Webinar Wednesday: Dysgraphia: 5 Minute Screening for Writing Accommodations

What does writing look like for students with dysgraphia? How can educators and parents help to better support students with writing difficulties? There are many things to consider when helping our struggling writers to improve outcomes and build confidence. Students who struggle with writing may have poor fine motor skills, messy or slow handwriting, lack of attention to tasks, poor spelling, and difficulty getting ideas down on paper. Is it Dysgraphia? View this on-demand webinar from Don Johnston to learn how to use accessible technology to better support students with IEPs who have Dysgraphia or other writing challenges. Broaden your understanding of dysgraphia, learn how Co:Writer Word Prediction, Translation, and Speech-to-Text remove barriers to writing and sign up for the webinar to request an easy, 5-minute Writing Accommodation Screening Tool.

Source: Dysgraphia 5 Minute Screening for Writing Accommodations from DonJohnstonInc

Webinar Wednesday: Twice Exceptionality in the Digital Age

Want to learn more about strategies for supporting your twice-exceptional students? Be sure to register for the webinar below hosted by AbleNet.

DATE:

June 03, 2019
Time: 02:00 pm CST - 60-minutes

TITLE:

Twice Exceptionality in the Digital Age: Strategies For helping Students Tap Into Strengths Using Innovative Technology

DESCRIPTION:

In this session, participants will be introduced to the wild world of the twice-exceptional student. A brief overview of twice-exceptionality will be provided, followed by a discussion of innovative tools and strategies that can be used to meet these students’ unique blend of brilliance and challenge in learning, communicating, and being in the world. We will include practical strategies for motivating students to become self-directed learners and thinkers!

COST:

FREE

PRESENTER:

JENNIFER COURDUFF & 

SARAH ORTON

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

                 

                  

Webinar Wednesday: Turn Struggling Readers Into Leaders Using Assistive Technology

Tuesday, April 16, 2019 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT

Presented by Dana Blackaby, Dyslexia Specialist, Nolan Dunn Academy, Burleson, TX

Sponsored by Learning Ally

REGISTER HERE

JOIN THE LIVE SESSION

In this edWebinar, join Dana Blackaby as members of her student-led “tech crew” demonstrate forms of assistive technology and share personal anecdotes describing how it helps them overcome some of their most daunting academic challenges. These students all have IEPs or 504 plans, but there are times when only the use of assistive technology allows them to overcome barriers.

Sometimes the biggest barrier to effectively utilizing assistive technology in the classroom is the teacher, as many feel they need to be experts themselves before allowing students to utilize it. When students are given the chance to showcase their expertise, however, teachers are often convinced to embrace the technology. Many teachers make students the tech experts in their classrooms. The result is that they regularly demonstrate marked improvements in their reading skills, social behavior, confidence, and public speaking, elevating them to leaders in their classrooms and schools.

The forms of assistive technology this group utilizes are Snap & Read, Co-Writer, Google Tools, and Learning Ally. Each allows students to access and master grade-level curricula even though they each have dyslexia. When these students present to their own teachers and administrators, the adults pay attention and immediately recognize just how life-changing these tools are for students.

This edWebinar will be of interest to elementary through middle school teachers, librarians, and school and district leaders. There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation.

About the Presenter

Dana Blackaby is a dyslexia specialist at Nolan Dunn Academy in Texas whose goal is to empower students by instilling confidence, skills, and hope in students with learning differences Dana’s students have finished in the top 10 in two nationwide reading competitions and have been featured in multiple news outlets via newspapers, Twitter, Facebook, and the Dallas–Fort Worth ABC affiliate, WFAA. In addition, several of her students are a part of a student-led tech crew that travels from school to school providing training on assistive technology for teachers and administrators in their district. Dana holds a master’s degree in teaching.

 

REGISTER HEREJOIN THE LIVE SESSION

Webinar Wednesday: AT: What Is It and How to Use It

If your summer had you on the go and you missed out on the webinars from CTD's summer series, you're now in luck. CTD, Center for Technology and Disabilities, has shared some of their summer webinars, including the webinar being featured below with Elizabeth Barry and Tina Hanson from the PACER's Simon Technology center. Elizabeth and Tina describe the fundamentals of AT, and how to incorporate them into your student's or child's life to enhance learning and creativity. The original post and full transcript can be found through this link. Watch the webinar below and click on the link for the PDF handout of their presentation.

