Assistive Technology Gadgets
A 4th grade teacher in Montgomery Public Schools in Maryland found a struggle between what her students were expected to gain from reading and what they actually understood. She found the biggest challenge to be apparent among the English Language Learners and English as a Second Language Learners in that they were able to read fluently, but could not understand what they were reading.
She began to take a look and research ways to improve reading comprehension at the elementary level for English Language Learners and English as a Second Language Learners. She chose to use assistive technologies for digital fluency research to answer the following questions:
- Would the use of the assistive technology (AT) in small groups improve the reading and writing skills of low to mid-level readers?
- Could a text reader improve reading comprehension?
- Could the use of AT tools improve students’ attitudes towards reading?
- Could the use of word prediction (supportive writing tools) increase writing quantity and improve writing quality?
During her research, she noticed that when students were able to use a text reader to read the information aloud to them, students were able to comprehend the text easier. Students produced higher quality work and showed more motivation while using the text reader. The use of assistive technology helped students to stay focused and improved self esteem.
To find out more about this teacher’s research and the assistive technology she used, visit the Educator’s Royal Treatment Website.
Access Button
Hans Hillen from TPG is presenting a Flex Accessibility Webinar in conjunction with Adobe.
What: A FREE Adobe Flex Accessibility Webinar
When: July 21, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. EST
Where: To attend, simply join in the meeting room at http://seminars.adobe.acrobat.com/a11y, no registration or password required.
Captions will be available during the webinar.
You can visit the Adobe website to leave any comments or questions you may have about the event.
Join the meeting room on July 21st to learn about web accessibility!
IMA and 100 Acres
I recently had the pleasure of visiting the 100 Acres: The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park at the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA). According to the museum, “100 Acres: The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park is one of the largest museum art parks in the country, and the only one to feature the ongoing commission of site-specific artworks.”
One of the most interesting pieces of information I received about the art park was about the accessible trails. The IMA has always done a fabulous job of explaining their accommodations for people with disabilities, and with the recent extension of 100 Acres they continue to keep accessibility in the forefront.
I did take the ADA trails to test how accessible they were. Some areas of the trails are paved while other parts are packed gravel. Anywhere there are steps, there is a ramp equivalent. The ADA trails are also more shaded than the non-ADA trails.
I encourage you to take some time and enjoy the 100 Acres park. Please read our post about accessibility in Indiana museums while you plan out the rest of your summer!
Group of People Jumping
Bringing the Autism and Vocational Rehabilitation Communities Together
What: Autism Works National Conference
When: March 3-4, 2011
Where: Sheraton Westport Hotel, St. Louis, MO
Why: The Autism Works National Conference is bringing these two powerful constituencies together to learn from each other and to improve employment opportunities for adults with autism.
Topics Include:
- Understanding the vocational rehabilitation (VR) process
- What VR counselors need to know about autism
- Job development and work-place supports
- Funding possibilities for employment supports
- Insights from working youth with autism
- New visions of employment futures for adults with autism
For more information visit the Autism Works website.
INDATA and Easter Seals Crossroads
What: A FREE assistive technology conference with more than 50 assistive technology vendors and more than 30 hours of educational sessions and presentations.
When: July 29 and 30, 2010
Where: Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
Topics Include:
- Augmentative Communication
- Aging
- Employment
- Education
- Independent Living
- Policy and Implementation
- Recreation
- Research and Web
Visit the INDATA website and click on “Annual Assistive Technology Conference” for a schedule of presentations.
Check out the Game Accessibility Arcade presented by the AbleGamers Foundation! This hands-on presentation focuses on demonstration accessible technology that can be used to play the Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox, Sony PS3 and computer games.
Keynote Speaker John Bramblitt is an artist living in Denton, Texas. His art has been sold in more than 20 countries, and he has appeared internationally in print, TV and radio. His work has received much recognition, including the “Most Inspirational Video of 2008″ from YouTube, and three Presidential Service Awards for his innovative art workshops. John will be conducting a hands-on workshop after the lunch keynote session.
Special thanks to our sponsors:
Relay Indiana
GW Micro
Intel Corporation
Eye Can See, Inc.
Vision Aid Systems
Spec Tech
Tobii ATI
Home Health Depot
Advantage Care Select
MetLife
Prentke Romich Company
Huser Home Care
Empower Learning
Balloons
What: 20th Anniversary of the ADA
When: Monday, July 26, 2010 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Indianapolis Artsgarden
Why: ADA-Indiana and the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities are hosting the State Celebration for the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Hoosiers from all over the State will gather in Indianapolis to join in the Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the ADA. There will be music, dancing, and refreshments.
Plan to be there Monday, July 26th for the Big Celebration Party!
