Sessions
WELCOME: 8:30-8:45
Gwen Orlowski, Executive Director DRNJ; Mike Marotta, Director, ATAC
KEYNOTE: 8:45-9:45
Jason Khurdan, Manager of Digital Accessibility-"Setting yourself up for success (as we approach the Title II changes and beyond)".
Session A: 10:00-11:00
Accessible Web Content ( A Non Technical Guide), Jason Khurdan
Do you create content for the web? Do you send out promotional emails? Then join us for this no-code webinar, where you’ll learn the basics of making your web content accessible to everyone. This webinar will teach you how to create appropriate heading structures and image descriptions, avoid common accessibility mistakes, and give you a framework for how to check if your content is accessible.
Your New Career in Modeling: Supporting AAC System Use, Tracy Lee
Aided language stimulation is a strategy for teaching people how to use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. It involves a communication partner modeling language on the AAC system while speaking and pointing to words/symbols. This allows the AAC user to see genuine system use in real-world situations during functional and daily routines, similar to how many children learn spoken language by hearing and experiencing it in the world around them. Come learn what it means to “inspire and not require” AAC system use. Join this session to have some fun and feel more confident in your AAC coaching skills.
Gadgets and Gizmos to Support Students in the Classroom, 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.
Creating On Demand AT Modules for Paraprofessionals: How Far We've Come!, Wendy Thompson, Patricia Holzman, Catherine Fredericks, Janet DeSenzo
NJCART, collaboratively with partner organizations, has developed asynchronous Assistive Technology training modules for paraprofessionals. The continuing journey of module creation and completed modules will be discussed and shared.
Typing with Your Voice: Exploring Speech to Text, Kristen Russell
This session will review the speech-to-text options available on our devices including options built into device operating systems and word processors, as well as Dragon Professional. Attendees will learn about microphone options to increase accuracy. Tips and strategies to implement these tools effectively for children and adults with disabilities will also be discussed. Feel free to bring your computer with you so you can learn hands on!
Session B: 11:10-12:10
Doing Web Audits for Non Technical Staff, Jason Khurdan
This presentation will cover all of the tools and resources you need to develop a plan to conduct web audits, work with key staff to make changes, and track those changes over time. It will also cover the different types of websites that exist, and the provide an overview of the different roles that involved in that website creation process. This is presentation will be designed for those staff members who have little to no coding experience with websites. Whether you are a content creator, or need to provide accessibility audits, everyone will walk away with tips/resources they can use right away.
Implementing Eye Gaze Computer Technology for Young Children with Complex Needs, Sandra Masayko
For children with multiple disabilities who cannot speak, Eye-Gaze Computer Technology (EGCT) offers a way to interact with people and things by using eye movements to control a computer. Implementing EGCT depends on: positioning; interests, attention and endurance; operational skills; visual processing and development of language. To communicate using EGCT, a child must select symbols, listen to computer-generated speech and link symbols. The presenters completed a follow up study with parents of 9 preschool students who tried EGCT. Most children still use computer-based technology. Parents reported profound effects EGCT has had on the children and also revealed areas of need.
Accessible Reading from NJSL Talking Book and Braille Center , Stephen Felle Luisa Martucci, Elizabeth Burns
You may think you already know all about the New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center’s audiobooks and braille, but you might be surprised by what you discover! Technology advancements continue to improve and enhance our services, increasing accessibility for people who are blind or have a print disability. Find out how our library has evolved over the years. Reading is for everyone, as you will find out by exploring TBBC’s collection of books for all ages, from picture books to novels.
What I Wish I Knew: AT in the Aging Process, Priscilla Danielson
Accepting the aging process of parents can be threatening for families. Change can be difficult to understand, observe and accept. Compounding difficulties can include distance from family, self-awareness of change, resistance to help, dementia, reduced cognitive skills, memory loss, and medical fragility. This presentation will review AT tools that can help families support a family member impacted by the aging process. AT may allow for individuals to maintain some autonomy as changes are occurring. As with many situations and disabilities, AT is not a panacea. There can be challenges for implementation, reflecting the individual’s skills and acceptance.