Source: CTD

Webinar Wednesday: 10 Research-Based Strategies to Motivate Struggling Readers

Motivation Matters: 10 Research-Based Strategies to Motivate Struggling Readers

Wednesday, August 29, 2018 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT

Presented by Terrie Noland, Vice President, Educator Initiatives, Learning Ally
Sponsored by Learning Ally

REGISTER HERE

JOIN THE LIVE SESSION

edWeb members can download a personalized CE certificate from their edWebinar transcript the day after the presentation.  Join here!

Research shows that an alarming number of students report they are learning to hate reading. This can be a painful realization and the reason why so many educators understand the importance and value of being motivated to read. As educators, we want to flip that paradigm and create motivated and engaged readers. What does that mean exactly? It means reading with increased stamina, understanding the value associated with reading and engaging in the classroom culture and discourse.

Through an extensive review of current literature and research, this edWebinar will reveal what educators can do to counteract this decline in motivation through strategies that will not only boost motivation but will have a positive, powerful impact on reading achievement.

Whether you are an administrator, specialist, or classroom teacher you will walk away motivated to integrate a number of the ten different strategies that will be discussed. There will be time to get your questions answered after the presentation.

About the Presenter

Terrie Noland serves as the vice president of educator initiatives for Learning Ally where she works to develop engagement programs, professional learning services and communities for educators. Terrie has more than 25 years of experience as both a motivational leader and developer of content for educators and administrators. Terrie’s focus for the past six years has been on the pedagogical practices needed to create effective environments for struggling readers and students with dyslexia. Terrie has the opportunity to lead and facilitate groups numbering in the thousands helping to build better understanding of working with struggling readers and students with dyslexia. Her greatest strengths lie in the ability to inform and inspire others to be passionate educators that support the diverse needs of students. Terrie is currently working towards a Ph.D. in literacy, with an emphasis in educational leadership from St. John’s University.

REGISTER HEREJOIN THE LIVE SESSION

Webinar Wednesday: I Can Read That! AT Supports for Struggling Readers

I Can Read That! AT Supports for Struggling Readers

Click to RSVP for this Event

In this session, participants will learn how to use the built in accessibility supports in their mobile devices to support struggling readers, a free screen reader,  as well as how to adjust settings in three library apps; Google Play Books, Kindle App, and Libby/Overdrive so that readers can confidently say, “I can read that!”

Diana Ree-Reeder is a former low incidence disabilities teacher turned assistive technology (AT) resource teacher.  She has a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Assistive Technology from George Mason University as well as a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education.  Ms. Ree-Reeder has worked in Fairfax County Public Schools for her thirteen year career, with the last nine as an AT resource teacher.  She has worked with students from preschool to high school but primarily serves students in elementary schools. Ms. Ree-Reeder works with students with high and low incidence disabilities in her schools to find AT that will increase their academic achievement and enhance life skills through data driven methods.  She has presented at district, regional, and international conferences to share her knowledge with others. 

Event Date: 

Tuesday, May 15th, 2018 - 4:00pm to 5:00pm EDT

Webinar Wednesday: Assistive Technology: What it is and How to Use it

Students with disabilities can benefit from using assistive technology (AT) to support a wide variety of skills. But what is assistive technology and how do you select and appropriately use it? In this introductory CTD event, we’ll cover what assistive technology is, the legal consideration process for choosing assistive technology and some of the different types of tools that are available for students of all ages.

Click to RSVP for this Event

Event Date: 

Wednesday, May 16th, 2018 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm EDT

Webinar Wednesday: Assistive Technology Trends

Stephen Hawking said "the future is indefinite and exists only as a spectrum of possibilities."  But what are those possibilities, you ask?  Well, as technology becomes more ubiquitous and readily available for everyone to purchase, we will explore some of the current and future general technology application trends that could be considered assistive technology.  Some technologies to consider are wearables, digital assistants (smart speakers) and even the worlds of Virtual and Augmented Reality. 

