2017 Building Bridges Assistive Technology Conference : Full Schedule

Grant Wood Area Education Agency and the University of Iowa Center for Assistive Technology Education & Research Presents:
The 2017 “Building Bridges: Eastern Iowa Assistive Technology Conference” will provide an opportunity to see first-hand the latest in assistive technologies (AT), practices, and services for school-age students with disabilities. This AT conference will serve as a unique opportunity for professionals, parents, administrators and service providers to exchange and gather information on the current status and assistive technology tools available for consideration.
LINK TO CONFERENCE WEBSITE
LINK TO CONFERENCE RESOURCES

8:00am CDT

Registration

Tuesday April 25, 2017 8:00am - 8:20am CDT
Conference Center

Registration

8:20am CDT

Accessing Abilities

Speakers

Mark Coppin

Director or Assistive Technology Anne Carlsen Center, Anne Carlsen Center

Mark is the Director of Assistive Technology at the Anne Carlsen Center in Jamestown, ND where he coordinates the provision of assistive technology services for the Center. He also provides technology evaluations and consultation services throughout North Dakota. He has presented... Read More →

Tuesday April 25, 2017 8:20am - 9:20am CDT
Revere Stone

Keynote

8:20am CDT

Accessing Abilities

Tuesday April 25, 2017 8:20am - 9:20am CDT
Autumn/Revere/Stone

Keynote

8:20am CDT

Accessing Abilities

Tuesday April 25, 2017 8:20am - 9:20am CDT
Winter/Spring

Keynote

9:30am CDT

Navigating Microsoft Built-in Accessibility for K-12 Learners

This session will inform participants of the built-in accessibility features within Microsoft 365. Participants will learn about Microsoft features that support student learning and accessible course design. The following features will be highlighted during the session: Text to Speech, Speech to Text, Magnifiers, OneNote, Word , and PowerPoint etc.

Speakers

Maggie Butler

PhD Candidate, U of I, Iowa Center for Assistive Technology Education and Research

Maggie Butler is a PhD Candidate at the University of Iowa. Maggie worked as a rehabilitation counselor with transition-aged youth. She also worked with college students with disabilities as the Director/ADA/504 Compliance Officer at a four-year liberal arts college.

Tuesday April 25, 2017 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
American Gothic

Accessibility, Beginner

9:30am CDT

Switch Access on the iPad, Android and Chromebook - Options, Troubleshooting and More!

With new changes in the OS on both the iPad and Android platforms switch access possibilities have certainly evolved! Learn how to pair and connect switches on iPad and Android tablets, assigning switch actions in IOS 9 and Android OS 5 Lollypop and customize settings for Auto Scan and Two Switch Step Scanning. Learn how to utilize Recipes in IOS 9 on iPad as well as customizing VoiceOver on the iPad and Talkback on the Android. Chromebook options will include direct connect, Bluetooth switches, using a head mouse, switch options and online sites with switch accessible programs. Also demonstrated will be troubleshooting tips and tricks, working with the variety of switch solutions on the market, why won't my switch connect and more!

Speakers

Dan Herlihy

Technology Integration Specialist, CTS, Inc.

Dan Herlihy has worked in the education field for over 35 years, from Wilderness Programs for at risk students, Special Education classrooms, Network Administrator, Assistive Technology Resource Specialist and currently providing AT training and professional development for schools... Read More →

Tuesday April 25, 2017 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
Autumn/Revere/Stone

Accessibility, Beginner

9:30am CDT

AAC Science Groups: Interacting with Language and Literacy

AAC is fun with science! The target of this session is to build a framework for group sessions to target language, literacy, and social interactions while using science as the motivator. This session will outline several science experiments that are fun, easy, and engaging. The experiments can be done with school-age students regardless of their level of technology or alternative/augmentative communication (AAC) use.