AAC Goals for Transition and Beyond, Kate Flaxman, Barbra Seltzer
Students with complex communication needs who use AAC require different goals and interventions as they transition to adulthood. This presentation will focus on goals and interventions that will help prepare individuals for communicative success in their communities, day programs, group homes, and vocational settings.
Session C: 1:00-2:00
New ADA Title II Updates: How Accessible is Your Classoom? , Janet DeSenzo
In April of this year, the US Department of Justice updated Title II of the ADA requiring all state and local government entities ensure that all of their web content is accessible. This includes school districts. This session will take a deep dive into what this means for schools, specifically teachers, with a close examination of the tools and materials used in the classroom.
Jordan's World: Using AT to Support Life After High School into Adult Life, Jordan Pratt, Nicole Pratt
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.
National Disability Institute AT Loan Program, Laurie Schaller
Wheelchair accessible vehicles are very expensive. Often, a new model sells for more than $120,000. How can people afford this when they may have limited income? There are grants, work supports and protected savings options that can help. With blending and braiding, a person may be able to afford a new vehicle that will last for 10 years or more. A reliable vehicle makes it possible for people to actively participate in their community, by accessing education, recreation, medical care and employment. Learn how you can easily make a positive difference for those who rely on a modified vehicle!
Human Intelligence Collaborates with Artificial Intelligence, Lynda Lemisch
“Artificial Intelligence,” (AI) a term which is met with many reactions ranging from great excitement to great anxiety and fear. People may fear loss of originality/accountability, loss of employment, loss of the personal contact. AI offers many benefits. This presentation is designed specifically to look at how our human intelligence as healthcare providers, can work collaboratively with artificial intelligence for even better outcomes for those clients with disabilities. This presentation will present a project in which occupational therapy “human” grad students assessed 2 clients with neurological impairments interacting with a robot, programmed with data from prior interactions.
Protecting Disability Rights from Algorithmic Bias: A Conversation with the NJ Division of Civil Rights, Emily Armbruster, Kai Durant, Trish Perlmutter
Learn how automated decision-making tools (including AI-enabled tools) used in housing, employment, and places open to the public may contribute to disability discrimination and what your legal protections are under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. Join us for a short presentation, Q & A, and conversation about how these tools are impacting you.
Session D: 2:15-3:30
Taking a Deep Dive into AI Apps, Adam Krass, Brian Friedlander
During this presentation, the presenters will take a deep dive into several AI apps that have particular application for students and adults with disabilities. These will include tools that can help students with grammar support, idea generation, note-taking, presentations, text differentiation, time management, video generation, audio transcription, and augmentative communication page authoring.
Game On! Adapting PE with Assistive Technology, Teresa Giardina
This interactive workshop empowers practitioners to transform PE into a space where everyone can participate, explore, and learn. Participants will discover practical strategies, innovative tools, and real-world examples to create these engaging environments. Explore adapting games and sports, integrating assistive technology, and transforming play into connection, learning, and joy for students. See examples featuring students with complex needs (physical/motor impairments, intellectual disabilities, cortical visual impairment) successfully utilizing assistive technology to participate in PE. Discuss implementing these strategies across school, home, and community settings. Leave with ideas to ensure every student experiences the joy of play!
Switch On! Create, Test, Explore, Jessica Smith
This presentation is to help teach how to make DIY Switches that are cheap and easy to make. I have gotten lots of people interested in these so I want to explain how I make them. Participants will make their own switch to take home and they will learn how they can work on different devices. This will be very hands on a very exciting session! Users will take home and instruction sheet to make their own switch in the future!
