Empowering individuals with disabilities, including those with neurodiversity such as autism, ADHD, and TBI, to succeed in post-secondary transitions requires intentional implementation of assistive technology (AT) supports. This presentation will explore how a curated digital toolbox can set students up for success in vocational rehabilitation and higher education. Participants will gain practical strategies for assessing individual needs, selecting appropriate AT tools, and fostering digital literacy. Evidence-based practices will highlight how AT solutions, including built-in accessibility features, text-to-speech, organizational apps, and productivity software, promote independence and improve outcomes. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles will be integrated to demonstrate how AT can benefit a wide range of learners. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to create personalized digital toolboxes that bridge the gap between secondary education.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the role of assistive technology in supporting executive functioning, literacy, and productivity for post-secondary transitions.
- Apply the SETT framework to assess individual technology needs and select appropriate AT solutions
- Explore evidence-based digital tools, including built-in accessibility features, and strategies for fostering independence in vocational and academic settings.
While best practices encourage clinicians to support all languages used by AAC users, implementing bilingual interventions often presents more challenges than solutions. This presentation explores evidence-based frameworks for implementing culturally responsive AAC intervention for multilingual communicators. Key topics include strategies for effective caregiver collaboration, bilingual AAC system personalization, and how to leverage AI tools for bilingual material development. Attendees will gain actionable strategies for supporting multilingual AAC users while honoring their cultural and linguistic diversity, as well as access to ready-to-use resources for immediate clinical application.
Learning Outcomes
- Participants will analyze key features and limitations of bilingual AAC systems to make informed decisions for customization for bilingual communicators.
- Participants will integrate strategies for meaningful caregiver collaboration to support long-term AAC use across multiple language environments.
- Participants will utilize artificial intelligence tools and translation resources to support the development of bilingual AAC materials while maintaining cultural and linguistic accuracy.
Join us for an interactive panel discussion with Assistive Technology (AT) Specialists from the Arizona Department of Education and The ADAPT Shop, designed for parents/caregivers, early childhood educators, early intervention specialists, related service providers, and AT specialists. We’ll explore how early AT devices and services can provide children with disabilities the chance to learn and grow in important ways. You’ll learn why these opportunities matter, when to ask for support, and how to access AT that can help young children develop.
By the end of the session, you’ll have a digital toolkit filled with resources to help advocate for AT. Plus, we will spend time exploring some AT devices from the AzTAP/ADE loan libraries and customized AT devices available from The ADAPT Shop.
Learning Outcomes
- Discover how Assistive Technology can boost children’s cognitive, social, and physical development.
- Learn effective ways to advocate for and request Assistive Technology for young children.
- Find out about Assistive Technology equipment available from AzTAP/ADE Loan Libraries and The ADAPT Shop.
The majority of literature on best practices in schools focuses on preschool and school-age children. Practice guidance for students receiving services at the high school level is minimal, as are providers who feel confident providing these services. Students’ needs change in high school; their disabilities don’t. This talk will discuss innovative service delivery models for high schoolers. What do they need? How can we make it relevant? How can we motivate them to engage in services? We will discuss applicable service models and the gen-ed/special ed collaboration that will support students working toward high school graduation and prepare them for post-secondary transition. Examining the logistics of working within the IEP, educators will learn how to champion our secondary students when they need us most.
Learning Outcomes
- Learners will be able to: Describe 2 innovative models of scheduling special education services that support graduation & post-secondary transition
- Learners will be able to: Define "linguistic accessibility" and explain how to construct test questions that are easier for all students to comprehend.
- Learners will be able to: Describe "vocational communication " and how to facilitate development of these skills at school
- The presenter comes from the background of providing speech-language services in schools; however, the concepts and innovative solutions can be applied to other disciplines, including special education providers. The content regarding "Linguistic Accessibility" applies to all students in the classroom, regardless of IEP status. Students with learning disabilities, language impairment, and multilingual learners will specifically benefit, but reducing the cognitive load of test questions will help all students be more successful. This model can be included in school-wide UDI programs.
In today’s ever-evolving technological landscape, the availability of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) solutions continues to expand. Among the leading providers, PRC-Saltillo stands out with its Accent, NovaChat, and Via line of devices, offering a range of vocabularies and features tailored to meet diverse communication needs. In this interactive workshop, participants will delve into the AAC with a focus on these cutting-edge devices, discovering both the practical functionalities and the fun elements they bring to the table.
Learning Outcomes
- Explore the versatile features of PRC-Saltillo's AAC devices, including Accent, NovaChat, and Via, to enhance communication and engagement.
- Learn innovative ways to integrate AAC devices into classroom activities, leveraging their capabilities to support language learning and social interaction.
- Gain hands-on experience in customizing communication boards and visual supports using the intuitive interfaces of Accent, NovaChat, and Via devices.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is more than just a tool for speech—it is a bridge to human connection. This one-hour course explores the fundamental purpose of AAC: fostering relationships, self-expression, and meaningful interactions. Participants will gain insight into how AAC empowers individuals to connect with others and engage in the world around them.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize human connection as the primary purpose of AAC and its impact on quality of life.
- Identify strategies to support authentic, relationship-driven communication for AAC users.
- Apply best practices to promote meaningful interactions and social inclusion through AAC.
This presentation will explore the transformative impact of online education in higher education, emphasizing its advantages and the role of assistive technology in enhancing accessibility and inclusivity for students with disabilities. By leveraging the flexibility and accessibility of online learning, institutions can create more equitable educational environments that cater to diverse learning needs.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the Advantages of Online Education: Participants will learn about the various benefits of online education in higher education, including increased flexibility, accessibility, and the ability to cater to diverse learning styles and needs.
- Explore the Role of Assistive Technology: Attendees will gain insights into how assistive technology can enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of online education for students with disabilities, ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to succeed.
- Implement Strategies for Equitable Learning Environments: Participants will be equipped with practical strategies and best practices for leveraging online education and assistive technology to create more equitable and inclusive educational environments that support the diverse needs of all students.
As both education and the workplace continue to change with approaches and digital content, questions surrounding assistive technology arise. Over the last few years, the assistive technology marketplace has been inundated with devices that are being made as inexpensively as possible with the intent of competing with stable and research-based devices already in the mainstream. As both schools and workplaces seek to create access for all, limitations from budget constraints and a lack of understanding of what really works can cause individuals to be less than adequately supported in their environment. Join us as we review and discuss the research behind assistive technology which works and how older devices can be repurposed to create both inclusivity and awareness.
Learning Outcomes
- Attendees will experience major AT devices through hands-on activities
- Attendees will review the research behind assistive technology to assist in identifying the devices which are most effective
- Attendees will understand how to repurpose older assistive technology to make their environments more inclusive