Speakers

Whitney Achenbaugh

Speech-Language Pathologist, Grant Wood AEA

Whitney Achenbaugh, M.A., CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist and member of the AAC Resource Team for Grant Wood AEA. She has worked with numerous students with complex communication needs (CCN) and alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) users ages preschool through... Read More →

Debora A. Downey

AAC Service Faciilitator, The Center for Disabilities and Development

Debora is the facilitator of the AAC Service at Center for Disabilities and Development, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. She has extensive experience in teaching and has been a frequent presenter on the topic of AAC at national conferences as well as published in a variety... Read More →

AAC Science Groups Interacting with Language and Literacy Building Bridges 2017 Achenbaugh&Downey pdf

AAC Science Groups Interacting with Language and Literacy Building Bridges 2017 Achenbaugh&Downey 3 slides with notes pdf

Tuesday April 25, 2017 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
Grant Wood

Augmentative/Alternative Communication, Beginner

9:30am CDT

Social Media and AAC

This session will review research trends in social media and discuss applications for AAC as well as safety and privacy considerations. In addition, we will walk through accessing a variety of social media platforms via a number of different AAC systems.

Speakers

Michelle Bognanno

Evette Edmister

Associate Professor, University of Northern Iowa

Evette Edmister is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). Her research interests focus on augmentative and alternative communication and literacy. She is very interested in understanding and supporting... Read More →

Courtney Hansen

Social Media and AAC pdf

Tuesday April 25, 2017 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
Scale Up

Augmentative/Alternative Communication, Intermediate

9:30am CDT

Snap and Read vs. Google Read and Write Smackdown

Overview and demonstration of two popular text reader options, how they allow students to access a variety of text, and a comparison and contrast of features.

Speakers

Gina Rogers

Digital Learning Consultant, Grant Wood AEA

Gina Rogers is a instructional technology consultant at Grant Wood AEA in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Before accepting her position at GWAEA, Gina was a high school English and Language Arts teacher in two 1:1 districts in eastern Iowa. She taught everything from 9th grade ELA to College... Read More →

Jamie Zearley

Speech Language Pathologist/Assistive Technology Coach, GWAEA

I am passionate about giving students a voice and finding ways to help them communicate as well as thinking outside the box on how to provide access to students within the classroom and in their daily lives.

Tuesday April 25, 2017 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
Media Center Front

Education & Learning, Beginner

9:30am CDT

iPad Apps for Executive Functioning

Many students struggle with organizing themselves in school and in their lives causing them to fall behind in school. This session will discuss device features and various apps such as alarms, scheduling apps, reminder apps, organizational apps, homework apps, note-taking apps, voice recognition apps, text-to-speech, etc… Participants will come away with ideas and app suggestions that will assist those struggling student to become more organized and successful in school and beyond.

Speakers

Mark Coppin

Director or Assistive Technology Anne Carlsen Center, Anne Carlsen Center

Tuesday April 25, 2017 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
Winter/Spring

Everyday Technology, Beginner | Education & Learning, Beginner | Augmentative/Alternative Communication, Beginner | Accessibility, Beginner

10:30am CDT

AEM for ALL

This session will focus on a district's Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) journey. The district embarked on a system-wide approach to provide AEM for ALL in the fall of 2015. The session will tell the story and provide examples of how to get started. The district has participated in the Assistive Technology and Accessible Educational Materials Usability Study aligned to the Specially Designed Instruction Framework in partnership with the Iowa Department of Education and Grant Wood Area Education Agency. The team will provide recommended action steps to support growth towards promising practices in the implementation and provision of AEM.

Speakers

Cheryl Kiburz

Director of Student Services, College Community Schools

Cheryl Kiburz serves as the Director of Student Services for the College Community School District, Cedar Rapids, IA. She completed her teacher preparation at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and her Master’s Degree at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois... Read More →

Lindsay Spears

PK-12 Learning Supports Facilitator, College Community School District

Mrs. Lindsay Spears is the PK-12 Learning Supports Facilitator at College Community School District. Her passion areas include equitable access to curriculum, instruction, and assessment for all students, special education law, Universal Design for Learning, accessibility tools, and... Read More →

AEM for ALL Building Bridges Presentation 4.25.17 pdf

Tuesday April 25, 2017 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
American Gothic

Accessibility, Beginner

10:30am CDT

AAC in the Classroom

Want to learn more about AAC? This presentation will review current research on topics related to AAC, and will provide an overview of strategies implemented in the classroom setting.

