Sessions

Registration: 8:00-8:30

WELCOME: 8:30-8:50

Gwen Orlowski, Executive Director DRNJ; Mike Marotta, Director, ATAC

KEYNOTE: 9:00-10:00

Scott Elliot, Executive Director, Progressive Center for Independent Living

Session 1: 10:10-11:00

AAC Coding and Robots, Chris Bugaj

Learning language through AAC devices and learning to code has a natural synergy as both are ways to communicate using a structured rule set. Participants in this session will experience free and low-cost tools, many of which might already be available in their organizations, to teach language through the engaging and empowering mediums of block coding and robots! Participants will have an opportunity to create their own program and outline ways to incorporate coding into their own language instruction.

Gadgets & Gizmos to Support Students with Learning Challenges; Brian Friedlander

A lot of innovative developments have occurred in the past three years which has resulted in a number of new and updated personal and classroom technologies that can support students in reading, writing, and note taking. In this virtual webinar attendees will learn about personal scanning devices that can help to support students with reading challenges. Similarly, attendees will learn about some of the most innovative hardware tools that can scan a page of text and read it aloud without the need for an internet connection. In the realm of notetaking there have been a number of new digital pens that can capture audio. Similarly, audio transcription has come of age and there are a number of new services and companies that are adding this feature into their solutions.

Rights to Vocational Rehabilitation Services i; Elisa Cohen, Susan Head, Janna Sheiman

A brief overview of an individual with a disability's right to vocational rehabilitation services, focusing on the Rehabilitation Act and WIOA, followed by a panel discussion about VR services and how the Client Assistance Program can assist you with connecting with these services.

Living and Aging in Place Supporting Individuals and Careers: Q&A; Garth Heid

This will be an opportunity for participants to lead the discussion regarding making modifications to existing spaces to accommodate an individual with a disability in their own residences as both they and their carers continue to age and their abilities and needs change. Examples of environmental modifications, products, and strategies will be discussed as well as current funding options.

Digital Literacy and Cyber Security for Students with I/DD; Wendy Thompson, Patricia Holtzman

Participation in the virtual arena is the right of all individuals. Research shows that individuals with intellectual disabilities are seven times more likely to be victimized in online situations then those who are not. Students with intellectual disabilities need to prepare to safely engage in online activities. Digital literacy is one means promoted in schools to help train students with intellectual disabilities for involvement in online activities. This presentation will cover how scenarios can be used to engage students with intellectual disabilities utilizing realistic examples for possible online risk.

The Basics of Gestault Language Processing and AAC; Kate Flaxman

Everyone is talking about gestalt language processing and the impact on individuals who use AAC. Current research in the field of AAC, as well as aided language programs, have been heavily geared towards the background knowledge and research within analytic language development. However, research also indicates another typical form of language development, gestalt language processing, which should be considered. This presentation will define gestalt language processing, characteristics of individuals who may be considered gestalt language processors, and ideas on how to support AAC users who may be gestalt language processors. Time for questions or discussion will be included.

Session 2: 11:10-12:00

Coaching and Mentoring (Double Session); Chris Bugaj

It takes practice to learn any skill. Want to become better at dribbling a basketball? You need practice. Want to learn how to play the guitar? You need practice. Want to become a communication partner who effectively demonstrates and teaches language to users of AAC? You need practice! Practice alone, however, does not make perfect. Instead, perfect practice makes perfect. To become a more effective communication partner who is practicing perfectly, feedback and guidance are important factors. Participants will learn a systematic structure that can be implemented in either face-to-face or virtual learning environments for how to develop and foster skills in others so they can become effective communication partners and coaches.

AT Update: What's New in 2022 from the Job Accommodation Network; Teresa Goddard

Are you wondering about what’s new in the world of assistive technology (AT)? Are you curious about equipment and technology-related accommodation trends? Do you simply have a love of gadgets? Attend this training for an introduction to new and improved products and a discussion of how to apply them as workplace accommodations. JAN Consultants will discuss new accommodation approaches to a variety of accommodation challenges.

Transition for High School students under IDEA and WIOA, Melissa Zeidler and Janna Sheiman

Students and youth with disabilities aged 14-21 are entitled to transition services and planning – meaning services and planning to help them prepare for transitioning to life after high school whether it be postsecondary education, career readiness, or life skills. Learn about services they can receive from their high school and, at times, other state agencies like the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired to help support them.

iOS 15 and Alternative Access; Janet DeSenzo

Join this presenter led discussion addressing the accessibility features of iOS 15. We will also explore bluetooth switches and interfaces, accessible apps and Universal Access. Attendees will leave with a toolbox of ideas for immediate use.

Jordan's World: Using AT to Support Life After High School; Jordan Pratt, Nicole Pratt, Adam Krass

This presentation will include an overview and case study of supports for transition to adult life, independent living, employment, transportation, and executive skills. Jordan, a recent high school graduate, part time employee, and aspiring video game developer, Nicole, his mother, parent advocate, and technology facilitator, and Adam, an assistive technology consultant, will present both Jordan's suite of assistive technology supports as well as additional general supports. This presentation will also describe techniques for matching technologies to persons with disabilities in community, home, and work settings, including getting ready for adult life via the IEP Transition Planning process.

