Rights New Jersey. Michael Brower will answer questions and encourage participants in this round-table session to share their experiences with the supported decision- making either as an alternative to guardianship or within guardianship. Individuals with disabilities, family members, and providers are welcome to share success stories, challenges, or unique perspectives relating to supported decision-making. Participants should view the pre-recorded webinar on this topic prior to attending. Session H.6 Notes