Please click here for registration form.
TechACCESSory
Fall 2005 Newsletter
Starting the School Year off Right!
Kelly Charlebois, ATP, AT Consultant, Clinical Manager, TechACCESS
In addition to the “normal” stresses of beginning a new school year, children with learning differences, especially those who use assistive technology devices and/or specialized software, face additional stresses related to their unique needs. Transitional years, (from elementary to middle school or middle school to high school) are especially difficult. As parents, educators and therapists, there are things we can do to make the beginning of the school year a successful and positive experience!
Prior to the beginning of school, be sure that any equipment and software that your child needs (as outlined in the IEP) are available in your child’s new school/new classroom and are working properly. If the equipment has been in storage over the summer, make sure to replace the batteries or charge the device for a full 24 hours. Check out operations to make sure the device works as it should. If you are unable to do this prior to September, meet with your child’s teacher or team as quickly as possible to get the equipment ready for use in the classroom. Long delays can cause unnecessary stress.
It is important that common and realistic expectations are established early on. Parents and teachers should review the student’s IEP and past AT use/performance to determine how the technology and strategies previously used will integrate into the new classroom and tasks. It is also critical to insure that the hardware and software required by the student are compatible in the new educational setting and everyone knows how and when the equipment will be used.
Identify a “go to” person to contact with any technology questions or concerns. This is important to do BEFORE something happens! Keep the software, manuals and chargers together in a safe and accessible place.
If you are unsure how to use any assistive technology device, seek out help. Begin with the student! They are often willing and able trainers! If you need further assistance…and the manual just isn’t helping…contact the company directly. Most AT companies provide free telephone technical support. In many cases, last year’s teachers and therapists may be willing to help you. Specific or advanced training for the student, support staff and family can be written into the IEP as needed.
For most children with learning differences, it helps to begin the year ORGANIZED! Help your child or student pick out backpacks/binders/agendas/calendars that can support their specific needs (i.e. binders with pockets that zipper, colored folders for easy identification, larger spaces in agendas to write assignments). Also, developing a “Homework Box” can be a great tool…simply buy duplicates of items your child needs for school and keep them all together in a plastic bag or box. That way, at homework time, they have everything they need.
Remember…assistive technology is a tool…BUILD A GREAT YEAR!
ContentsDirector’s Corner
Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow! A.A. Angelo
The fall edition of TechACCESSory traditionally highlights the many assistive technology learning opportunities available locally - this year is no exception. Make sure you read through the many programs being offered by the ATAP Partners: TechACCESS of RI, East Bay Educational Collaborative and Ocean State Center for Independent Living as well as Rhode Island College and others. The offerings are varied and include a full day Statewide AT Conference with 15 presentations and a large exhibit hall; a graduate course with plenty of hands on time with AT; shorter after school workshops that welcome parents, teachers and therapists; and training sessions that let you leave with devices and software! Contact info is listed with each description, but call Beverly at TechACCESS if you need additional information. Decide now… and sign up to take advantage of one or more of these learning opportunities so you can continue to grow in your knowledge and skills with assistive technology!
That’s it for now… I hope to see you at one of the learning opportunities this fall!
Judi
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In memory of Bernard Selby
1934-2005
TechACCESS Board Emeritus
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RICAT Members Wanted
The Rhode Island Council on Assistive Technology (RICAT) is seeking new members. The purpose of this Council is to involve individuals with disabilities in the RI Assistive Technology Access Partnership (ATAP) to ensure the provision of assistive technology for individuals with disabilities. RICAT is comprised of a majority of individuals with disabilities, individuals who utilize assistive technology, parents of persons with disabilities, and interested others. For more information call Sharon DiPinto at 421-7005 ext. 318 or visit the ATAP website at www.atap.state.ri.us/ricat.htm.
Congratulations to Kristen Connors for being crowned Ms. Wheelchair America 2006! Kristen is the constituent caseworker for Congressman James Langevin. She has been a supporter of TechACCESS for many years, and currently represents Congressman Langevin on its Board of Directors. In her role as Ms. Wheelchair America, Kristen will travel the country raising awareness about issues related to living with disabilities.
TechACCESS STAFF
Executive Director: Judi Hammerlind Carlson
Business Manager: Fran Dixon
Information Specialist & TechACCESSory Editor: Beverly Andrade Johnson
AT Consultant & Clinical Manager: Kelly A. Charlebois
AAC Consultant: Joanne Heffernan
AT Consultant: Cheryl Simmons
AT Consultant: Gloria B. Stuart
TechACCESS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2005-2006
Chair: Jeanne Cola
Vice Chair: Robert Mullaney
Secretary: Sharon Charette
Financial Officer: Lawrence Hershoff
General Board:
Jason Holt, Esq.
