NOTICE
February 11, 2009: - We welcome your comments about the time you spent with us at the 2009 ATI Conference. Please follow this link and complete the survey.

January 15, 2009: - Additional Scholarships NOW Available!
Please follow this link for more information.

What is ATI?

The focus of the Assistive Technology Institute (ATI) is to provide therapists, educators, parents, and persons with disabilities the opportunity to learn about and interact with assistive technology, its manufacturers, its users, and others with similar needs. Our goal is to help enhance opportunities for learners from preschool to adult in order that they may compete and contribute in the twenty-first century.

The 2009 ATI participants will gain valuable knowledge and hands-on experience, which will aid in bringing new assistive technologies and curricular ideas to their schools, homes, educational offices, and businesses.

On February 7, 2009, the Assistive Technology Exchange Center (ATEC), a division of Goodwill of Orange County, the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE), and the Team of Advocates for Special Kids (TASK), will host the 5th Annual Assistive Technology Institute at OCDE in Costa Mesa.

Although the Assistive Technology Institute is usually a single day to enjoy a wide variety of presentations, workshops, and featured speakers, this year we are offering an additional FREE Pre-Conference Day on Friday, February 6th. This day will be dedicated to the Early Intervention needs of infants and toddlers with disabilities. For more information about the focus and the presenters of this day, click this link The Pre-Conference Day is limited to 50 participants.

Registration for the Pre-Conference Day - Friday February 6, 2009 is now closed.

Registration for our main conference - Saturday February 7, 2009:
is now closed. Scholarships are available. For scholarship information, please contact Diana Green dianag@ocgoodwill.org or (714) 361-6200 ext. 221.

To learn more about the conference, please download our brochure. Right click the icon below and choose Save Link As or Save Target As. You will need Acrobat Reader to view it.


Where is it?

Dates: Feb. 6th and 7th, 2009
Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Orange County Department of Education
Address: 200 Kalmus Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Directions, Map


Who should attend?

Special Educators

Parents

Program specialists

Therapists

Administrators

Person with Disabilities

Anyone interested in the field of assistive technology


Keynote Speaker

Richard Devylder leads the new Office of Access and Functional Needs within the Office of Emergency Services (OES). Over the last three years, Richard has served as an advisor to OES and the Governor's Office of Homeland Security on issues related to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery that impact people with disabilities, including areas of evacuations, sheltering, communications, and recovery.

Devylder's group will also actively participate in California's annual statewide Golden Guardian emergency drills to integrate the needs of people with disabilities as part of the exercise, including those who are unable to drive, as well as transportation providers.

Devylder was selected by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as a State Delegate to the 2006 Working Conference on Emergency Management and Individuals with Disabilities and the Elderly. In 2003, he was appointed by Governor Davis to the position of Deputy Director, Independent Living and External Affairs for the California Department of Rehabilitation. He is the former Chairman of the State Independent Living Council and Executive Director of Dayle McIntosh Center, based in Orange County, and is very experienced advocating for people with disabilities at the local, state and federal levels.

As the former Executive Director of the Dayle McIntosh Center from 2000-2003, Richard was responsible for the day-to-day management of a staff of 45 and an annual budget of over $3 million. He oversaw a broad range of services offered by the Center that provided the necessary support for people with disabilities to live independently, free from nursing homes. Richard is a 1992 graduate of California State University, Long Beach, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Speech Communication with an emphasis on interpersonal and organizational communication.

Click here to view (with captions) a video about Richard's life. (11 min long)

Here are just a few comments from others regarding Richard's story.

"Richard's story is so moving. It really helps put a perspective on taking personal responsibility for your life and also the power of collaboration. I know it will inspire many to reach for more in their lives." --- Debbe

"When I listened to Richard give his talk, I was also forced to think about my perceived difficulties. I may be completely blind, need two canes to walk and have other challenges. I will strive not to let these obstacles limit my happiness and prevent me from reaching my goals." --- Bill

"An inspiring post and amazing man. I love his forthright way of speaking, enjoyed the video from beginning to end." --- Nicky

"Wow, this guy is awesome. I really admire him." --- (Posted on a blog)


Agenda for February 7, 2009

8:00 – 8:45 – Registration and Continental breakfast

8:45 – 9:10 – Welcome Address / Housekeeping

9:15 – 10:15 – Session 1

10:20 – 10:40 – Vendors Exhibits

10:50 – 11:50 – Session 2

12:00 – 1:15 – Catered Lunch and Keynote (Vendors open)

1:20 – 2:20 – Session 3

2:30 – 3:30 – Session 4

3:40 – 4:00 – Door Prizes / Vendor Exhibits / Certificates


Why should You attend?

Strategies to support all learners.

Skills for partnering with parents, teachers, and administrators.

Funding for Assistive Technology.

A catered lunch and morning bagels with coffee.

A variety of valuable NEW presentations related to AT use.

The laws that pertain to AT and how they may be used to obtain devices and services.

The devices and resources available to meet the diverse needs of individual students.