2010 Annual ATI Conference Archive
Downloads
Download our ATI 2010 - Handouts
Download our ATI 2010 - Conference Program
ATI Session Descriptions
Speaker Bio
Dr. Buchert’s Biography
Greg Buchert, M.D., M.P.H., is the Chief Operating Officer at CalOptima, a public agency that administers health insurance programs for children, low-income families, seniors, and persons with disabilities living in Orange County. In 1995, Dr. Buchert directed the implementation team that launched CalOptima. Today, Dr. Buchert oversees CalOptima’s operations, strategic planning and business development.
Saturday, February 13th 2010
ATI Session Descriptions
Accessibility Options in Microsoft Products
Speakers:
Todd Freitas, ATEC
Description:
Overview of Accessibility Options in Microsoft Windows Operating Systems, Internet Explorer & Office. Will also include overview of the new Accessibility features in Windows 7.
Dolphin Guide – The solution for anyone having difficulty using a Windows Computer
Speakers:
Andy Kratter & Douglas Gerry, A.T. Kratter & Co., Inc.
Description:
Dolphin Guide empowers you to browse web pages, write letters, send emails, scan and listen to documents and more. Reads out everything aloud too. Ideal for visually impaired.
Free & Worthwhile Online Educational Games
Speakers:
Judy Nahman-Stouffer, EmpowerTech
Description:
Among the zillion pages on the Internet, this workshop will separate the schlock from the stupendous providing you with a dozen or more websites containing over 500 free, worthwhile (some downloadable) educational games suitable for preschool to university level for lifelong learning or thoughtful entertainment.
AT & the IEP
Speakers:
Paula Westenberger & Laura Simmons-Martinez, TASK
Description:
This workshop will provide an overview of the IEP process: how to obtain an AT Evaluation and services based on the outcome of the assessment.
Using Educational Software to Remediate Auditory Processing Disorders
Speakers:
Kevin Stuckey, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Description:
Session will discuss auditory processing research and theory and introduce professional and home versions of educational software for following directions, basic concepts, and sound awareness.
AAC Language Lab
Speakers:
Margaret Perkins, Prentke Romich Company (PRC)
Description:
Explore information about language stages, the Unity language system, expected language outcomes for each stage, share teaching materials and lesson plans for AAC users.
Low Cost/No Cost A.T
Speakers:
Laura Simmons-Martinez & December Brakefield, TASK
Description:
Learn about free and open source educational software that is available online. Also, explore some practical inexpensive ways to create your own adaptations.
Visual Strategies to Support Communication
Speakers:
Marjorie Gell & Kathleen Rausch, ATEC
Description:
The importance and use of visual strategies in the support of both receptive and expressive language skills in individuals with communication disorders.
How to Establish an AAC Users Group? And why do AAC Users Need a Support Group?
Speakers:
Kim Vuong, AAC User, Christine Horn, AAC User, Jay Hallet, AAC User, Kathleen Rausch, ATEC, & Julie Pendleton, ATEC
Description:
This session will describe the process of developing an AAC Users Group. And how the group benefits the users.
Assistive Technology Services: A Collaborative Systems Approach
Speakers:
Paul Richard, OCDE
Description:
A collaborative effort exists between local agencies in providing Assistive Technology to school-aged individuals. The various system components will be presented, including evaluation and assessment, funding, etc.
AAC Assessment
Speakers:
Molly Doyle & Leslie Aedo, CART
Description:
The feature approach to AAC assessment will be discussed. Suggestions to improve service delivery, based on feedback from experienced AAC users will be shared.
Xpress & Tango…When Companies Unite!
Speakers:
Josh Witt, Amy Hlad & Liza Lucero, DynaVox/Mayer-Johnson
Description:
This is a vendor session.
How and Why a Special Education Teacher Developed an Assistive device for His Students
Speakers:
Rob Mayben, Mayben Assistive Devices, LLC
Description:
A Special Education Teacher’s journey of developing, patenting, prototyping, manufacturing, and marketing an assistive device and who he did it for.
Celebrating Communication: An Introduction of Software for Communication Freedom and Independence
Speakers:
Dani Mohn, Tobii ATI
Description:
Explore how Tobii Communicator users can achieve new levels of independence in communicating. Meets the needs of both early and advanced communicators. Demonstration and hands-on.
Funding Sources for Assistive Technology Devices
Speakers:
Yolanda Cruz-Zinn & Scarlett vonThenen, State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Area Board XI
Description:
Presentation will cover the various funding sources for AT devices, including, but not limited to, Regional Center, School District, Dept of Rehabilitation, Insurance, etc.
Proloquo2go on the Iphone and Ipod Touch
Speakers:
Joe Swingle, ATEC
Description:
Discussion on the Proloquo2go AAC software and its application to education and other environments.
A Technological Response to Intervention in a UDL World
Speakers:
David Bradburn, Cambium Learning Technologies
Description:
This hands-on workshop will introduce participants to products that address the reading, writing, and access needs of struggling students through the use of assistive technology.
Filling the Gap in Transition for Early to Intermediate Literacy
Speakers:
RJ Cooper
Description:
RJ Cooper, long-time developer of AT, will discuss and present tools for transitioning from early literacy (letter recognition, grouping letters to make works, phoneme combining, pictures as scaffolding) to higher levels of literacy (independent AT-assisted reading, reading comprehension, question and answer). RJ, best known for his pioneering work with ‘early’ AT users, has been researching this area of AT and has found a gap that exists between his early literacy programs and traditionally reading programs for special needs, such as Edmark Reading Program and the like. This will be a hands-on lab where teams of 2 will operate computers and provide feedback to RJ as he explains his direction for software. Participants will actually be involved in the inventing process!
AAC and Autism
Speakers:
Joe Swingle, ATEC
Description:
Discussion of current applications of AAC with individuals with ASD and possible funding sources.
Easier Living Through Technology for an Aging Population
Speakers:
Rosemarie Punzalan, Alliance for Technology Access (ATA)
Description:
Assistive technology has always held great potential for the aging population. Seniors represent the fastest growing demographic group in our country, and the one group for whom some limitations in physical function is guaranteed. Yet it is a group that is often unaware that there are tools and strategies available that could make life easier and are often reluctant to embrace products for people with disabilities. The ATA has undertaken to frame the availability of tools in language that is acceptable for this audience. This session will provide information on the strategies we used, as well as share the product of this effort.
Considering AT To Support Inclusive Environments
Speakers:
Kathleen Sadao, Nancy Robinson & Debbie Grant, SEEDS Project, Sacramento County Office of Education
Description:
This workshop will link early childhood assessment practices to child outcomes and AT tools to support inclusive environments. The presenters will identify AT strategies to support children to have access to play and learning opportunities through an AT toolkit approach. The session will include AT handouts and a low technology make and take activity.
Archive - Previous Conferences
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.