Accessible Educational Materials and Bookshare, Vanessa Lombardo
Digital content makes learning more portable and interactive, but digital does not always mean accessible. Students who experience difficulty accessing standard text find inaccessible digital materials challenging to navigate. Using accessible materials helps all learners and provides them with equal access to course materials and learning opportunities. Bookshare is a free accessible online library that provides AEM to students who qualify. In this session we will be discussing the importance of using AEM in your classroom, as well as how Bookshare can help.
Explore Text to Speech Tools, Sally Hagerty
Exploring Odyssey Text-To-Speech device and Text-To-Speech Apps In this session, we will explore TextHelp Read&Write which includes text-to-speech, word prediction, a screen mask, talking dictionary, and study tools. We will also look at Microsoft Immersive Reader and Reader View on Safari.
The Odyssey is a text-to-speech desktop reading device. During the last 15 minutes of the session, attendees can try out the Odyssey, along with Read&Write and Immersive Reader on a Windows laptop, and Reader View on Safari on an iPad.
Session E 3:40-4:40
Empathy in the Age of AI: How AT Needs Human Dignity at its Core, Nicole Palmer, Carmelys Vincent, Katherine Chiumento
It’s easy to get bogged down in the technical aspects of assistive technology, often discussing AI as a barrier between humans. But centering empathy in clinical practice, across all ages, means bringing respect for human dignity to every interaction.
This presentation explores integrating empathy into assistive technology, especially AI. Participants will learn how empathy enhances user experience, fosters trust, and ensures solutions meet diverse needs. They will gain insights into ethical implications and explore real-world examples of empathy’s impact. Practical strategies for human-centered design, user engagement, and creating inclusive, respectful technologies will also be covered.
AAC for the Non SLP: Creating an AAC Accessible Future, Catherine Fredericks, Kate Flaxman
This presentation is designed for individuals who are not speech-language pathologists. It provides an overview of the many individuals who benefit from the use of AAC, and focuses on raising awareness of individuals who are not speech-language pathologists regarding AAC and AAC best practices. It includes questions to ask AAC users about how to improve interactions, how to determine a yes/no response, appropriate wait time, speed of interactions, ways to involve an AAC user in an interaction, and more. The goal is to increase the knowledge of communication partners who are not familiar with AAC or AAC best practices.
The Importance of Skilled Input on Appropriate Selection and Use of AT, Lynda Lemisch
Assistive Technology (AT) products to help persons with disabilities are available everywhere: retail pharmacies, Amazon, recycling organizations such as Goodwill. There has also been an increase in AT abandonment/waste. These avenues for obtaining AT lack professional clinical input. Occupational therapists (OT) are assess the whole person, analyze activities and the context in which they are performed. The person, activity, environment, and AT match is critical for the optimal engagement in life activities. A study compared customer satisfaction with and without OT input at Goodwill, supporting the benefits of skilled OT input in the selection and use of AT for individuals.
Empowering Independence: Leveraging Smart Technology for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, Karen Latimer
In this transformative session, we will explore how cutting-edge smart technology can significantly enhance the independence and quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities. As advancements in technology continue to evolve, there are increasing opportunities to create inclusive environments that support autonomy and self-sufficiency.
Participants will gain insights into the latest innovations in smart technology, including adaptive devices, smart home systems, and personalized digital assistants designed specifically for individuals with intellectual disabilities. We will discuss practical applications, share funding options, and provide actionable strategies for integrating these technologies into daily routines and support plans.
The Right to Choose: Empowering AAC Users Through Meaningful Interactions, Amanda Paravati, Dina Krupka
According to the Communication Bill of Rights, individuals with complex communication needs have the right to make meaningful choices. Communication partners must be cautious about providing the communicator with meaningful choices and questions that allow the communicator to have more control over what to say. This can increase motivation, engagement and the number of communication exchanges, hopefully creating more meaningful connections with the individual you are communicating with. This session will look at how communication partners can provide these motivating choice making opportunities as well as the anatomy of good questions toward this goal.