Online Accessibility Conference

Accessibility Reviews, Events, Online Workshops No Responses »
Sep 212010

Access Button

Access Button

What: Online, Live Accessibility Conference

When: Wednesday, September 30, 2010 from 9am-5pm EST

Where: Online at Accessibility Summit

Environments for Humans brings together some of the Web’s most notable experts in accessibility for an all-new, all-day online conference, the Accessibility Summit. The first 50 tickets are only $149 for individual tickets, or $449 for a meeting room ticket.

Why Attend?

  • Attending a conference online means no travel hassle!
  • Bring the experts live to your desktop!
  • Time spent on the road is better spent instead with family, friends or in the office!
  • Sessions are developed to dive deeper into the topic of accessibility!
  • See and ask questions directly to the speakers!
  • Can’t make it the day of the conference? Watch the recordings whenever you want!

Check out the Accessibility Summit Website for more information about the online conference and to purchase your tickets today!

Posted by jtutton at 1:47 pm Tagged with: , ,

Tech Tip Monday: Empower Learning

Assistive Technology Products, INDATA Videos No Responses »
Sep 202010

To view Closed Captioning, click on the “CC” in the lower right corner of the video.

Having trouble viewing the video? Click here!

Click here to visit our archived videos.

Posted by jtutton at 1:34 pm Tagged with: , ,

Back to School Classroom Setup: Making Technology Accessible

Accessibility Reviews 3 Responses »
Sep 012010
Two Young Girls Walking To School

Two Young Girls Walking To School

As students and teachers head back to the classroom, teachers are preparing their classroom for students to be interactive within. When setting up your classroom, teachers should first think about the traffic flow of students.  How will students enter and exit the classroom? How will students interact throughout the classroom? How will students have access to the resources and materials throughout the classroom?

Seating arrangement is an important aspect of classroom accessibility and management. Some things to think about would be how much space between each seat and aisle, and is there enough room for an aid or assistant to work next to a student.  Also, the overall arrangement of the desks should be considered to allow students to become the most interactive with their peers.  Classroom Architect is a great resource for teachers to use when designing their classroom layout.

Teachers should also plan the placement and access to technology in the classroom.  Many classrooms now have clusters of computers for students to use, along with a shared printer, document reader, DVD player, or even an interactive whiteboard.  The computer center should be easily accessible and teachers should be able to see all computer screens for student monitoring.  Other classroom technology should be accessible for students to reach and easily use when needed.

Check out the MangoMon Website for more tips on how you can create an accessible classroom for all learners.

Posted by jtutton at 1:39 pm Tagged with: , , , , ,

Assistive Technology Helps ESL Students

Asstive Technology Stories No Responses »
Jul 212010
Assistive Technology Gadgets

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.

Posted by jtutton at 8:10 am Tagged with: , ,

FREE Assistive Technology Conference, Hosted by the INDATA Project at Easter Seals Crossroads

Assistive Technology Products, Events, INDATA Team No Responses »
Jul 152010

INDATA and Easter Seals Crossroads

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

Posted by jtutton at 9:30 am Tagged with: , , , , ,

Kids on the Block Puppet Show Teaches Youngsters About Disabilities

Organizations No Responses »
Jun 022010

Elementary school is a tender time for children when it comes to learning about the world.  They start forming strong opinions about their surroundings, and look to their teachers and parents for guidance.  In some classrooms, students have little to no exposure to people with disabilities, which can lead to confusion when they encounter someone who uses a wheelchair, or wears a special helmet, for example.

Kids on the Block puppet

Kids on the Block puppet

Kids on the Block is a program that spreads awareness about disabilities (not a 90′s boy band, you’re thinking of New Kids on the Block!).  Started in 1977 by a special education teacher, this show features puppets who have Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Spina Bifida, Autism, Muscular Dystrophy, and more.  The curricula covers a variety of topics related to disabilities, such as medical and social concerns.

Each puppet is approximately 3 to 4 feet tall, and has its own unique background story.  Children watching the show are encouraged to participate by asking the puppet questions they may have.  Kids on the Block includes all the program materials you need for the show, and will even provide training for inexperienced puppeteers.

To learn more about the program, visit Kids on the Block.

Posted by SNorman at 9:53 am Tagged with: ,
© 2012 Indiana Assistive Technology Blog Suffusion WordPress theme by Sayontan Sinha