Free Assistive Technology Camp for Blind & Visually Impaired Youth October 25-27!
The Association of Blind Citizens (ABC) is sponsoring a weekend camp in Dover, New Hampshire for legally blind youth between the ages of 12-16, open to NH and Massachusetts students. ABC is a not for profit, all volunteer, organization that has been providing programs and services for the blind and visually impaired community for the past 19 years. This program is an outgrowth of our experience in operating camps for blind children. Participants will spend the weekend experiencing hands-on technology demonstrations and group activities! Participants should bring their own iPhone and/or iPad. If you do not own one, devices will be available on free loan with apps fully loaded. The certified Assistive Technology trainers, Diana Petschauer and Stephen Yerardi, from AT for Education, will engage the students with activities to teach:

*Built-In Accessibility features to access everything from your phone or tablet (text to speech, magnification, high contrast, display accommodations, speech to text)

*Access to Digital Books and Handouts for school

*Support for Literacy, Math and Executive Function

* Instant OCR and text to speech for documents on the go such as Menus, grocery items, signs, etc.

*Money, color and product identification

*Navigation support

*Voice Control devices (Siri versus Alexa versus Google)

*The latest innovative assistive technologies! For recreation activities, an indoor pool and adaptive games will be available, and meals provided. This will be a weekend of learning and fun activities and a chance to meet new friends. The program will take place the weekend of October 25-27, 2019, in Dover, NH. Transportation for MA attendees will be provided with pick up in Boston. NH attendees will need to be driven by parent/ guardian. If you are a teacher of the visually impaired or an orientation and mobility instructor, please inform your students’ parents or guardian about this opportunity. If you are the parent of a blind child, please contact John Oliveira at president@blindcitizens.org or call 781-961-1023, if your child is interested. You will receive registration materials and information at that time. This opportunity is being offered at no charge to participants. The registration deadline is October 11, 2019.

3 New Hampshire Workshop Days! Assistive Tech & AAC, Join us for Professional Development Hands-On in November, December and February!

Come learn about tools that can support students in accessing curriculum, participating in assignments and activities, researching and studying, note taking, literacy and math support, executive function skills support (organization, time management, scheduling/reminders), Accessible Educational Materials (AEM), AAC, Transition and more! Bring your Laptop, Chromebook and iPad for hands-on Learning! Tools to support All Learners including those with Dyslexia, LD, Blind/Low Vision, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Physical, Cognitive and sensory disabilities as well as Autism. All Workshops Sponsored by NHASEA. Info & Registration: http://bit.ly/NH_AT_AAC_PD

Upstate, NY- CUOT Assistive Tech Expo- Join Us! November 15 & 16th:
ATforED Consultants will be facilitating Two Half Day, Hands-On workshops for Executive Functioning Across the Lifespan as well as AT-UDL Apps, Extensions and Tools: Support Diverse Learners on ALL Devices Across the Curriculum- along with other excellent presentations and AT activities occurring!
Registration for this year’s CUOT Assistive Technology Expo is now open!
Please visit the website https://www.clarksonassistivetech.com/at-expo.html for a full description of this year’s events.

Join Our Team at ATIA 2020! We are excited to be planning our fall & winter PD, are you?! Join us for this Engaging Two day Hands-On Pre-Conference Workshop- PRE-7TW: Successful Transition to College and the Workplace: AT, Accommodations, and Advocacy http://bit.ly/TransitionATIA2020 January 28 & 29, 2020
Transition from High School to College or the Workplace is a significant time in an individual’s life. What Accommodations & Assistive Technologies are available to succeed in higher ed & while working? AT supports individuals with disabilities to be able to efficiently & equally access the workplace, college or vocational training, to accomplish tasks that may be difficult or impossible due to their disability. AT demonstrations, case studies & hands-on exploration of the most innovative AT including various devices, tools, apps, software, and adaptive equipment will be demonstrated & explored during group activities and Hands-On workstations! Free, Built-In Accessibility & Low-Cost options will be explored. From simple, important features such as OCR and text to speech to more advanced options such as head control & eye gaze. Learn how to support Literacy, Math, Communication, Accessible Digital Documents & Materials, Digital Books & Programs, Note Taking options for school & meetings, Scheduling & Reminders, Organization, Task Management, Sensory & Physical support, Working Memory, Language Translation, Online Learning & online meeting/ telepractice to support clients & students. Support for various disabilities including Cognitive, Dyslexia, LD, Physical, TBI, CVI, Executive Function, Blind, Low Vision, & Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Autism. Learn the difference between HS, Post-Secondary, & Workplace laws & discuss individual’s rights as well as self-advocacy strategies & resources. This workshop is incredibly helpful for transition coordinators, AT coordinators in K12 & higher ed, college ADA/Equity/Compliance/Diversity professionals, adults with disabilities, special educators, parents, Voc Rehab counselors, school counselors, advisors, administrators, & related therapists. This workshop is presented by a team of AT experts currently working with clients in HS, higher ed, adult ed and the workplace, professionals previously working as AT coordinators in colleges, K12 & Voc Rehab, & area agencies. Over 30 years of combined experience with this multi-disciplinary team guiding you through this hands-on, engaging two-day workshop, you will leave with an incredible toolkit of resources, skills & technologies to implement & share immediately in your practice. You will learn while building a new network of professionals to communicate & collaborate with!
Session Description Website: https://www.atia.org/2020-pre-conference-seminars/…