Speakers

Judy Redmond

Special Education Teacher, Bettendorf High School

Special Education Teacher for 17 years in Bettendorf School District. Currently teaching HS Level 3 students. B.A. and M.A. from University of Iowa. ATP Certificate from University of Illinois-Chicago. RESNA-Certified ATP.

Tuesday April 25, 2017 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Scale Up

Augmentative/Alternative Communication, Beginner | Accessibility, Beginner

10:30am CDT

Social Media: A Tool for AT & AAC Professional Networking

Tired of trying to answer your AT/AAC questions using just a basic Google Search? Wish you had easy access to quality AT and AAC resources and information? Well, now you can! Join us for an introduction to a few of our favorite Social Media AT/AAC resources including who to "follow", "like", "listen to" or "download" via Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, Podcasts, and/or Youtube - you choose! We will also highlight a few quality AT/AAC websites & blogs. Expand your AT/AAC networking potential to access, share and learn from other educators. We will even offer some simple social media etiquette and tips to get you started.

Speakers

Julie Freed

SLP/AAC Resource Team Need, Grant Wood AEA

Julie Freed is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She has extensive background in the field of augmentative communication and assistive technology supporting students with a wide range of needs for the past 30 years. Currently... Read More →

Jonathan Wylie

Digital Learning, Grant Wood Area Education Agency

Jonathan Wylie is a Technology Consultant for Grant Wood AEA in Eastern Iowa. He helps schools integrate technology in an authentic and meaningful way. He is also the co-host of The Edtech Take Out podcast. You can connect with Jonathan on Twitter or via his blog at jonathanwylie... Read More →

Tuesday April 25, 2017 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Media Center Front

Education & Learning, Beginner

10:30am CDT

The Power of the Para

The paraprofessional typically works most closely with the student and needs to know and understand the tools that support the student and how to apply them in the classroom. In this session, participants will learn about the accessibility features of mobile devices, optical character recognition, adapting worksheets, visual schedules and supports as well as other tools to support the student. Participants in this workshop will leave with knowledge of tools and techniques needed to support the students they are working with.

Speakers

Mark Coppin

Director or Assistive Technology Anne Carlsen Center, Anne Carlsen Center

Tuesday April 25, 2017 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Winter/Spring

Education & Learning, Beginner

10:30am CDT

App and Extension Smackdown

This session will focus on iOS apps and Google Extension that can assist your students with Reading, Writing, and Organization.

Speakers

Tiffanie Zaugg

Assistive Technology Coordinator, Prairie Lakes AEA

Tiffanie has over 20 years experience in teaching. She has taught general education and special education. Tiffanie is currently the assistive technology lead at Prairie Lakes AEA and 3nd year as the lead for the State of Iowa Assistive Technology Leadership Team. Tiffanie has... Read More →

Tuesday April 25, 2017 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Grant Wood

Everyday Technology, Beginner

10:30am CDT

Research Tools - Apps, Extensions and More

Whether researching online using an iPad, Chromebook, computer or tablet, having the right tools for support, as well as search tools can have a big impact on access, organization, presentation of information and success. This session will cover online search sites and search tools, Chrome Extensions, apps for tablets, as well as tools embedded within programs. Some students need visuals, others key facts to help them organize. Learn how they can capture information with the source automatically cited, work with side by side windows for researching and note taking, tools providing text to speech for struggling readers and more.

Speakers

Dan Herlihy

Technology Integration Specialist, CTS, Inc.

Tuesday April 25, 2017 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Autumn/Revere/Stone

Everyday Technology, Beginner | Education & Learning, Beginner | Accessibility, Beginner

11:20am CDT

Lunch.Keynote

AT demonstration and message from Kyle Spading, disability advocate and rehabilitation professional with cervical spinal cord injury. Explanation of Kyle's preferred AT devices and supports, along with his journey to functional recovery, and renewed independence after traumatic injury.

