2012 Annual ATI Conference
Keynote Speaker
Biography of Rick Hohn
Rick Hohn was born with Cerebral Palsy (CP) in Hollywood, CA. Though CP affects his limbs and speech, Rick refuses to let this limit him in any way. After graduating from high school in Los Angeles, he studied journalism and social human development at Santa Monica College. Rick worked for Community Interface Services as an art therapist for people with developmental disabilities for three years in Carlsbad, CA. Currently, he works as an alternative augmentative communication (AAC) consultant for DynaVox Mayer-Johnson. He has been a consultant for 16 years, working on various projects including product development and participating in public presentations. Rick regularly presents papers to audiences on subjects related to augmentative communication and speech device operation at conferences on AAC and assistive technology.
Establishing his own ministry, Spirit Wheels, Rick is an associate pastor for his church at Green Oak Ranch in Vista, CA. He guest speaks in other churches, schools and organizations. Rick takes frequent trips to Mexico to deliver sermons to local churches and bring medical equipment to people with disabilities. Before establishing his own ministry and working for DynaVox, Rick evangelized with Joni - Eareckson - Tada in Moscow, Russia in 1993.
In his spare time, Rick is an accomplished artist by having a paintbrush attached to his head stylus that he wears to paint mainly in oils. Additionally, he is the author of several books including, Psalms of Praises. Through his hard work and determination, Rick has been able to accomplish many dreams such as being the proud owner of his home in Escondido.
Pre-Conference
Friday, February 10th, 2012
Time:8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Title:Update Your AAC Toolbox: Assessment, Current Devices, iPad apps, and More!*
Presenters:Kathleen Rausch, M.S., CCC-SLP - Assistive Technology Exchange Center (ATEC)
Randi Horikawa, M.A., CCC-SLP- Assistive Technology Exchange Center (ATEC)
Laura Simmons-Martinez, Technology Project Director - Team of Advocates for Special Kids (TASK)
Instructional Level: Intermediate
Description: Whether you are new to the field of AAC or just need a refresher, please join us for the latest information on assessment, implementation strategies, and communication devices, including the ever popular iPad. You will have an opportunity to learn about current technology and how it applies to your clientele to promote optimal language development and independence. Vendors will also be available during the lunch hour for hands-on demonstration.
Learner Objectives:
- Understand current AAC assessment.
- Apply implementation strategies for teaching vocabulary to AAC users.
- Identify current technology and how this technology addresses various communication needs.
- Identify current communication and educational applications available for the iPad for SLPs, educators, and parents.
*Note: This program/course meets the qualifications for 5.0 hours of continuing professional development credit for speech-language pathologists/audiologists as required by the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board. CSHA PDP #1
Conference
Saturday, February 11th, 2012
Time:8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Introuction to Kurzweil 3000
Speakers:
Don Dutton, Santa Ana College - AT Program
Description:
Kurzweil 3000 is a text-to-speech program that facilitates language decoding, promotes comprehension, and study skills as well as assists individuals in becoming independent learners.
Eye Tracking: Promoting Communciation and Independent Living
Speakers:
Dani Mohn & Michele Lagui, Tobii ATI
Description:
Experience the wonders of eye control and its benefits for communication and living in today's society.
Unlocking the World of Communication
Speakers:
Dani Mohn & Michele Lagui, Tobii ATI
Description:
Experience Tobii Communicator, communication software built on a language continuum that meets the communication needs from the emerging communicator with symbols all the way to the adult text-based communicators.
AT Tools for Reading
Speakers:
Kevin Daugherty, ATEC
Description:
This session will explore different AT tools for reading books and textbooks.
Free Programs and On-line Learning Activities for Students
Speakers:
Barbara Howe, Placentia Yorba Linda USD
Description:
Free resources, interactive web-based activities, and support applications for students.
Avaz - Alternative and Augmentative Communication Device (AAC)
Speakers:
Yogesh Verma & Pradeesh Thomas, Alpha Vista Services Inc.
Description:
Avaz - First dedicated Android Platform based assistive device for people with speech disabilities.
Cdesk by AdaptiveVoice
Speakers:
Randyce Wechter & Michael Wechter, AdaptiveVoice
Description:
AdaptiveVoice will present the CDAdesk application suite and introduce 'Peggy' the new speech recognition system.
APPsolute Fun! Apps for Early Learning
Speakers:
Laura Simmons-Martinez & Elizabeth Ortega, TASK
Description:
This session will introduce iDevice applications that help facilitate early learning. Some of the topics will include pre-math and literacy skills, shapes, colors, sorting and more.
Toy Tips: Ideas and Options for Children with Special Needs
Speakers:
Laura Simmons-Martinez & Elizabeth Ortega, TASK
Description:
Come on in and learn practical, inexpensive ways to adapt common toys such as books, puzzles, and much more for varying abilities. Additionally, we will give you tips as to which types of toys might work best for your child.
APPtastic! Apps for Transition
Speakers:
Laura Simmons-Martinez & Elizabeth Ortega, TASK
Description:
This session will introduce iDevice applications that help foster independence for transition age students and consumers in both school and home environments.