TATN, Texas Assistive Technology Conference, 6/19 & 6/20. Join us in Houston, TX in just a couple weeks for two assistive technology workshops, as well as many vendors, exhibitors and AT professionals for networking!

On 6/19 Join us for two half-day workshops: Morning: 8:30 am-11:30 am: Successful Transition to College: AT, Accommodations & Advocacy

Afternoon: 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm: Google Apps, Extensions & Add Ons-Your Essential Toolkit for Diverse Learners

Registration: http://www.texasatconference.net/

Presented by:
Diana Petschauer, AT for Education & Kathleen McClaskey, Make Learning Personal

March 20, 2019, 7-8:30 pm ET: Empower Your Grade Pre-K to 5 Learners with a Personal Learning Backpack (PLB) Focus: Literacy and Executive Function

April 10, 2019, 7-8:30 pm ET: Empower Your Grade 6-12 Learners with a Personal Learning Backpack (PLB) Focus: Literacy and Executive Function including Transition to Post-secondary

In these webinars, you will learn and discover through demonstrations and examples about…

• The UDL Lens of Access, Engage and Express to create a Learner Profile;
• How to build a Personal Learning Backpack of tools/technologies and apps that a learner can use to support a strength or challenge; and
• The skills learners need to use the tools and be independent in their learning.

Resources shared include: Learning Plan and PL Backpack Templates, iOS, Google Chrome, Microsoft and Android options,  Matrix of tools and learning resources; WEBINARS ARE RECORDED. Live demonstrations and realistic implementation discussed. Feel Confident with an understanding of the apps, tools and resources along with the learning skills that can support the learning diversity you have in your classroom or home. Support ALL Learners, including your most Diverse.

If you cannot join us live for the webinars, Register to receive the recording and view at your leisure.
You will receive a copy of all resources as well!

Register: 3/20/19 Grade PreK-5 PLB using button below

Register: 4/10/19 Grade 6-12 PLB using button below  

Join us at the ATNow Conference in Salem, Oregon! 2/7-2/9! Expert Speakers, Awesome Keynotes, Vendors/ Exhibitors & an AT Maker Fair!

Join Diana Petschauer, M.Ed, ATP from ATforED for 3 Sessions:

Transition to College & the Workplace: AT, UDL & Advocacy- 2/7, 2:15 pm

AT & UDL to Support Early Literacy & Language Development- 2/8, 9:45 am

The Top 20 iOS Apps & Accessibility Features for Diverse Learners: iPad/iPhone Potential-2/8 1:30 pm

Full Session descriptions: http://bit.ly/ATnowATforED2019

Register and View Full Conference Agenda: https://www.smore.com/atkrg

See you there!

Looking for a Warm winter getaway and Professional Development? Join us at FETC in Orlando! 1/29 & 1/30/19:

Tuesday, January 29, 2019: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

$W179 | Apps & Extensions: Your Essential Toolkit to Support Diverse Learners

Room: SOUTH 330A Session Number: $W179

Google, iPad, Microsoft! Apps, AT, Tools & Resources, Built-In Accessibility, Hand-On! Literacy, Math, Executive Function, Dyslexia, Transition, support for vision & hearing, physical and cognitive access, UDL! http://bit.ly/FETC19Toolkit

C302 | Empower All Learners With a Personal Learning Backpack

Room: SOUTH 310D Session Number: C302

Wednesday, January 30, 2019: 2:00 PM – 2:40 PM

Create a Learner Profile and Personal Learning Backpack of tools and skills to support strengths & challenges. UDL: Access, Engage, Express! Personalized Learning; Learner Centered: http://bit.ly/FETC19PLB

FETC (Future of Education Technology Conference) is HUGE and encompasses so many learning opportunities from experts in Ed Tech, AT, STEM, Leadership, Admin, Teaching & Learning, Implementation, Integration and more! Register or Learn More: http://www.fetc.org/

Looking for fall professional development? Join us at 3 New England conferences this month! RI, NH & , Boston! AT, AAC, Literacy, Dyslexia,Transition, Blind/ Low vision, Google and iOS, UDL & Personalized Learning!
Manchester, NH- CMTC-Two Half Day Pre-Conference workshops on Monday 11/26 and a concurrent session on 11/27: PreC07-SC –Google Apps & Extensions: Your Essential Toolkit for Diverse Learners: http://www.nhcmtc.org/cms/program/preconference-at-a-glance

