Prentke Romich Company (PRC) Assistive Technology Training

Events, News No Responses »
Feb 042011
PRC Logo

PRC Logo

There is a need within the field of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for professionals to advocate for and outline curriculum for the systematic development of language with children using AAC strategies.  The Pixon Project was conducted in order to provide just such a curriculum.

Over a two year period, the Pixon Project Kit was developed by Gail Van Tatenhove, M.S., CCC-SLP and provides the following materials:  a curriculum, manual communication boards, a system of pictures, and educational support materials.  The Pixon Project Kit is fantastic for early emergent language learners and communicators!  More importantly, it can serve as an introduction to a high-tech AAC system that focuses on teaching CORE vocabulary or as a low-tech alternative to provide children with CORE vocabulary to use in their daily environment.

On Tuesday, April 19, 2011, Gail Van Tatenhove will be in Noblesville, IN to present a full-day seminar on the Pixon Project Kit!  This is a FREE training opportunity and ASHA-approved CEUs can be earned!  This seminar is a “working experience” for participants, involving lecture, demonstrations, video examples, and group activities.  Following a quick overview of the Pixon Project Kit, participants will review the curriculum (called the PLLAN), engage in role playing activities to practice implementing the PLLAN modules, and develop plans for implementing the curriculum in their classrooms.

To register for the seminar, click here.  For more information on the Pixon Project Kit, click here.  As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with your training, consultation, or support needs:  bea.cons@prentrom.com.

Prentke Romich Company (PRC) is a member of a consortium of companies that are pioneers in the field of assistive technology and augmentative communication. The group includes Prentke Romich Company (USA), Saltillo Corporation (USA), Liberator Ltd. (UK), Prentke Romich Deutchland (Germany) and Liberator Pty Ltd. (Australia). These companies bring a broad range of products and services to provide the most comprehensive line of AAC devices in the industry. The employee owners of this consortium, many of whom have been with their organizations for more than 20 years, have dedicated their careers to assisting individuals with disabilities through the use of technology.

Posted by Shelby at 10:00 am Tagged with: , , , ,

Tech Tip Monday: Braille Sense On Hand by GW Micro

Assistive Technology Products, News No Responses »
Oct 112010

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

Having trouble viewing the video? Click here!

Posted by Sara C at 9:32 am Tagged with: , , ,

Back to School Resource Fair

AT Basics, Events 1 Response »
Sep 062010
Classroom Desks

Classroom Desks

WHEN: September 25, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: IDTC of Lafayette (3700 Rome Drive)

WHY: Learn about the various agencies that assist children with disabilities and their families. Agencies will have personnel on hand to answer your questions about services they provide.

Wade Wingler, Director of Assistive Technology of Easter Seals Crossroads, will be presenting on the technology services available to children and adults in Indiana.  He will also bring several assistive technology devices that benefit those with vision, hearing, communication, and mobility needs.

Other speakers include:

  • Cathy Boswell of IN*SOURCE, who will present a jam-packed session on Understanding Article 7.  Cathy has a great way of helping parents make sense of Article 7 and special education law
  • Brenda Hamilton of Indiana Federation of Families will provide information on advocating services for children with mental illnesses
  • Jennifer Windler of Greater Lafayette Area Special Education Services will present information on transitioning from school to work
  • Gordon Holmes of MetLife will discuss special needs estate planning
  • Renee Pitree of The Arc of Indiana will provide attendees with information regarding Medicaid Waivers

Please RSVP by September 16 by visiting the INSOURCE website.

Posted by Sara C at 11:00 am 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 for Learning Disabilities

Events, INDATA Projects, News 1 Response »
May 062010

LiveScribe Pulse Pen

LiveScribe Pulse Pen

WHAT: Assistive Technology and Learning Disabilities Training

WHEN: May 21, 2010 – 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

WHERE: Easter Seals Crossroads, 4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis

Speakers include:

Toni Sayers, Sales Representative from Cambium Learning Technologies – Introduction to Kurzweil 3000, a software program that can scan text and bring it into your computer so the computer can read the text to you!

Brian Norton, Manager of Clinical Assistive Technology at Easter Seals Crossroads – Overview of dozens of assistive technologies such as the Classmate Reader, Inspiration software, the Livescribe Pulse Pen, and also applications as to how these devices are used by individuals with different types of learning disabilities

Richard Bellaver, Professor at Ball State University – Studies of electronic reading books, such as the Amazon Kindle and Sony e-Reader, and how they can be used in the classroom

Jon Omer, Representative from Intel – Demonstration of the Intel Reader device

Autumn Gonzalez, Indiana State Library – Digital Talking Book Library services that are FREE to you!

Join us on May 21 by registering here: http://atandlearningdisabilities.eventbrite.com – and remember, the training is free to attend!

Posted by Sara C at 1:31 pm Tagged with: , , ,
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