Tuesday April 25, 2017 11:20am - 12:30pm CDT
Conference Center

Keynote, Beginner

12:40pm CDT

Google Accessibility

Speakers

Stacy Behmer

Coordinator of Digital Learning/Media Services, Grant Wood AEA

Stacy is a former elementary and middle school teacher and also spent some time as a district technology director. She is currently the Coordinator of Digital Learning & Media Services at Grant Wood AEA in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she works with a team of digital learning consultants... Read More →

Tuesday April 25, 2017 12:40pm - 2:00pm CDT
Media Center Front

Accessibility, Beginner

12:40pm CDT

Mounting and Use of Technology for Access to Learning

Students using assistive technology need consistent access to learning tools in order to succeed in the learning environment and beyond. Do you 10-finger type? If so, how efficient would you be if keys were moved around each day? Students using power wheelchair controls, AAC devices, switches, and alternative access to computers, need their controls in a stable, repeatable position to develop motor automaticity. Once their mind automatically knows how to control devices, they can concentrate on the task - driving, communicating, reading on the computer, writing on the computer, etc. This session will review various access methods for use of assistive technology as well as mounting systems for evaluation and permanent placement of devices and controls. A handout of mounting system options will be shared.

Speakers

Patricia Bahr

Program Manager, University of Iowa

Patricia Bahr, MSE, ATP, RET is a Program Manager at Iowa's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). The UCEDD's vision is "a life in the community for everyone", allowing us to work with everyone in the community to allow people with disabilities to... Read More →

Kyle R. Spading

Tuesday April 25, 2017 12:40pm - 2:00pm CDT
Grant Wood

Accessibility, Intermediate

12:40pm CDT

SMART (Communication) Partner Strategies & Outcomes

The intent of this session is to provide the opportunity for communication partners, who interact regularly with learners with complex communication needs, to increase their awareness and use of appropriate partner strategies/skills needed to create an optimal communication environment.
Research-based communication partner strategies and techniques will be introduced, practiced, and discussed throughout this session to support expansion and growth of communication skills for those reliant on augmented and alternate forms of communication. Special education teachers who currently implement SMART Communication Partner strategies in their classroom will share successes and challenges in the classroom setting.

Speakers

Jess Krob

Speech Language Pathologist, Grant Wood AEA

Jess is a certified speech language pathologist at Grant Wood AEA. She currently serves the Clear Creek Amana school district in the Southwest Region. Jess also supports Grant Wood AEAs new SLPs as an Induction Coach through the Mentor Program at the Agency. She is a University... Read More →

Stephanie Mobley

Maggie Slaymaker

Speech-Language Pathologist, Grant Wood Area Education Agency

Maggie Slaymaker is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist with Grant Wood Area Education Agency. She works primarily with students K-8, supporting the areas of articulation, phonology, language, fluency, and complex communication needs/AAC. She is a member of the AAC Resource Team... Read More →

Tessa Strabala

Teacher, Tiffin Elementary

Tessa is a Level 3 Special Education Teacher at Tiffin Elementary, and has taught Level 3 for 13 years. She was a paraeducator in an autism program for a year before she started teaching.

Julie White

Tuesday April 25, 2017 12:40pm - 2:00pm CDT
Scale Up

Augmentative/Alternative Communication, Beginner

12:40pm CDT

From Paper to Electronic: Instant Access to Classroom Content

Do your students need access to printed materials such as worksheets, reading assignments or quizzes right now! Learn how to utilize programs and apps combined with document cameras, and more that can read text on a printed page on the fly without scanning or saving, or take a picture using your tablets or cell phone of a printed document, save it to the cloud for access by your entire class, utilize apps and extensions to read it aloud, save it as a PDF, translate the text into another language, and even read aloud in that language. Now need to write, draw or fill in the blanks on those documents? Apps and programs with TTS and easy to use options for typing, writing, drawing, using voice recognition to answer questions, recording your own voice directly onto the page and more!

Speakers

Dan Herlihy

Technology Integration Specialist, CTS, Inc.

