Session 6

Session 6-A: Utilizing Instructional Technology as Assistive Technology

Tom Nurse, Assistive Technology Consultant and Inspired Parent: Thomas Nurse is a recognized public speaker and disability advocate on a variety of topics including assistive, instructional and accessible technology. This session will focus on software titles, common in homes, businesses and schools (such as the Microsoft Office components) and their features that can be used to enhance access for persons with disabilities.

Session 6-B: Unlocking Learning Potential with LeapFrog SchoolHouse Solutions

Alicia DeMichael, Senior Education Account Executive, LeapFrog SchoolHouse: This session will explore LeapFrog SchoolHouse, research-based multisensory curriculum products that are engaging, portable, and proven. They motivate children and reward them for learning. They don’t just close achievement gaps - they prevent them. Best of all, they inspire a love of learning that begins early and lasts throughout a child’s school years... and beyond. Come learn how these Pre-K - 8th grade educational solutions can begin making a positive difference in the lives of your students today.
LeapFrog Schoolhouse (Website)

Session 6-C: Assistive Technology to Promote Play for Infants and Toddlers at Home and School

Michelle Schladant, Assistive Technology/Education Specialist, Mailman Center for Child Development: Participants will be provided with an overview of AT tools and strategies that can be used to make it easier for infants and toddlers with disabilities to participate in daily activities at home and at school. Participants will also be provided with resources to help with selecting low tech and high tech support for positioning, communication, and interaction with materials.

Session 6-D: Boardmaker Plus

Sheila Miguel, Assistive Technology Specialist, & Laura Cawley, Multiply-Impaired Specialist, Miami-Dade County Public Schools: The Mayer-Johnson family of products (Boardmaker, the new Boardmaker Plus, and Writing With Symbols) are used extensively within Miami-Dade County Public Schools. This hands-on session will demonstrate key features of each that assist teachers and parents in creating visual supports for learning for their students and children. All are encouraged to attend to find out about the Florida Group Buy software discounts.

Session 6-E: Spreading the Wealth of Assistive Technology: UDL in M-DCPS

Martha Berman, Curriculum Support Specialist, Miami-Dade County Public Schools: One way to promote access to the general education curriculum can be accomplished through utilizing the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) educational approach to curriculum and instruction using technology. Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) was awarded a grant 5 years ago based on the Universal Design for Learning principle. This session will explain how the grant was written and how it has been implemented in 50 schools.
Spreading the Wealth of Assistive Technology: UDL in M-DCPS(PowerPoint)

Session 6-F: Upright and Personal: Seating and Positioning for Assistive Technology

Cheryl Howard, PT, District Support for Assistive Technology K-12, Miami-Dade County Public Schools: Participants in this session will gain an understanding of the role of the OT/PT in the AT process; the importance of appropriate seating, positioning, and ergonomics when working with a student with positioning needs; the implications of “Consideration of AT�? within the IEP process; and the principles of AT assessment and system selection.
Upright and Personal (PowerPoint)

Session 5 and 6-G: Transition Panel: Transition, Technology, and Inclusion

Chykimberly A. Bullard, Transition Task Force & Project CONNECT, Dr. Florence M. Taber-Brown, Curriculum Support Specialist, FDLRS/South: Information on the legal requirements of secondary transition according to IDEA 2004 will be presented. Implementation of transition in M-DCPS and other areas of the community will be discussed.