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Assistive Technology and Learning Disabilities Training, May 21

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Jun 032010

The INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads recently held a public training covering topics related to assistive technology and learning disabilities. Here’s a recap of the event:

Toni Sayer of Cambium Learning Technologies

Toni Sayers of Cambium Learning Technologies

Toni Sayers from Cambium Learning Technologies walked us through the Kurzweil 3000 software. After breaking down all the features and demonstrating its basic functions, she answered questions about the latest versions of Kurzweil. Brian Norton, the Manager of Clinical Assistive Technology at Easter Seals Crossroads, introduced various tools to assist with complications attributed to learning disabilities, such as the Classmate Reader, the Livescribe Pulse Pen, and adapted keyboards.

Brian Norton with Livescribe Pulse Pen

After lunch, Autumn Gonzalez from the Indiana State Library presented Digital Talking Book Players now available from Indiana Talking Book and Braille Library. Then we had Jon Omer and Brian Goemmer exhibit the Intel Reader, and closed with Ball State University’s Richard Bellaver, who gave a presentation on a study about using eBooks in school.

Brian Goemmer and Jon Omer with Intel Reader

Once again we streamed the training online so that people who couldn’t physically make it to Easter Seals Crossroads could still watch from their location.

If you are interested in attending one of INDATA’s quarterly trainings in the future, make sure to follow us on Twitter or Facebook and watch for announcements. Have questions or comments about the training? Contact Sara Croft at scroft@eastersealscrossroads.org.

Tech Tip Monday: Assistive Technology Conference

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May 312010

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Gadget Camp - Hosted by INDATA and Easter Seals Crossroads

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May 272010

Gadget Camp

WHAT: Gadget Camp – an all-day, week-long camp for kids ages 10-16 that use augmentative communication (AAC) devices

WHERE: Butler University, Indianapolis

WHEN: June 28 – July 2, 2010

INDATA and Easter Seals Crossroads are proud to present the first Gadget Camp! Gadget Camp was created for children and young adults that use AAC devices to promote social skills, improve vocabulary and provide campers with a fun week of summer. Camp activities include fishing, an animal safari, photography, painting, and other activities on Butler University’s campus.

Campers will be paired one-on-one with an INDATA staff member or volunteer. For more information about volunteering, registration or other questions, contact Wendy Gahimer, AAC Specialist at Easter Seals Crossroads, at 317-466-1000 or wgahimer@eastersealscrossroads.org.

Tech Tip Monday: iPrompts on the iPad

Assistive Technology Products, INDATA Team 1 Response »

May 242010

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Technology for Aging - Device Demo in Evansville, Indiana

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May 212010

Hands at 87 Years

There are an estimated 80 million Baby Boomers in the United States, and more than 8,000 people are turning the age of 60 each day. Aging can cause physiological changes, including vision and hearing loss and decreased mobility.

The INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads is hosting a year-long series of free statewide “Demo Days” showcasing assistive technology devices for a wide variety of disabilities. The next “Demo Day” will feature devices that assist people as they age and will take place Thursday, June 3, at Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center, 3701 Bellemeade Ave., in Evansville.

To register for your free half-hour appointment during “Demo Day,” contact Carol Girt at 1-888-466-1314. Please register by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 2. If you are interested in learning about assistive technology devices for other disabilities, please contact Carol Girt.

A variety of devices will be demonstrated, with a particular emphasis on aging, including: phones, handheld magnifiers, handheld CCTVs, pill splitters, smart shoppers, card holders and TV ears.

The “Demo Day” gives those individuals who make an appointment the opportunity to experience an abbreviated one-on-one device demonstration, during which they learn how assistive technology can increase independence through a hands-on session with the many low-tech and high-tech assistive technology devices available.

In some cases, the assistive technology provided can ultimately determine whether someone is able to work outside of their home or attend a public school. In addition, that technology can be used to help better the interaction and communication between individuals and their families or friends.