Program Highlights for Envision the Possibilities - ATA 2008!
Keynote Speaker: Mark S. Benno, PH.D. "Teaching and Learning for Tomorrow, Today"
Mark S. Benno, PH.D. is an Education Development Executive for Apple, Inc. in Florida. In this role he helps people to envision and develop effective technology integration programs. Mark likes to challenge people to exceed their dreams; professional development is his passion. Most of his work over the past fourteen years has been in faculty development (for educators of students in preschool - graduate school). Among other places, he has worked at Nolan Middle School in Killeen ISD in Texas, Hillcrest PDS, a professional development school for Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and Tech4Learning in San Diego. - "Sponsored by Apple"
Featured Speaker: Karen M. Kangas OTR/L - "Sensory Processing, Sensory Integration, Seating and Access"
Karen Kangas has worked as an occupational therapist since 1973 in school systems and healthcare settings. In 1985 she was invited to develop programs to support integration and increased independence through the use of seating and assistive technology through the Pennsylvania Board of Education, Bureau of Special Education and, in 1990, at Pennsylvania State University's University Hospital Rehabilitation Center. She has been teaching since 1985 on seating, alternative access, and powered mobility throughout the United States and in Canada, Sweden, Israel, and the United Kingdom. Kangas is currently in private practice, and is completing a book on seating, access, and powered mobility for children. - "Sponsored by ASL"
Featured Speaker: Karen M. Kangas OTR/L and Lisa Rotelli, Education Consultion with Adaptive Switch Labs, Inc. - "Using Electronic Switches: Why, When, How and What For? (especially for access to AAC devices, computers and Powered Mobility"
Ms. Rotelli's own background in physical therapy has led her to work in the healthcare industry from a manufacturer's point of view. She was one of the first women in the USA in the state of CA to represent Invacare Corporation's Powered Mobility. As a manufacturer's representative working with therapists who serve children and adults with disabilities, she because specifically interested in assistive technology for children with severe disabilities. She has now worked with Adaptive Switch Labs for over 12 years. With this small company, she and her colleagues are dedicated to developing equipment which can really work, and which is really needed by the very specific populations they encounter. Adaptive Switch Labs, Inc. initially worked with switch access to powered chairs, but quickly because more involved with electronic access to other equipment, including AAC devices and computer access. She continues to teach use of equipment and assists in development of equipment that will work for children and/or adults with disabilities. "Sponsored by ASL"
Featured Speaker: Richard Ellenson, CEO and Founder of BlinkTwice - "Necessity is the Father of Invention"
As a parent of a child with cerebral palsy, the challenges of helping his son become more independent and integrated in the world gave Richard Ellenson the determination to help not only Thomas, but other children with similar challenges.
Richard has worked with the NYC Department of Education to create a new inclusion model in the city, worked with many of the country's key organizations to elevate expectations of individuals with disabilities, and invented the Tango, a new AAC device that offers a truly innovative approach to communication.
"Sponsored by BlinkTwice"
Featured Speaker: Tom Nurse - "Transition and Special Needs Planning Integration"
Tom Nurse is a recognized public speaker and disability advocate for a variety of issues concerning special education including assistive, instructional and accessible technology, self-determination, transition planning and special needs estate planning.
Tom has also presented extensively with his daughter, Shelby, who has cerebral palsy. They have been a team for the past 10 years, since Shelby was six.
Tom brings a passionate common sense approach to these topics and he has consistently earned rave reviews from his audiences. - "Sponsored by MetLife's Division of Estate Planning for Special Kids"
Featured Speaker: Valerie Herskowitz, Founder of the Dimensions Therapy Center, South Florida - "Technology is the Key for Maximizing Independence for Individuals with Autism"
Valerie Herskowitz, an SLP for 30 years, is a contributing writer for a number of national publications on the subject of autism and one of the world's foremost speakers on the subject of computer-based intervention with special needs individuals. A recipient of the Stevie Lifetime Achievement Award for her work with autistic and special needs children, she has started two innovative community programs, Mothers of Special Needs Individuals (MOSI) and the Family Club. Her youngest son, Blake, was diagnosed in 1993 with autism. Her professional journey as a therapist and as a parent of an autistic child have combined to give Ms. Herskowitz the unique insights to help families cope with problems they face in parenting a child with autism.
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"SPONSORED BY DIMENSIONS THERAPY CENTER OF SOUTH FLORIDA"