PreC20-SC- AT/ UDL Apps: Support Diverse Learners on ALL Devices Across the Curriculum: http://www.nhcmtc.org/cms/program/preconference-at-a-glance

BDTu01-F (BYOD-Bring Your Own Device) Empower Learners with UDL: Build a Personal Learning Backpack for Agency: http://www.nhcmtc.org/cms/program/byod-sessions-at-a-glance

Warwick, RI – ATCNE- One Full Day Workshop on 11/29 and 3 Concurrent on 11/30! Full Day workshop: Creating A Bridge to Learning For ALL: How to Engage and Include Diverse Learners on All Devices Across Curricula
Concurrent Sessions on Transition for college and the workplace, Blind and Low Vision supportive AT, Free & Low Cost AT: http://www.assistivetechnologyconference.com/presentations/

REGISTER for ATCNE: http://www.assistivetechnologyconference.com/general-registration/

Boston, MA – ASHA – 3 Seminars: 1751: Assistive Technology and Intervention CAN Play Nice! Bridging Literacy Gaps with Multisensory Intervention for Dyslexia (Seminar 2-hours): https://plan.core-apps.com/asha2018/event/c31ae06ebb40c49d93c9948f8be4b3a3

1990: Supporting the Language and Literacy Development of Individuals with Complex Communication Needs (Seminar 1-hour): https://plan.core-apps.com/asha2018/event/e50beb65b4a2bbc9cf1c7712aef02110

1227: But My School Doesn’t Have Money! (AKA: Free Assistive Technology to Support Student Learning) (Seminar 1-hour): https://plan.core-apps.com/asha2018/event/22c0614f714102b73be44d3f1769af8d

REGISTER for ASHA: https://convention.asha.org/registration-and-housing/

Join us for Monroe Learning Network’s 9th annual continuing education seminar! You’re invited to be inspired; learn alongside other clinicians in the assistive technology (AT) world; and ultimately empower your clients at Bridging the Gap: An Interprofessional Approach to Assistive Technology.  This is an opportunity to deepen your assistive technology knowledge in the Mobility or Speech field (AAC) and strengthen your implementation strategies to transform your classroom, clinic, or practice. An exceptional line up of speakers, an inspirational keynote, your peers, and the latest manufacturers in the AT world! Whether you’re a Speech Language Pathologist, AAC Specialist, Physical/Occupational Therapist, Assistive Technology Professional, or Seating/ Mobility Specialist; members of each field need to work collaboratively to transform and enhance the lives of people with disabilities. Two different educational tracks: 1) Mobility & Seating and 2) Speech & Language. Two Days/  Locations to Choose from! Rochester, NY on 10/24/18 & Syracuse, NY on 10/25/18.

Join Kelsey Hall and Diana Petschauer from ATforED for one of the Speech/AAC/Literacy workshops, 3 hours hands-on!

AAC, Literacy & “ 5 to Thrive” Building Pillars of Support: Many students struggle with literacy (reading and writing), from lower-order skills such as phonemic awareness, decoding, and encoding to higher-order skills such as fluency, comprehension, and conversational discourse. In addition, students with complex communication needs using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) are challenged with the task of not only learning to communicate with a new language system, but simultaneously learning and practicing their literacy skills. With ever-changing technology and advancements in communication and learning tools, this often leaves educators feeling as though they are under-prepared in terms of knowledge and skill regarding the most effective way to support students struggling with language and literacy.  These challenges often beg the following questions: (1) How do educators and related specialists collaboratively build a bridge to support students’ language, literacy, and communication? (2) What role does technology play in supporting student learning and literacy acquisition? and (3) What high-quality, affordable technology tools are available to provide learning support across a variety of ages? This research-based, informative, and engaging session features hands-on demonstrations and activities for participants interested in building the bridge to literacy through technology. Participants will learn about apps (iPad and Google Chrome) and other assistive technologies (web resources, AAC devices) to support all learners from preschool through high school, including those who struggle with literacy and/or experience complex communication needs.  AAC users Can and Should Learn to Read! Participants will engage in group activities and discussions specific to the technology presented, as well as opportunities to problem solve specific student needs and create example lessons and lesson plans, based on an explicit, systematic and multi-sensory approach to literacy instruction (Including the 5 Pillars-Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Vocabulary, Comprehension & Written Expression). Learn about descriptive teaching and embedding the core into lessons throughout the day. Make and Take Literacy activities will provide participants with skills and resources to utilize immediately after the training. Join us and add an extensive amount of resources to your digital toolbox of literacy technology resources! Register for Rochester, NY on 10/24/18 or Register for Syracuse, NY on 10/25/18.