2011 Annual ATI Conference Archive
Keynote Speaker
If you meet Augie Nieto, you can't help but walk away impressed and motivated. Augie was the founder of Life Fitness, but in March 2005, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Augie and his wife Lynne have made it their life's work to raise awareness and funding for research into ALS. The Nietos are co-chairs of the the ALS division of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. To date, 'Augie's Quest' has raised over $26 million towards research into finding a cure for ALS. Augie, 51, is approaching his role as co-chairperson of MDA's ALS division with the same ironclad will and determination that catapulted him to entrepreneurial heights in the fitness world.
MDA Involvement and Augie's Quest
The Nietos work closely with the Muscular Dystrophy Association's (MDA) staff to coordinate fundraising events that will benefit MDA's worldwide ALS research program. In his campaign called Augie's Quest, Nieto has raised millions for MDA's ALS Division.
Augie and his wife, Lynne, serve as co-chairs for MDA's ALS Division. The Nietos help raise awareness through public appearances, speaking engagements, media interviews, and public service announcements.
"We're thrilled and honored to be working with the MDA. We're going to help put a face on this disease and raise money for research in a fast-track format."
Friday, February 11th, 2011
ATI Session Descriptions
CREATIVE THERAPY APPROACHES FOR SUCCESSFUL USE OF AAC
Speakers:
Alisha Magilei & Lisa Sandoval (Dynamic Therapy Solutions)
Description:
This hands-on session includes the basics of AAC therapy and how to implement motivational AAC activities for kids, adolescents, and adults. Have fun and participate with us!
EXPLORING SOLO LITERACY SUITE – 4 PROVEN TOOLS IN 1 COMPREHENSIVE SOFTWARE SUITE SUPPORTING RTI, NIMAS AND UNIVERSAL ACCESS INITIATIVES (NEW VERSION 6 OF CO:WRITER, WRITE:OUTLOUD, DRAFT:BUILDER AND READ:OUTLOUD)
Speakers:
Benda L. Bender (Don Johnston)
Description:
Transform your students into successful and independent writers with Co:Writer®, Write:OutLoud® and Draft:Builder®. When provided with these tools, students are encouraged to write more effectively, more often and have more enthusiasm to share creative thoughts on paper. Join me and discover the new and enhanced supports that initiate a no-fail writing environment as well as new portable solutions to support students wherever they need to write. We'll share our experiences, provide examples and discuss support selections for students and teachers.
Come discover new resources for delivering accessible instructional material (AIM) for students who struggle with print text. In this session, we will discuss how digital text allows teachers to meet the needs of these students. As more information is provided to them in an alternate, accessible format, the barriers to opportunity will disappear. We will explore proven tools and resources - including a new version of Read:OutLoud® that is free for qualified print disabled students supporting the NIMAS (National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard) initiative.
Learn about how Don Johnston is supporting all students with these tools with their UNLIMITED BUILDING LICENSES. All students, teachers and administrators have access to the programs INCLUDING TAKE HOME RIGHTS. Give them the tools wherever they should go!
INTERACTIVE HANDS-ON PRODUCT TRAINING BREAKOUT SESSIONS, BY THE FOLLOWING VENDORS:
- Prentke Romich Company (PRC)
- DynaVox Technologies
- Tobii ATI
Saturday, February 12th, 2011
ATI Main Conference Session Descriptions
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.
Communication Apps for the iPod and the iPad
Speakers:
Joe Swingle (ATEC)
Description:
Brief description and demonstration of various communication apps for iOS devices (iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad)
Broadband Awareness & Adoption for California's Disability Community
Speakers:
Martin Sweeney (Center for Accessible Technology)
Description:
Broadband is rapidly becoming the very infrastructure for health care, education, employment, and civic participation. People with disabilities cannot afford to be left behind. This session will explore Broadband access and adoption.
Using the Intel Reader: Point…Shoot…Listen
Speakers:
Cleon Wellington (Digital Health Group, Intel)
Description:
This hands-on workshop will teach you how to use the Intel Reader, a mobile device that converts printed materials to speech, almost anytime, anywhere.
