Session 1 - Thursday, Dec. 5th      10:30 AM - 11:25 AM

Accessibility: Empowering All Learners - Worship Center

Session Description: 

Accessibility: Empowering All Learners Given the range of learning styles and abilities of students today, educators need technology and resources to accommodate and personalize learning. Apple builds accessibility features into every product, so everyone can use them in ways that work best for them. Join us to discuss how Apple allows all students and teachers to explore, communicate, and create. 

Speaker: 

Apple, Inc. 

Speaker Bio: Apple Education Team Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh computer in 1984. Since then Apple has designed products and programs that help unleash the creative potential in every individual, no matter how they learn and what they love to do. Apple Education is dedicated to helping schools around the world expand what’s possible for learning, create new opportunities for teaching, and establish dynamic environments that inspire both. 

“Let’s Take This Outside (The Classroom)!”: AAC Around the School - Theater

Session Description: 

The walls of special education classrooms are often adorned with beautiful visuals and plentiful communication resources… but what about the rest of the school? Students who communicate differently deserve the opportunity to express themselves at specials, the playground, and the nurse, too. Join us for a beginner’s course and conversation about facilitating communication all over the school with low-tech visuals and strategies to work with colleagues who may not be familiar with alternative communication formats. 

Speakers: 

Rachel Cowan, M.S., CCC-SLP 

Rachel is in her 5th year as an SLP after previously working as a Spanish teacher. Her master's degree is from Western Kentucky University. She has always loved working with people who have disabilities and is grateful that she gets to play a part in the growth of her students. Rachel also firmly believes she has the best career in the world as a speech therapist! 

Christy Descoteaux, M.S., CCC-SLP 

Christy has been an SLP for 24 years, having served children from preschool up to 12th grade. She received her masters degree from the University of Central Florida. 

Jennifer King, M.A., CCC-SLP 

Jennifer has worked as an SLP for 19 years, serving children of all ages. She earned her masters degree through Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. 

Writing is Communication - Opportunities for Increasing Writing Utilizing AAC and Other Strategies - The Hub

Session Description:

Writing is communication! Writing is hard! Let's learn how to utilize tips and tricks to support ALL learners with writing. Learn how to utilize AAC applications to support learners and customizing tools to support learners. 

Speaker: 

Katie Hilliard 

Katie is an Assistive Technology Specialist for Cobb County Schools. Formerly a special education teacher, she has a passion for communication and writing. 

Lesson from Special Education Teachers on implementing AT with Students Who have High-Incidence Disabilities - The Clubhouse

Session Description: 

In this research project, we focused on identifying sources of successful implementation of AT among students with high-incidence disabilities. Barriers and facilitators of AT implementation were identified with practical recommendations on how to increase special educators' buy-in to use AT with their students who have high-incidence disabilities. 

Speaker: 

Dr. Olga Volkov

Olga Volkov, Ph.D., Special Education and Assistive Technology Specialist Olga Volkov is an esteemed Assistive Technology Diagnostician/Specialist at Fulton County Schools in Atlanta, GA. With a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Special Education from Liberty University and extensive expertise in the field, she specializes in the development and delivery of assistive technology solutions to enhance educational experiences for students with disabilities. Olga’s career is distinguished by her dedicated service as a Special Education Teacher, where she led assistive technology initiatives to support inclusive education. Olga’s academic journey includes a Master of Art in Teaching from Mercer University and substantial legal studies in Employment Law concerning individuals with disabilities from Russian State Social University, Moscow. Her research and professional work focus on the integration of software and equipment to facilitate learning, communication, and physical access for students with disabilities, ensuring their independence and integration. 

Making History Accessible: World War II - Make and Take Session - Zone 45 ($ - requires prepaid ticket)

Session Description: 

History is a difficult area for students on Alternate Assessment (GAA). In this session, participants will create materials that can be used to address elementary, middle and high school history standards related to World War II. In addition to created materials, participants will receive electronic files for an entire integrated unit on WWII. 

Speaker: 

Juanita Pritchard 

Juanita is a retired special education teacher with 40+ years if experience in the Georgia Public School System. She is still actively involved in education as a consultant. Her passion is giving access to the curriculum for the most significantly involved students by supporting teachers and creating materials.