Tuesday April 25, 2017 12:40pm - 2:00pm CDT
Autumn/Revere/Stone

Education & Learning, Beginner | Accessibility, Beginner

12:40pm CDT

Book Creator iPad App: Let's Write a Story

The iPad is a wonderful tool for creating content for the diverse learner. Book Creator for the iPad is an excellent app for creating a wide variety of materials to support our students. In this session, participants will have hands-on with the Book Creator app and will learn how to create and adapt stories to support their students. Participants will learn how to add text, images, video, music, narration and publishing. We will also discuss implementation strategies as well as best practices.

Speakers

Mark Coppin

Director or Assistive Technology Anne Carlsen Center, Anne Carlsen Center

Tuesday April 25, 2017 12:40pm - 2:00pm CDT
Winter/Spring

Everyday Technology, Beginner | Education & Learning, Beginner | Augmentative/Alternative Communication, Beginner | Accessibility, Beginner

12:40pm CDT

Supports for Learning & Performance for ALL

Educational reforms at both the national and state level strengthen the need to consider accessibility supports to address the broad continuum of needs of all learners. Supports and accommodations are part of the multi-tiered system of supports implemented in Iowa schools to help learners achieve educational standards and expectations. This session will outline a process building teams can utilize to inform decision-making around the provision of supports for learning and performance and accommodations for a broad range of learner-need.

https://www.educateiowa.gov/pk-12/learner-supports/supports-learning-and-performance

Speakers

Maggie Pickett

Digital Learning Consultant and Digital Learning Consultant, Grant Wood AEA

Maggie is a certified speech-language pathologist. Her passion in education resides in creating engaging and accessible learning opportunities for all learners in Mutli-Tiered Systems of Support. For over a decade Maggie has worked with teachers, students, administrators, para-professionals... Read More →

Tuesday April 25, 2017 12:40pm - 2:00pm CDT
American Gothic

Everyday Technology, Beginner | Education & Learning, Beginner | Augmentative/Alternative Communication, Beginner | Accessibility, Beginner

2:10pm CDT

Built-in Accessibility via AEA Online Resources

Accessibility is key to meeting the needs of our students. Come and learn about the AEA online resources available through GWAEA Media that are accessible in bridging a gap in student learning. See how the features of text-to-speech, font size, highlighting, and notetaking can help bridge your students learning.

Speakers

Kathleen Goslinga

Media Assistant, Grant Wood AEA

Kathleen Goslinga has spent her entire professional career at Grant Wood AEA and currently serves as an Online Resources Specialist through the Media Center. She has obtained a BA in Communications Training and Technology and an MA in Communications Media from the University of Northern... Read More →

Deanna Weber

Teacher Librarian, Wilson Middle School

I love to learn new things! I guess you could say I'm passionate about lifelong learning. Great ideas motivate me and I enjoy collaborating with my peers and gaining new perspectives and experiences. I also enjoy time with my daughters and husband. I as Teacher Librarian for Wilson... Read More →

Tuesday April 25, 2017 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
Media Center Front

Accessibility, Beginner

2:10pm CDT

On-Screen Keyboards for Tablets & Chromebooks - Customizing your Screen

On-Screen keyboards can provide visual supports for writing via color coded keys, alternate fonts, larger keys, and even handwriting recognition allow students to use a stylus to write. Other support tools include word prediction, voice recognition in keyboards on all platforms, mathematical symbols and even a Sign Language Emoji's and animated GIFs keyboard. Learn how to download, install and activate them including adjusting the order of keyboards that can be displayed on iPads, changing on the fly on Android tablets, customizing and setting defaults, customizable keyboards for Mac and PC, international keyboard keys and layouts and more.

Speakers

Dan Herlihy

Technology Integration Specialist, CTS, Inc.

