Many web-based tools crucial for education and employment rely on mouse-driven interactions such as drag and drop. Without alternative input support, the mouse-dependency creates barriers for individuals who don’t use a mouse. This session addresses keyboard accessibility as a basic usability need and explores current solutions. It introduces OpenKeyNav, a novel, open source, MIT-licensed JavaScript library developed by Lawrence Weru. The library is designed to help developers provide keyboard navigation and interaction on web applications, particularly for complex tasks like drag-and-drop. Through practical examples and demonstrations attendees gain insights into how developers can build more inclusive web experiences. This session balances a brief overview of web accessibility principles with a focus on a concrete, developer-level solution that can make a significant impact on user autonomy and participation.
Learning Outcomes
- List some of the latest advancements for enhancing keyboard navigation and interaction in web applications, moving beyond basic navigation to address complex interactions and interfaces that might appear in education and work environments.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of OpenKeyNav, from its conceptual framework to its application in real-world scenarios, highlighting its accessibility aids such as dynamically generated shortcuts, keyboard-only drag-and-drop interaction, and debug mode for improving web accessibility.
- Evaluate the broader implications of implementing advanced keyboard accessibility, including the potential to significantly increase user autonomy and participation for individuals with disabilities in digital environments.
We will begin by highlighting the importance of adaptation and the role of adapted physical education (APE). We will begin by discussing the use of a student centered approach, review the development of individualized education programs and strategies for assessing goals. We will discuss examples of inclusive games and discuss their benefits. We will explore the use of AT and strategies and demo the process in creating an adapted device. We will describe how these adaptations and strategies are used in an after school adapted wheelchair basketball program. Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in an adapted game activity simulating an APE session. By the end, participants should have a greater awareness of the importance of APE in promoting independence and encouraging physical activity.
Learning Outcomes
- As a result of this activity, participants will be able to define adaptive physical education and its importance in promoting physical activity among individuals with disabilities.
- As a result of this activity, participants will identify inclusive games and activities for adaptive physical education that promote social interaction, balance and coordination, and cardiovascular endurance.
- As a result of this activity, participants will identify ways to incorporate the use of assistive technology in adaptive physical education, including the types of assistive technology available and their benefits, and how to implement them in physical education.
JAWS is a Windows screen reader designed for totally blind individuals. This presentation will provide an understanding of what screen readers are able to do. JAWS will be demonstrated with Microsoft Office and with Google Workspace. Beginning instruction on browsing the Internet will be presented as will frequently used keystrokes. The CA School for the Blind Screen Reader Training website will be presented. The W3C accessibility guidelines will be discussed.
Learning Objectives
- Individuals will develop an understanding of beginning JAWS commands, to include using the Startup Wizard. We always turn off the touchpad on the Windows PC.
- Individuals will develop an understand of the importance of using HTML commands to browse the web with JAWS.
- Individuals will develop an understanding of which web pages are more accessible and which web pages are less accessible.
Traditional employment programs for blind individuals often rely on campus-based training. The Foundation for Blind Children (FBC) takes a real-world approach, ensuring clients build skills in their actual environments. Our comprehensive training includes Assistive Technology, Orientation & Mobility (home/work travel, flights), Daily Living Skills (self-care, cooking, cleaning), Braille, and Adjustment to Disability.
The Employment Launch Pad provides hands-on job search support, employer connections, interview preparation, accommodations, and 90-day follow-ups.
This session will present three years of data, showcasing success rates, client feedback, and evolving best practices. Attendees will gain insights into effective strategies for preparing blind individuals for lasting employment and independent living. Join us to learn how FBC empowers independence and achieves outstanding employment outcomes.
Learning Outcomes
- Enhanced Understanding of Real-World Training Approaches: Participants will gain insights into the unique real-world training methods employed by the Foundation for Blind Children (FBC), which prepare clients for actual environments rather than campus-based settings. This includes comprehensive training in assistive technology, orientation and mobility, daily living skills, Braille, and emotional support.
