“Hi, my name is Heather and I’m an assistive technology abandoner.” “Hi, Heather.” We will have a sit-down conversation/interview about what technology Heather has used, when she used it, and why she abandoned it. Many of our clients trust our knowledge when picking out technology, but we can still get it wrong. Heather is an author and internationally awarded photographer, was an ATP, holds an MS CS and MS RST, and was diagnosed with LGMD over 20 years ago. She is highly educated in the area of AT, she made knowledgeable choices for what she thought she needed, but tossed them away when they didn’t make the cut. This interview will enlighten the audience as to why so much tech is abandoned.
Learning Outcomes
- Participants will be able to identify 4 pieces of AT used during the progression of a neuromuscular disorder.
- Participants will be able to identify 3 reasons why AT might be abandoned.
- Participants will be able to describe obstacles that may arise through the advancement of a condition and the psychological implications thereof.
Supported decision-making passed into law in 2023 as an alternative to guardianship. Many individuals have likely heard of SDM and are interested in taking the next steps but may not know where to start. This presentation will explore various assistive technologies (AT) that can help self-advocates and their supporters in healthcare, finances, and other areas in a person’s life.
Learning Outcomes
- Participants will survey available assistive technology to help facilitate supported decision-making in different areas (healthcare, legal, financial)
- Participants will see real-world applications of how emerging technologies can promote community integration and independence
- Participants will get a refresher on how Supported Decision-Making
Individuals with disabilities struggle with the thought of returning to work and/or further education. There are numerous work incentives that can assist individuals achieve financial wellness and independent living. As well, many do not realize that health benefits do not end; actually, they just shift. This presentation breaks the barriers to employment by discussing the untapped resources that can support your decision to take that first step. It will include much needed information regarding, Pre-employment Transition Services, post-secondary education, employment, Social Security rules, benefits, and healthcare. We will provide information on how you can gain free access a Community Work Incentives Coordinator that will work with you one-on one to ensure that you are taking advantage of all the resources that are available.
Learning Outcomes
- Learn about post-secondary funding sources to help you further your education as well as, Pre-employment Transition Services, career exploration, and job readiness services that help students with disabilities prepare for future employment.
- Learn about work incentives and safety nets used when considering employment without losing one’s healthcare benefits.
- Learn about savings programs that will allow one to save earned income and not count as resources against one’s Social Security cash benefits while working.
Workplace access barriers—physical, communication, and programmatic—can erode performance, belonging, and retention. A workplace inclusion survey found 60% of respondents missed at least one event or meeting due to accessibility barriers, and a public-sector report found 80% of disabled workers surveyed had considered quitting because of difficulties obtaining accommodations. Too often, barriers persist in “employee-only” spaces when ADA efforts focus on public-facing areas. This practical, evidence-informed session covers identifying common built-environment barriers (routes, doors, restrooms, workstations, break areas, etc.) and selecting reasonable, prioritized solutions.
Learning Outcomes
- Learn how to identify the most common barriers to the built environment (as well as potential solutions) that may impact employee access and success.
- Learn how to identify the most common barriers to the learning environment (as well as potential solutions) that may impact employee access and success.
For individuals with motor deficits who use AAC, alternative access methods open meaningful pathways for communication participation. However, success depends on more than technology–intentional teaching and collaborative problem-solving are key.
Barriers to success with alternative access include limited clinician confidence, complex and changing motor needs of individuals who benefit from alternative access, and limited direct research to guide decision-making. These barriers highlight the importance of drawing on real-world clinical experience and client perspectives.
This presentation will review alternative access methods for AAC and highlight five principles for successful implementation in the pediatric population, incorporating both a clinical and caregiver perspective. Emphasis will be placed on practical application, using real-life examples as well as highlighting tools and strategies that clinicians can use immediately in clinical practice.
Learning Outcomes
- Define alternative access for communication technology and give two examples.
- Summarize at least three key principles related to optimizing communication access for pediatric populations.
- List at least three tools or strategies available for supporting assessment and treatment for children who use alternative access methods for AAC.
AAC systems are far more than vocabulary boards—they’re dynamic, multi feature tools that can open new worlds of connection, participation, and independence. Expanding Your AAC Universe invites clinicians, educators, and support professionals to look beyond core words and explore the powerful built in features of PRC Saltillo AAC devices and apps. Through live demonstrations, practical examples, and collaborative discussion, participants will discover how tools such as Built in AI (translate, edit, image generation), List O Matic, Voice Assistants, Notebooks, Sharing Writing to Apps, Computer Controls, and Join In Web Apps can elevate communication across ages and environments. This session highlights real world applications for academics, leisure, employment, and independent living—showing how AAC features can enrich engagement in classrooms, at home, and throughout the community. Whether
Learning Outcomes
- Identify at least three feature-based tools available in PRC Saltillo AAC devices and applications (e.g., AI, List-O-Matic, Voice Assistants, Notebooks) that support academic, functional, or social participation.
- Describe at least three activities or contexts in which AAC features can support participation across developmental stages (early intervention, school-age, adolescence, and adulthood).
- Explain how a selected AAC feature can be adapted to meet the communication needs of individuals with differing ages, abilities, or communication goals.
- 4) Discuss practical examples of applying AAC features to support engagement in academics, leisure activities, employment-related tasks, and independent living.
Communication is foundational to learning, relationships, behavior, and self-advocacy. This session explores practical, evidence-based strategies to strengthen communication for students with autism, including effective implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) alongside other supportive approaches. Participants will deepen their understanding of how AAC supports language development, engagement, behavior regulation, and academic access. The presentation emphasizes creating communication-rich environments, embedding supports throughout the school day, and increasing authentic opportunities for student expression. Real-world examples illustrate how teams can move beyond simply providing tools to ensuring meaningful communication use. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to increase participation, expand language, and foster greater independence across educational settings.
Learning Outcomes
- Participants will be able to identify strategies to create communication-rich environments that increase authentic opportunities for students with autism to express themselves.
- Participants will be able to apply evidence-informed techniques such as aided language modeling, visual supports, and structured routines to support functional and academic communication.
- Participants will be able to recognize and challenge common myths and misconceptions about AAC and communication development that can limit student access and growth.
Introduction to the Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) which are used to help determine an individual’s ability to perform the physical demands of work, activities of daily living and recreational activities. The results of FCEs can be utilized to provide important information to help guide the return-to-work or stay-at work process.
Introduction to Smart Home Technology and Personal Technology screenings, consultations and training for individuals who are seeking employment, and modifying their environment to optimize safety, accessibility, and independence in the home.
Learning Outcomes
- The participant will learn key indicators for an FCE referral or a Smart Home Technology Referral
- The participant will learn how to use FCE results to guide the return-to-work or stay-at-work process
- The participant will learn how to use Smart Home Technology results to guide the return-to-work or stay-at-work process