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 stupendous demonstrating a dozen or more apps for people with special needs & a few thoughtful games. Bring your device and share your apps.
Does my Child Have an Appropriate Assistive Technology Assessment and Services?
Speakers:
Paula Westenberger (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.
My Personal Journey Using Assistive Technology
Speakers:
Paula Westenberger (TASK)
Description:
One user's experience using AT at school, in the community, at home and on the job. Speaker will demonstrate the technology she uses in her daily life and explain the process that she went through to obtain devices.
Alternative Media Creation
Speakers:
Andy Kratter (A. T Kratter & CO., Inc.)
Description:
Easy Converter is a flexible, high quality alternative format creation tool.
Paper, Fun and Voice…a Complete AAC Solution for Emergent Communicators
Speakers:
Dani Mohn (Tobii ATI)
Description:
Explore a new, innovative AAC device for communication, IR control, and toy interface. All this with durable design, huge memory, great sound, and amazing features. Great for the emergent language user or seasoned AAC users.
Facilitating Language through Literacy for Children with Complex Communication Needs
Speakers:
Janet L. Dodd (Chapman University)
Description:
This workshop will demonstrate a strategy for adapting children's literature based on the principles of aided language stimulation utilizing core vocabulary for children with complex communication needs.
Transitions: Moving Along with AAC
Speakers:
Margaret Perkins (Prentke Romich Company)
Description:
Transitions from early intervention to adult services. AAC implementation across environments and with a variety of communication partners will be addressed during this session.
Terrific Technology Tools
Speakers:
Laura Simmons-Martinez & December Brakefield (TASK)
Description:
In this session, we will discuss a variety of helpful assistive technology tools from low tech items to software. Come and enjoy this fast-paced session and learn about different types of technology.
What is New with Kurzweil 3000 Version 12?
Speakers:
Karen Butler (Cambium Learning Technologies)
Description:
Assistive computer technology for anyone who struggles to read or write.
CJT Wheelchair Mounting Basics
Speakers:
Carrie McCormick (CJT Mounting)
Description:
Learn the basics of evaluating and attaching a wheelchair mount with CJT's hands-on workshop. Plug into the Helping Hand to help eliminate the guess work out of mounting technology
Supporting the Movement Disorder in Autism
Speakers:
Darlene Hanson (WAPADH)
Description:
This session will describe how to support persons with autism whose movement disorder affects their ability to access AAC.
Hearing Experience
Speakers:
Lorraine Fanizza (Hearing Promotions)
Description:
Vendor Session –Experience the freedom to hear better in multiple environments; at home, in classrooms, social or business meetings, while traveling, on tours and more. Come and hear this wonderful hearing ability for yourself.
Websites for Student Practice and Free Programs
Speakers:
Barbara Howe (Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District)
Description:
Websites for student practice and free programs to download that emphasize basic skills and remedial instruction
Obtaining an Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) Device: Streamlining the Process
Speakers:
Natalie Wong & Phillip Chen (California Children's Services – CCS)
Description:
Los Angeles County – California Children's Services will provide an overview of our AAAC process and how a computer-based resource allows for easy & efficient access. Attendees will be given the resource and have an opportunity to try it.
Navigating the Health Care System
Speakers:
Dr. Trudi Carter (CalOptima)
Description:
Understand your health insurance benefits and the importance of communicating with your health care team. Learn about community organizations & resources to help meet unmet needs.
Perspectives from AAC Users
Speakers:
Christine Horn, Jay Hallett, Linda Rizzo, Kathy Rausch, & Marjorie Gell (AAC Users & ATEC)
Description:
Life experiences, resources from AAC Users.
Assistive technology to support struggling writers
Speakers:
Kevin Daugherty (ATEC)
Description:
Brief description and demonstration of various computer applications that assist students who struggle with spelling, grammar, and organizing writing assignments
Archive - Previous Conferences
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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