- Effective Employment Support Strategies: Attendees will learn about FBC's Employment Launch Pad, which provides hands-on job search support, employer connections, interview preparation, accommodations planning, and 90-day follow-ups. They will understand how these strategies contribute to successful employment outcomes for blind and visually impaired individuals.
- Data-Driven Best Practices: Participants will be presented with five years of data showcasing FBC's success rates, client feedback, and evolving best practices. They will learn how to apply these data-driven insights to improve their own programs and support services for blind and visually impaired individuals.
Discover how free AI tools can revolutionize K-12 education by giving educators more time with students and enabling individualized instruction. This session explores practical applications of AI to enhance teaching efficiency and student engagement, addressing ethical considerations and providing resources for effective implementation. The session is based on extensive research and practical experience in AI integration in education, including projects like Magic School AI, Diffit, BriskAI. iKNOW, and Boodlebot. It highlights AI tools' benefits while addressing privacy, bias, and misinformation concerns. The presentation draws on insights from over 15 peer-reviewed publications and numerous presentations on innovative technology in education. Come see how AI tools can streamline administrative tasks and engage students in personalized instruction, allowing educators to focus more on meaningful interactions with their students.
Learning Outcomes
- Participants will explore free AI tools that enhance teaching efficiency and student engagement.
- Participants will effectively implement three free AI tools to individualize instruction for their students and support diverse learning needs.
- Participants will accurately identify and understand the reasons behind the ethical considerations of AI use in the classroom.
This session equips parents, service providers, and educators with strategies to support individuals with disabilities transitioning from school to employment. Participants will explore evidence-based practices and free AI tools that facilitate successful transitions, focusing on personalized support and community collaboration. The session emphasizes the importance of tailored approaches and technology integration to enhance transition outcomes. Drawing from over 20 years of experience in special education and 10 years of research on AI and XR technologies, this presentation includes findings from projects like iKNOW, which uses XR scenarios to deliver individualized instruction, and over 100 national and international presentations on evidence-based practices for diverse learners highlighting the role of personalized, innovative supports and tools to ensure successful transitions for individuals with disabilities.
Learning Outcomes
- Participants will be able to demonstrate effective strategies for supporting individuals with disabilities in employment transitions using Artificial Intelligence and other forms of innovative technology.
- Participants will be able to leverage community resources and free technology to enhance transition outcomes for individuals strengths and learning needs.
- Participants will understand the role of personalized support, prompting, modeling and timely encouragement in successful transitions.
“Apple provides many great accessibility settings in their iOS devices. Some AAC apps have built-in accessibility settings as well. This hands-on session will compare and contrast the adjustments which are available in iOS and the PRC-Saltillo AAC apps. The course also examines tool-use learning for AAC, using the Assessment of Learning Process (ALP) framework. Clinicians will gain insights into alternative access evaluation and strategy development through interprofessional collaboration.
Discussions cover assessment, teaching strategies, and adjustments to enhance communication, addressing movement disorders and vision-related issues. Audience participation includes reviewing videos and clinical strategies. This course equips participants with practical approaches to optimize AAC access and communication effectiveness using iOS.”
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the three stages and eight phases of the ALP for AAC.
- Explain three considerations in assessing a client’s level of AAC access proficiency.
- Contrast the iOS accessibility settings with the app-specific access settings.
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.
Join us for an exciting session on adaptive gaming controllers and accessible gaming! In this hands-on event, we’ll explore current adaptive controllers, such as the Xbox Adaptive Controller, and demonstrate how different access methods—like switches, joysticks, and voice commands—can be combined for a fully personalized gaming experience. Learn about the latest advancements in assistive technology, including new controllers and devices coming soon to the market. Whether you’re a gamer or just getting started, discover how these innovations can empower individuals with disabilities, creating more inclusive gaming opportunities. Don’t miss this chance to engage with new technologies and learn how to enhance the gaming experience for everyone!
Learning Outcomes
- Learn the key features of current adaptive gaming controllers and how they enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
- Explore how integrating different access methods, such as switches, joysticks, and eyegaze can create a personalized and inclusive gaming experience.
- Learn about what’s new in adaptive controllers and upcoming technologies that are shaping the future of accessible gaming.
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.