AAC: More Than Two Truths and a Lie; Barbra Seltzer; Catherine Fredericks

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is no longer considered a “last resort”. Although previously considered for only non-speaking or minimally speaking students, research is also showing that AAC can be of benefit to Autistic students who speak, English Language Learners, and many others. Communication is necessary for social, educational, and vocational success. Utilization of AAC can aid in changing educational trajectories by enabling language expansion, class participation and literacy development. Further, AAC can support individuals in obtaining independence and community integration throughout the lifespan. Despite the abundance of research available, many misconceptions still exist which prevent access to AAC for many children and adults. This presentation will seek to dispel myths while highlighting how AAC can support diversity, equity, and inclusion within communities. Practical suggestions for integrating AAC into daily routines will be presented.

Session 3: 1:00-1:50

Coaching and Mentoring (Double Session) Chris Bugaj

It takes practice to learn any skill. Want to become better at dribbling a basketball? You need practice. Want to learn how to play the guitar? You need practice. Want to become a communication partner who effectively demonstrates and teaches language to users of AAC? You need practice! Practice alone, however, does not make perfect. Instead, perfect practice makes perfect. To become a more effective communication partner who is practicing perfectly, feedback and guidance are important factors. Participants will learn a systematic structure that can be implemented in either face-to-face or virtual learning environments for how to develop and foster skills in others so they can become effective communication partners and coaches.

Creating Accessible Materials for the Classroom; Maggie Pickett, National AEM Center / CAST

Calling all content creators and curators! What are you creating? What are you curating? Using technology to create and adapt learning opportunities is part establishing equitable learning opportunities. Let's start by creating a curating resources that are accessible to any learner. Join this session to dive into the basics of accessible content for the classroom.

Financial Sponsorship for Higher Education through Voc Rehab; Elisa Cohen, Susan Head, Janna Sheiman

Learn about the higher education and training services available to individuals with disabilities through the New Jersey Vocational Rehabilitation agencies, with a look at what will be considered by the VR agency, policies regarding SSI and SSDI recipients, and an overview of the IPE process

AT Transition Supports and Financial Wellness; Laurie Schaller

The Social Security Administration (SSA) understands that many SSI and SSDI beneficiaries need assistive technology to complete their educations and maximize their productivity within the workforce. SSA provides work supports such as IRWE, PASS, PESS and SEIE to help people afford the assistive technology they need. ABLE accounts are for those who have a disability that began before age 26. ABLE savings can be used to pay for a vehicle, business equipment, assistive technology and more. When used in combination with a National Disability Institute (NDI) assistive technology loan, a youth, can build a good credit score that can support career development while providing the items needed to succeed. Learn about SSA work supports, ABLE accounts and the NDI AT loan program and how these supports can help your students and people with disabilities improve their quality of life and financial wellness. We look forward to working with you to meet your students’ and customers’ needs.

Computer Access: Hands-On; Kristen Russell

This informal session will begin with a brief presentation on assistive technology tools for computer access, followed by an opportunity for attendees to move around several stations for some hands-on time with assistive technology tools for computer access. Tools will include a standalone eye tracker device, various head mouse options, mouse and keyboard alternatives, and ergonomic tools. This is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to broaden their overall knowledge of assistive technology tools for computer access. All tools at this session are part of the Technology Lending Center, New Jersey’s assistive technology lending library program and will be available for future loans so that people can try before they buy.

Creating a Custom Playground Communication Board: A Blueprint for Success; Catherine Fredericks, Barbra Seltzer, Travis Tallman

Playground Communication Boards provide socialization and language learning opportunities for all children and increase community exposure to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Creating customized boards to reflect specific communities can be a daunting task without any guidance. From conception to implementation, this presentation will simplify the customization process by providing a clear "blueprint" of steps, considerations, and resources.

Session 4: 2:10-3:00

Cards Against Exclusivity: A Feature Matching Game; Chris Bugaj

Play the Game, Win Fabulous Prizes, Walk away with AT ideas, Connect with Others and Most Importantly Build Your Network!!

In this interactive gaming experience, teams will be given a number of cards with different features of tools or strategies. Examples include text to speech, speech to text, dual highlighting, time delay, audio narration, word prediction, least to most prompting, closed captioning, open educational resources, robots, optical character recognition, and more. A scenario will then be displayed on the screen. Teams will review their cards looking for a feature or strategy to address the situation and make a selection. A discussion will ensue about what each feature/strategy is and how it can be used to design inclusive educational experiences. Celebrity judges will then vote on the feature or strategy that best matches/addresses the problem or situation. Areas addressed will include accessible educational materials, literacy skills, STEAM, executive functioning, social emotional learning, and more. The game will run as described for approximately 50 minutes. During the last 10 minutes, participants will be invited to share unused cards with features or strategies with which they might be unfamiliar.. Participants will learn more features, strategies, tools and how they can be implemented to support inclusive and personalized learning experiences for students with and without disabilities all while playing a fun and interactive game. Participants will also be invited to replicate the experience they return to their own places of work.