Click to RSVP for this Event

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Kirk Behnke delivers professional development, technical assistance and cultivates learning opportunities regarding Accessible Educational Materials, accessible and assistive technologies and Universal Design for Learning within the US, Middle East, Europe and Indonesia. His passion is helping to facilitate excellence in learning for all, whether it is in a classroom or presentation room. He has developed and implemented the “Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program (ATACP)” at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) and later adopted by the University College of Dublin, Ireland. Kirk has worked in a variety of settings, including CAST, Region 4 Education Service Center, CSUN, and Temple University where he received his M.Ed. in Education/Special Education. He also holds an Assistive Technology Professional credential from RESNA, a Certificate in Assistive Technology Applications (CATA) from the University College of Dublin, Ireland and is currently contracting with the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA). 

Event Date: 

Thursday, April 19th, 2018 - 4:00pm to 5:00pm EDT

Webinar Wednesday: Creative Technology for Inclusion and Engagement

Creative Technology for Inclusion and Engagement

Click to RSVP for this Event

Most of us know about many of the most common technologies to help students with disabilities. This presentation will explore creative technology to help struggling learners better access the curriculum and engage in the learning process. You will learn about how to include students in art, and music with technology and engage students with various disabilities. Participants will learn about high-interest technologies that will motivate student and the psychology of educational technology. If you are looking for something new and different, this presentation is for you.

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John F. O’Sullivan is a Librarian, an Assistive Technology Specialist and an author of several books on educational technology. His books include The Educational Technology Guide 2018, The UDL Educational Technology Guide 2018, UDL Technology, The Teacher’s Awesome App Guide, and Teaching Projects with Computers. He currently holds four certifications in education and has taught under each certification. He works for Chelmsford Public Schools at Chelmsford High School. He has worked in the past as a Special Education Teacher and Technology Integration Specialist.

Webinar Wednesday: ATIA Recap Webinar

ATIA Recap webinar

Date: March 6, 2018
Time: 3:30-4:30
Presenter: Nichole Carubia, MA-CCC-SLP, AAC Specialist 


Registration Information:


Or e-mail Sue Wright at the SETC office to register, wrightsu@cwu.edu

Description:
The Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) conference continues to be an excellent resource, covering the latest assistive technology news, as well as ever-changing technologies and implementation strategies. SETC staff, as well as several AT specialists in Washington state, will be attending and presenting at ATIA this year. This webinar is an opportunity to share highlights from conference presentations, as well feature new technologies demonstrated in the ATIA vendor hall. If you had the pleasure of attending ATIA, join this webinar to share your highlights with others. If you were unable to attend, join this webinar to get up to speed on the latest and greatest in AT.

Learning objectives:
Participants will learn about assistive technology products and resources featured at the 2018 annual ATIA Conference, and will join a discuss about trends in assistive technology gleaned from ATIA conference presentation and interactions with vendors.

About the Presenter:
Nicky is an SLP and AT specialist in Mount Vernon, WA. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and has served students ages 3-21 in the public schools for the past 10 years. Nicky has previously worked in the medical setting and currently has a small private practice specializing in AAC (alternative augmentative communication) devices and services for adults in the workplace. Special areas of interest include teaming to create customized solutions for people with complex needs and collaborating with local and regional professionals to increase capacity to provide assistive technology devices and services to people across the lifespan in Washington State.

Webinar Wednesday: Learning Ally: Audiobooks & Audio Resources Webinar

Learning Ally: Audiobooks & Audio Resources Webinar

Date: February 22, 2018
Time: 3:30-4:30
Presenter: Traci West, MOTR/L Internet 50 1

Registration Information:


Or E-mail Sue Wright at the SETC office to register, wrightsu@cwu.edu

Description:
Do you have a 5th grader who really wants to read Harry Potter, but the words and letters on the page just won’t cooperate? Help your students who comprehend grade level material gain access to their world through the use of audiobooks and audio strategies. We will explore several websites and tools including Learning Ally, Storybook Online, Bookshare and more.

Learning Objectives: 

Participants will...

1. Understand the three main structural levels of tools and accommodations for students

2. Explore at least three online audiobook resources

3. Identify characteristics of students who would benefit from reading accommodations

Presenter:

Traci West, MOTR/L is an OT and Instructional Facilitator for Assistive Technology in Tacoma Public Schools. She has practiced in the OT field for 24 years, with the past 16 years spent in school-based therapy. Prior to earning her MOTR/L, she was a COTA/L and brings experiences from both perspectives during her years of service in nursing facilities, hospital rehab, hand therapy, and school based therapy. Passions include teaching others about the wide variety of accommodations available to support student inclusion in the general education setting and building a district culture of differentiation and inclusion.