James Langevin, US House of Representatives
Kate McCarthy-Barnett
Joanne McClatchy
Rep. Eileen Naughton
Bernard Selby, Board Emeritus
ATAP FUNDING REPORT
Message from ATAP's Program Director:
Although ATAP will be initiating some new activities in the near future, we wanted to take this opportunity to remind readers of some of the existing programs supported by ATAP. If you have questions about specific programs available at these sites, call them directly to see how they can help you.
Regina Connor
The East Bay Education Collaborative
401-245-4998, 317 Market Street, Warren, Rhode Island 02885. The ATAP Resource Center for Children and Youth.
Did you know? Every IEP Team is required to consider a child’s need for assistive technology.
The East Bay Educational Collaborative offers an adapted computer lab which hosts weekly software training sessions that are available to educators and student users in small groups or by individual appointment. A hands-on method of software training is very effective and enables teachers to return to their classroom with the useful skills and tools they need to support students. The resource center at the Collaborative also houses a device lending program. Educators, therapists and students are able to trial Assistive Technology equipment before a purchase is made through their school district and Individual Education Program process.
Examples of AT devices available at the ATAP AT Resource Center include multiple keyboards, Danas, AlphaSmarts, Intellikeys, touch windows, headsets/microphones, sound field systems, low tech communication devices, low vision tools and a computer with voice recognition software for assessment trial.
Other services of the AT Resource Center provided to school districts include:
For a complete schedule of trainings, activities and devices available for loan, please contact Lisa Labitt at 245-2045 ext. 302 or e-mail labittl@ride.ri.net.
The Ocean State Center for Independent LivingThe Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL) is a consumer controlled, community based, nonprofit organization established to provide a range of independent living services to enhance, through self direction, the quality of life of Rhode Islanders with significant disability and to promote integration into the community.
The Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL) is pleased to bring you the following services:
Call ATAP in state at 1-800-916-8324 or 401-463-0202 (TTY) with your funding questions.
ATAP- Partners in Removing Barriers and Improving Access to Assistive Technology
Rhode Island’s 2005 Conference on Assistive Technology… So much to look forward to!
On November 17 th, 2005, at the Crowne Plaza Conference Center in Warwick, RI, Assistive Technology: Improving Lives Daily 2005 invites you to come and learn all about the world of assistive technology (AT) and how technology tools can make a TREMENDOUS difference in the lives of persons with disabilities.
This year, your assistive technology conference features some expanded opportunities for learning and exploration. Access to employment is extremely important for those with disabilities, and this year, the national Job Accommodation Network (JAN) will present sessions on “Integrating Ergonomics into Disability Management Programs” and “Building Your Accommodations Toolbox”. The ethical considerations important in Rehabilitation Counseling and technology will be addressed by the Institute for Social & Rehabilitation Services at Assumption College. Rhode Island’s rehabilitation and adult service community, as well as persons with disabilities will find these workshops to be very informative.
Following last year’s success with hands-on computer experiences, Tool Factory, an innovative software company located in Vermont, will bring a full computer laboratory to the RI Conference. They will present three workshops on a range of topics including alternative computer access and teaching methods, early learning, and improving math success.
There are many other exciting presentations to experience at the conference. Those interested in technology access for older students can learn about assistive technology that can promote success at post-secondary levels, demystifying technology options for personal use, and how to access and use digital text. Also, AT solutions for a wide range of access challenges will be addressed at workshops that explore electronic aids for daily living, AT solutions in minutes, and assistive technology freeware resources. Each of these presentations will share information that can support a wide range of AT needs and interests.
As always, we have a number of great workshops to address educational issues in assistive technology. Due to statewide and national concerns regarding early literacy, this year’s educational strand contains three strong workshops that concentrate on literacy accessibility. Presentations on technologies that increase access to reading, writing, and accommodation alternatives will demonstrate that the right assistive technology tools, effectively implemented, can make a HUGE difference for the students in our classrooms.
In the exhibit hall, you will be able to see, try out and discuss assistive technology products directly with the vendors. In one location, manufacturers of adaptive equipment, hardware & software, low tech & high tech tools, as well as many related service agencies will be available for you to talk with in person. Be sure not to miss this once-a-year opportunity. We look forward to seeing you at Assistive Technology: Improving Lives Daily 2005!
Thanks, and see you on November 17th.