Effective Communication through Language Development
Speakers:
Cheryl Fletcher & Traci Peplinski, E. Cheryl Fletcher & Associates
Description:
AAC systems ranging from low-tech to high-tech can facilitate effective communication through developmentally appropriate statges of language acquisition for people with complex communication needs.
CJT Mounting
Speakers:
Carrie McCormick & Thomas Sohrt, CJT
Description:
Discuss the common frustrations associates with mounting a communcation device. Learn how to access and use the CJT Helping Hand. And learn to use the CJT mount.
AT Network
Speakers:
Cecilia Burch, Shannon Coe, Lauren Wetzler & Kevin Bruny, ILP, CFILC, ATEC & Rolling Start
Description:
This session will provide information regarding California's AT Act Program, AT Network, it's resources and how to utilize the AT Device Lending Libraries and AT Reuse.
Introduction to the iPad 2
Speakers:
Randy Kolset, OCDE
Description:
Introduce yourself to the iPad2's functionality starting from basic navigation to researching and downloading apps.
Introduction to Accessibility on the iPad 2
Speakers:
Randy Kolset, OCDE
Description:
In this course you will be introduced to the iPad2's Accessibility features.
Point, Shoot, Listen: Advances in Mobile Assitive Technology
Speakers:
Nate Dallimore, GE Care Innovations
Description:
We will discuss the next generation Intel reader as well as other software and camera solutions.
iDevice Apps
Speakers:
Judy Nahman-Stouffer, Empowertech
Description:
Among the thousands of iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad apps, this workshop will separate the schlock from the studendous demonstrating a dozen or more apps for people with specials needs & a few thoughtful games. Bring your device & share your apps.
Simplifying the Process of Obtaining an AAC Device
Speakers:
Natalie Wong & Charlane Lazca-Yu, CCS
Description:
California Children's Services (CCS) - LA County will provide an overview of our AAC process and how a computer-based resource allows for easier and more efficient access. Attendees will be given the resource and have an opportunity to try it.
Funding Sources for Assistive Technology
Speakers:
Scarlett VonThenen & Yolanda Cruz-Zinn, SCDD - Area Board XI
Description:
Presentation will cover the various funding sources for AT devices, including but not limited to Regional Center, school districts, Department of Rehabilitation, insurance, etc.
My Education with Technology
Speakers:
Darlene Hanson & Rebecca Liu, WAPADH & Pasadena H.S.
Description:
This session will discuss the many ways you can use low and high tech systems in the school setting to actively participate in high school.
Behavioral Communciation beyond "I need a break"
Speakers:
Darlene Hanson, WAPADH
Description:
This session will discuss how to support replacement behavior skills using alternate modes so that students can begin to problem solve their needs.
My Personal Journey Using Assistive Technology
Speakers:
Paula West -Hernandez, TASK
Description:
One user's experience using AT at school, in the community, at home and one the job. Speaker will demonstrate the technology she uses in her daily life and explain the process that she went through to obtain devices.
Does my child have an appropriate Assistive Technolgy Assessment and Services?
Speakers:
Paula West -Hernandez, TASK
Description:
This workshop will help parents to understand the process of obtaining an appropriate AT assessment and how to work with the rest of the IEP team to provide effective services for their child.
DynaVox Environmental Control Unit
Speakers:
Mara Marshall & Josh Witt, DynaVox
Description:
Demonstration of how DynaVox can control appliances within household, i.e. lights, TV, DVD, etc.
Making Books & Lectures Accessible with PEARL, Openbook & Plextalk
Speakers:
Andrea Pitsenbarger & Elizabeth Enright, Access Ingenuity
Description:
Demonstration of the PEARL Portable Scanner with Openbook scan and read software to make books accessible as well as the Plextalk - a powerful DAISY book reader and personal recording system.
Keys to Participating with Augmentative and Alternative Communication! Participation, Tools, Communication Partners, Ativities for Instruction
Speakers:
Sharon Rogers, CSU Fullerton
Description:
Research shos the importance of children's participation. The environment supplies AAC. Communication partners learn to respond. Together discover keys to using AAC in two everyday activities.
AAC Device Decision-Making: Mobile Technology or Manufactured AAC Devices
Speakers:
Mary Ann Abbott, LAUSD
Description:
This session will review the AAC device decision-making process and compare the features of various communication systems including augmentative communication apps and dedicated communication devices.
How using AT have made them successful with college and work
Speakers:
Kim Vuong, Christine Horn, Kerri Adamic Curtice, Yun Hee Choi, AAC Users
Description:
Personal observations from users of AAC on using assistive technology in school and work.
Building Vocabulary: Implementation Strategies for AAC
Speakers:
Julie Dunbar, PRC
Description:
Vocabulary selection for an individual using an AAC device should allow the individual to communicate and interact across environments with gerative and novel language.
Archive - Previous Conferences
Click this link to visit the 2011 Annual Assistive Technology Institute Conference list of speakers.
Click this link to visit the 2010 Annual Assistive Technology Institute Conference Notes.
Click this link to visit the 2009 Annual Assistive Technology Institute Conference Notes.
Click this link to visit the 2008 Annual Assistive Technology Institute Conference Notes.
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