Webinar Wednesday: AT Chatter - Early Learning Webinar

AT Chatter: Early Learning webinar

Date: February 5, 2018
Time: 11:30-12:30
Presenter: Rose Racicot, MS, OTR/L, AT Specialist

Registration Information:

Or contact via E-mail Sue Wright at the SETC office to register, wrightsu@cwu.edu

Description:
This is an opportunity for Washington state AT providers and educational team members to come together in an informal on-line gathering to discuss current AT Topics. We will have a facilitator who will start the webinar, provide questions and facilitate the participant discussion. Questions will be sent out to registered participants prior to the scheduled Talk. This AT Chatter will focus on AT for Early Learning.

Presenter:
This event will be facilitated by Rose Racicot, MS, OTR/L is an OT and Assistive Technology Program Specialist in Kent School District with 30 years of experience. She has conducted research and been published on “The Effect of Multimedia Software on Written Productivity”. She presents workshops on literacy support software, UDL, iPad and other AT topics at state and national conferences as well as guest lecturing at local OT and OTA schools. She is passionate about helping educators implement Universal Design for Learning principles to create inclusive classrooms for all students to succeed.

Webinar Wednesday: Center for Technology and Disability Webinar Central

Looking to enhance your professional practice or support your child's learning difficulties, be sure to check out these free, real-time and archived webinars on all focused on various AssistiveTechnology topics from the 

Center for Technology and Disability. 

https://www.ctdinstitute.org/cafe

A few of the December topics included....

-Use Audio & Video to Engage Students and Promote UDL

-Giving Instant Feedback to Disabled Students with Technology to Create Engagement and Motivation

-Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Accessibility in Higher Education

-AAC Implementation Plans: Preparing for Successful Communication

-Call to Action: Addressing Digital Accessibility

-Transition Tech Tools to Empower Your Student

-Making it Happen: Addressing Digital Accessibility

-Technologies and Strategies to Help Students Start, Focus, and Finish Strong

Be sure to check out the long list of topics available for viewing! 

Communication is Key Webinars

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month! In celebration, OSEP’s Early Childhood Assistive Technology Model Demonstration grantees and Center on Technology and Disability is partnering with the Office of Head Start’s Early Childhood Hearing Outreach (ECHO) Initiative to join the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) in celebrating this year’s theme “Communication: The Key to Connection.” Throughout the month of May, ASHA partners with national and local stakeholders to engage in a multifaceted public education campaign to raise awareness about the critical need to intervene early when young children are identified with communication disorders. The Coffee Break Webinars will focus on raising awareness about the use of assistive technology and the importance of frequent hearing screenings. Please join the Coffee Break webinar series to learn more about assistive technology and hearing screening. There is no pre-registration to join the webinars.


Tuesday, May 2, 2017, 2:00-2:15 p.m. 

Debunking Common Myths about Using Assistive Technology with Young Children

Bridget Gilormini, Director, Simon Technology Center PACER Center Bridget Gilormini Bridget.Gilormini@pacer.org

https://ncham.adobeconnect.com/bhsm/


Wednesday, May 3, 2017, 2:00 – 2:15 p.m. 

Don't Wait to Communicate! Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Jacqueline Hess, Director, Disabilities Studies and Services & Early Care and Education jhess@fhi360.org

https://ncham.adobeconnect.com/bhsm/


Friday, May 5, 2017, 2:00 – 2:15 p.m.

Quality Hearing Screening Practices for Children Birth to 5 Years of Age

Will Eiserman, Early Childhood Hearing Outreach (ECHO) Initiative

https://ncham.adobeconnect.com/bhsm/


Monday, May 8, 2017, 2:00 – 2:15 p.m.
Using a Multi-Modal Approach to Support Children with Hearing Loss

Karen Latimer, Assistive Technology Specialist, Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative, Center for Disabilities Studies Karen Latimer klatimer@udel.edu

https://ncham.adobeconnect.com/bhsm/


Tuesday, May 9, 2017, 2:00 – 2:15 p.m.  
Center on Technology and Disability: Free Resources to Support the Use of Assistive Technology in Young Children with Disabilities

Jacqueline Hess, Director, Disabilities Studies and Services & Early Care and Education jhess@fhi360.org

https://ncham.adobeconnect.com/bhsm/