Betsy Dalton, Conference Program Chair
Click here for conference brochure.
SPED 545-01: Assistive Technology in the Classroom
Offered by Rhode Island College, in collaboration with TechACCESS of RI and the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities. All classes held at the TechACCESS Center.
Learn about and work with the many technology tools and strategies available to support students with disabilities. This course will focus on how assistive technology can be used effectively to support students in achieving general curriculum and individualized goals. Individual and team-designed projects offer participants the opportunity to personalize their own AT learning experiences. Classes begin January 23, 2006 (offered Spring term only). 3 graduate credits
Course call # 21177
Times: Monday evenings, 4:00 - 7:00 pm, 15 weeks/one evening per week
Register via the web at www.ric.edu. If you do not have a RIC pin #, contact the Registrar at (401) 456-8212 to receive one for web registration. Regular college tuition and fees apply. Questions? Contact Betsy Dalton at 401-456-8072 ext.4736 or email edalton@ric.edu.
Presenter: Judi P. Sweeney
Assistive and Educational Technology Consultant
Onion Mountain Technology, Inc.
Canton, Connecticut
Microsoft Word is a powerful word processing program that dominates the educational and business fields. Everyone has it and everyone is using it! But are you aware of what an amazing tool it is for the classroom? Are you aware of the myriad of features tucked away in all areas of this program that can make a difference for your general/special education students and you?
This presentation shows you what you can and should be doing with Word. More than a tutorial for different program parts, this presentation will show you how to use program features to make your life in the classroom more productive and creative. We’ll cover topics including: creating autotext buttons for report writing, autotext buttons for making picture schedules, using the form feature of Word to make locked worksheets, adding hints to these worksheets, using text boxes to create labeled diagrams, creating Mad-Lib type lessons with mail merge, using Auto Summarize and advanced Find/Replace for modifying text, determining readability of a passage, editing locked documents to comment on student work, making custom tool bars for underlining worksheets, putting pictures in tables, using tables for name poems, accessing and using Equation Editor for math, and much, much more.
Presenter: Judi Sweeney is a nationally known assistive and educational technology consultant who has worked in the field since 1969. She has been a regular education teacher, a special education teacher, and has taught and managed educational technology projects at the University of Connecticut. In 1997, Judi founded Onion Mountain Technology, Inc., a firm devoted to providing evaluation, consulting, training, and presentation services to children, their parents, and school systems interested in increasing their knowledge of and access to assistive technology.
Date: Friday, October 7, 2005
Place: New England Institute of Technology, Media Presentation Theater, Center of Technology Building
2480 Post Road, Warwick, RI
Time: 8:00 - 8:30 am Registration
8:30 am-3:30 pm
LUNCH IS ON YOUR OWN
Fee: $150
Audience: Regular & special education teachers, school based therapists, technology coordinators, and parents. RIDE Professional Development Credits will be available.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptops with Word® to follow along.
The presentation of technologies and products at this workshop does not constitute endorsement by workshop sponsors.
Brought to you by:
Please click here for registration form.
Switch on the Fun!
Are you looking to get your hands on the latest switch technology and software AND get training on how to use it? Join us for a HANDS-ON WORKSHOP where you LEAVE WITH THE GOODIES!
TechACCESS of RI would like to offer you the opportunity to learn about switch interfaces and switch-activated software. You will leave with lots of information and an ORCCA switch adapted mouse and two pieces of switch software (by Simtech Publications).
Where: TechACCESS of RI
When: October 13, 2005, 3:30-5:30pm
Cost: $175
Workshop is limited to 8 participants. Pre-payment must be received by 10/1/05.
RIDE Professional Development Credits will be available.
September 29, 2005: 5 Little Monsters ($25 materials fee)
October 27, 2005: Animal Boogie ($30 materials fee)
December 1, 2005: The Way I Feel & Using PowerPoint to adapt books ($30 materials fee)
AT Clubs are limited to 10 participants. Payment must be received 2 weeks prior to session.
RIDE Professional Development Credits will be available.
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See-it and read-it easier with the right lighting made to bring out the details and create better contrasts. A focused discussion on the attributes of color temperature in lighting technology and bulb designs, types of fixtures and lights, and their practical applications for daily tasks.
Where: TechACCESS of RI
When: December 2, 2005, 1:00-3:00pm
Registration is free, but space is limited so register early!
Session I - September 23, 2005, 1:00 - 3:00pm
Session II - September 30, 2005, 1:00 - 3:00pm (Prerequisite Session I)
Sessions are limited to 12 participants. Registration is free. Call early to reserve your space.