Tuesday April 25, 2017 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
Autumn/Revere/Stone

Accessibility, Beginner

2:10pm CDT

Balancing the AAC See-Saw: Core, Conversation and Generative Language

Students who have the most difficulty using oral speech and language for typical communication are considered to have complex communication needs. There is a reason the word, complex, was chosen and anyone who is supporting the language and communication learning of students understands this. Even the most "simple" communication is really quite complex and we are challenged every day to take apart and put back together the pieces in order to help students learn and grow in this area. This session will look at the pieces of communication and how we can work to balance a complex system of learning and language for the student with complex communication needs. We will take time for discussion to address specific challenges.

Speakers

Cindy Cavanagh

Assistive Technology Team, Mississippi Bend AEA

Cindy Cavanagh is a member of the Assistive Technology Team at Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency in eastern Iowa. She attended the University of Iowa and holds a Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology, ASHA CCC and Assistive Technology Practitioner (ATP) credentials through... Read More →

Tuesday April 25, 2017 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
Scale Up

Accessibility, Intermediate | Augmentative/Alternative Communication, Intermediate

2:10pm CDT

Switch Access on the iPad

Switch Control is an accessibility feature of iOS 7 and later that allows users with motor impairments to access their iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. This session will cover the basics of switch access, builtin accessibility features, the features and settings of switch control and how to set up a person with switch control. We will also be covering various apps that can be used from single switch cause and effect apps to apps requiring more complex solutions.

Speakers

Mark Coppin

Director or Assistive Technology Anne Carlsen Center, Anne Carlsen Center

Tuesday April 25, 2017 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
Winter/Spring

Augmentative/Alternative Communication, Intermediate | Accessibility, Intermediate

2:10pm CDT

Supporting all Learners - A Look at Text Complexity

This session will focus on tools to support all learners in gaining information from material by adjusting the text complexity without altering the meaning of the text. Providing options for different levels of text allows students to gain information at a point where they can best comprehend the material while supporting vocabulary development and increasing grammatical structures. Participants will leave with a list of apps/extensions, websites, and AEA Online resources that support leveling of text.

Speakers

Amanda Honnold

School Psychologist, Area Education Agency 267

I have worked at AEA 267 for 16 years and have been a member of the Assistive Technology team for 14 years. I work with preschool - high school students at the West Marshall school district in State Center, Ia. I received my Specialist in Education degree from the University of... Read More →

Lea Ann Peschong

SLP, AT Regional Lead, Central Rivers AEA

Lea Ann Peschong is a Speech-Language Pathologist with a special assignment of Assistive Technology for Central Rivers AEA. She works with local education agencies and collaborates with the AEA technology integration team to help embed technology supports for all students. Lea... Read More →

Tiffanie Zaugg

Assistive Technology Coordinator, Prairie Lakes AEA

Tuesday April 25, 2017 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
Grant Wood

Education & Learning, Beginner

2:10pm CDT

APPy Feat: Finding Apps that Match Needs of Students with ASD

A range of low-cost/free apps will be covered to help accommodate the needs of learners with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) learning styles/characteristics. Suggestions for apps supporting visual supports, social comprehension & perspective-taking, and positive engagement & participation will be covered.

Speakers

Julie King, LISW

School Social Worker, Grant Wood Area Education Agency

Julie King, LISW received her Master's in Social Work from the University of Iowa. She is licensed as a clinical social worker through IDPH, a Professional Service License as a School Social Worker through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, and a post-graduate certificate in... Read More →

Kelli Robertson

Accessibility Lead & AT Coordinator, Grant Wood AEA

Kelli Robertson has been involved in project development throughout her time at Grant Wood AEA surrounding the topics of differentiation, developing accommodations, diverse learners, and using visual support strategies and has done numerous presentations to educators and parents on... Read More →

Tuesday April 25, 2017 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
American Gothic

Everyday Technology, Beginner

3:10pm CDT

Access via Alternate Keyboards and Adapted Mice

We will explore possibilities of using alternative keyboards and mice for students who have physical difficulty accessing technology in the classroom. We will also introduce apps and programs to support access to iPads and PCs for increasing participation in math and literacy.