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An Introduction to ZoomText 9.0
ZoomText® is one of several screen magnification software programs which enlarges text or picture information on the computer screen and provides optional speech support. Used mostly by individuals with visual disabilities, ZoomText runs seamlessly with the computer's operating system and applications. ZoomText has the flexibility to magnify the full screen (including menu bars and dialog boxes), parts of the screen, or a "magnifying glass view" of the area around the cursor or pointer. It also provides optional inverted colors, enhanced pointer viewing and tracking options.
Where: TechACCESS of RI
When: October 26, 2005 1:00-3:00pm
Sessions are limited to 15 participants. Registration is free. Call early to reserve your space.
RIDE Professional Development Credits will be available.
Call Beverly at 401-463-0202 to reserve your space for any of these educational opportunities. Please mail payment to: TechACCESS of RI, 110 Jefferson Blvd., Suite I, Warwick, RI, 02886. Please note session or workshop name on memo line of check.
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To apply for these positions, please send resume with cover letter to: TechACCESS of RI, 110 Jefferson Blvd., Suite I, Warwick RI 02888 or email techaccess@techaccess-ri.org.
Admiral Sponsor:  |
Media Sponsor:  |
| Auction Supporters: Bank RI Kathy & Doug Bowman Joy & Rich Bowman Judi Hammerlind Carlson Sharon Charette The Dalton Clan Good Neighbor Alliance Grainger Industrial Supply Phyllis & Gerry Hawkins Lawrence Hershoff & Eleanor Mulford Judy & Lee Jacobs Ride-Away Corporation Attendees: |
Jean M. Halvorsen Thank you to the volunteers who helped to make the night a great success! |
Special thanks to our emcee Randace Moore & photographer Anne Rucker! |
|
Equipment: Freedom Scientific BLV Group
Peter King
Supporters:
Detta Ali
Bank of America Matching Gifts
Leslie Brown
Joy Dennis
Roger & Bernie LeBeau
Sarah R. Quinn
Leslie E. Tracey In honor of Sharon J. Charette
West Bay Residential Services
Thank you to all who have made anonymous donations through the United Way, SECA and the Combined Federal Campaign. If your name was inadvertently left off this list please let us know by calling 401-463-0202.
I would like to help TechACCESS of RI change lives…
Enclosed is my gift for: $________________
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Address: ________________________________________________
City: _________________________ State: ________Zip: __________
Phone: _________________ E-mail: __________________________
____ Visa / MasterCard
Card #: __________________________Expiration date: _________
Signature of cardholder: ___________________________________
_______My gift qualifies for employer matching funds from ___________________________________
_______ Form enclosed
I would like to make my gift: ___ In Memory of: ____In Honor of: _______________________________________________________
Please send acknowledgement card to:
Name: __________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________
City: _______________________ State: _____ Zip_______________
Make checks payable to:
TechACCESS of RI
110 Jefferson Blvd., Ste. I
Warwick, RI 02888
Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowable by law.
If you need assistance filling out this form, please call Beverly at 401-463-0202.
Contents September 2005
Center closed September 5- Labor Day
Public Demonstrations (Regularly scheduled exhibits of current technology. Please call for appointment. )
Monday, September 12- Low Vision Access 1:00-3:00pm
Monday, September 19 -Computer Access 1:00-3:00pm
Member Hours (Designated time for members only. An appointment must be made. Call Gloria to insure equipment availability.)
Tuesdays, September 6, 13, 20 9:00am-1:00pm
ATAP Resource Center (Open to public. Call Beverly for an appointment.)
September 6, 13, 20 by appointment 9:00am-1:00pm
September 8, 15 by appointment 2:00pm-6:00pm
After School Tech Time (Offered to RI teachers, parents and students. Please call for appointment.)
September 8, 15 by appointment 2:00pm-6:00pm
Mouselessness I
September 23 -sign up necessary – 1:00 - 3:00pm
Mouselessness II (Prerequisite Mouselessness I)
September 30 -sign up necessary – 1:00 - 3:00pm
Assistive Tech Club ($25.00 materials fee + $10.00 session fee)
Adapt-A-Book 5 Little Monsters
September 29 3:30pm-5:30pm
Board of Directors Meeting
September 21 4:00pm-6:00pm
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Public Demonstrations (Regularly scheduled exhibits of current technology. Please call for appointment. )
Monday, October 3- Low Vision Access 1:00-3:00pm
Monday, October 17 -Computer Access 1:00-3:00pm
Monday, October 24- Blind Access 1:00-3:00pm
Member Hours (Designated time for members only. An appointment must be made. Call Gloria to insure equipment availability.)
Tuesdays, October 4, 11, 25 9:00am-1:00pm
ATAP Resource Center (Open to public. Call Beverly for an appointment.)
October 4, 11, 25 by appointment 9:00am-1:00pm
October 20 by appointment 2:00pm-6:00pm
After School Tech Time (Offered to RI teachers, parents and students. Please call for appointment.)
October 20 by appointment 2:00pm-6:00pm
Judi Sweeney Workshop
New England Institute for Technology
October 7 8:30am-3:30pm
Switch on the Fun
October 13 3:30-5:30pm
Assistive Tech Club ($30.00 materials fee + $10.00 session fee)
Adapt-A-Book Animal Boogie
October 27 3:30pm-5:30pm
ZoomText Training
October 26 1:00-3:00pm
Board Committee Meetings
October 19 4:00pm-6:00pm
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Assistive Technology: Improving Lives Daily conference
Thursday November 17 Crowne Plaza Hotel
Public Demonstrations (Regularly scheduled exhibits of current technology. Please call for appointment. )
Monday, November 7- Low Vision Access 1:00-3:00pm
Monday, November 21 -Computer Access 1:00-3:00pm
Monday, November 28- Blind Access 1:00-3:00pm
Member Hours (Designated time for members only. An appointment must be made. Call Gloria to insure equipment availability.)
Tuesdays, November 8, 22, 29 9:00am-1:00pm
ATAP Resource Center (Open to public. Call Beverly for an appointment.)
November 8, 22, 29 by appointment 9:00am-1:00pm
November 3 by appointment 2:00pm-6:00pm
After School Tech Time (Offered to RI teachers, parents and students. Please call for appointment.)
November 3 by appointment 2:00pm-6:00pm
Board of Directors Meeting
November 30 4:00pm-6:00pm
Public Demonstrations (Regularly scheduled exhibits of current technology. Please call for appointment.)
Monday, December 5- Low Vision Access 1:00-3:00pm
Monday, December 12- Computer Access 1:00-3:00pm
Monday, December 19- Blind Access 1:00-3:00pm
Member Hours (Designated time for members only. An appointment must be made. Call Gloria to insure equipment availability.)
Tuesdays, December 1, 13, 20 9:00am-1:00pm
ATAP Resource Center (Open to public. Call for an appointment.)
December 1, 13, 20 by appointment 9:00am-1:00pm
December 8, 15 by appointment 2:00pm-6:00pm
After School Tech Time (Offered to RI teachers, parents and students. Please call for appointment.)
December 8, 15 by appointment 2:00pm-6:00pm
Assistive Tech Club ($30.00 materials fee + $10.00 session fee)
Adapt-A-Book The Way I Feel
December 1 3:30pm-5:30pm
Specialty Lighting
Inservice by Vision Dynamics
December 2 1:00-3:00pm
Board Committee Meetings
December 21 4:00pm-6:00pm
MEMBERS HOURS: Designated time for members only. An appointment must be made. Call Gloria to insure equipment availability.
PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION: Regularly scheduled exhibits of current technology. Please call for appointment.
AFTER SCHOOL TECH TIME: Offered to RI teachers, parents and students. Please call for appointment.
ATAP RESOURCE CENTER: Open to public. Call Beverly for an appointment.
Need information on assistive technology? Call the ATAP Information Center at TechACCESS 1-800-916-8324 (TECH) toll-free in state
Mention of products or services in this newsletter does not constitute endorsement by TechACCESS of RI. Our intent is to increase awareness of programs and information which may be helpful to our readers. If you find an error or omission please let us know.
To request this newsletter in large print, on computer disk, or on audiotape, or to update your mailing information or to be removed from our mailing list, please call TechACCESS.
This newsletter is published with support from ATAP (under federal grant award H224A30012) and RIDE.
TechACCESS is an affiliate of the Alliance for Technology Access (ATA).
Please remember us when making your donation through the United Way, SECA, or Combined Federal Campaign payroll deduction plan. Our designation number is 4892.
Contents | TechACCESS Homepage |
TechACCESS of RI
110 Jefferson Boulevard, Suite I
Warwick, RI 02888-3854
Phone: 401-463-0202 (v/tdd)
FAX: 401-463-3433
In-State: 800-916-(TECH)8324
Contact: TechACCESS of RI | techaccess@techaccess-ri.org|
Last revised: August 15, 2005