Speakers

Monica Packard

Occupational Therapist, Grant Wood AEA

Monica has been an Occupational Therapist for 18 years in the public school setting. She has worked in Chicago Public Schools, Indianapolis Public Schools and currently works for Grant Wood AEA in Iowa. She was a lead therapist for Chicago Public Schools for 3 years and is currently... Read More →

LeAnn Trana

Occupational Therapist, Grant Wood AEA

Tuesday April 25, 2017 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT
Grant Wood

Accessibility, Beginner

3:10pm CDT

AT to Support Emergent Literacy Success

We will be discussing how we have implemented Specially Designed Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Disabilities throughout our school day. We will discuss how we have given our students access to literacy and how our students have responded.

Speakers

Chelsie Engelbart

Special Education Teacher, Linn Mar Schools

Melinda Mohr

Speech-Language Pathologist, M.A., CCC-SLPnSpeech Language PathologistnGrant Wood Area Education Agency

Melinda is a speech Language Pathologist working in early childhood through K-12. Her caseload includes all areas of a school based clinician. Melinda's interests include preschool phonology and core instruction/accessibility for students with severe and profound disabilities.

Tuesday April 25, 2017 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT
American Gothic

Accessibility, Intermediate | Augmentative/Alternative Communication, Intermediate

3:10pm CDT

Core Vocabulary in Early Childhood: Increasing Engagement and Communication Skills

There are many alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) tools and strategies available to help aid communication and engagement for young children with autism. One self-contained early childhood classroom in the Cedar Rapids Community School district began implementing Universal Core Vocabulary throughout the day and explicit teaching of core vocabulary words. Core vocabulary is integrated within circle time, centers, music, and small group instruction. The purpose of this session is to provide professionals working in early childhood with ideas of how to implement core vocabulary, increase student engagement, and improve communication skills in young children with autism.

Speakers

Erica Male

Laura McDonald

Speech-Language Pathologist, Autism Consultant, Grant Wood AEA

Laura is a certified speech-language pathologist and Autism Consultant at Grant Wood AEA. She currently works part time as an SLP with PK-1 level 3 autism programs in the Cedar Rapids Community School District and part time as an Autism Consultant for GWAEA.

Building Bridges 2017 Core Vocabulary Resources pdf

Tuesday April 25, 2017 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT
Scale Up

Augmentative/Alternative Communication, Beginner

3:10pm CDT

Adapting Worksheets and Tests on the iPad

This session will cover various solutions for adapting tests and worksheets on the iPad. Topics covered will include optical character recognition, OCR apps, annotation apps, apps for adapting worksheets and book creation apps. We will also cover some of the accessibility features on the iPad that can be customized to allow easier access to the materials. Participants will come away with tools and strategies for adapting worksheets for their students.

Speakers

Mark Coppin

Director or Assistive Technology Anne Carlsen Center, Anne Carlsen Center

Tuesday April 25, 2017 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT
Winter/Spring

Education & Learning, Beginner

3:10pm CDT

Accessing the World with Virtual Reality

Investigate different opportunities to bring the classroom experience to absent students through virtual field trips and other digital learning opportunities. Learn about interactive tools that help students participate in real-time (or their own time), even though they may be 100 miles away.

Speakers

Mindy Cairney

Digital Learning Consultant, Grant Wood AEA

Mindy is a digital learning consultant for Grant Wood AEA. She is passionate about helping teachers integrate technology with integrity. She co-hosts the Edtech Take Out podcast and the makerspace show: Think, Make, Innovate.

Jonathan Wylie

Digital Learning, Grant Wood Area Education Agency

Tuesday April 25, 2017 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT
Media Center Front

Everyday Technology, Beginner

3:10pm CDT

Video as Expression: Alternatives to Writing

Students experiencing issues with trying to comprehend written content may also experience issues with trying to communicate knowledge gained and demonstrate an understanding through traditional means of pencil, paper and printed tests. This session will explore supports for writing include visual supports, tools for video expression allowing students to easily create and demonstrate understanding of concepts, connections in learning or express their ideas in a multisensory approach utilizing green screen technology, apps and programs for recording, editing and presentation tools, integrating video into eBooks, adding captioning and visual supports within video utilizing apps for tablets, extensions in the Chrome browser, peripherals such as easy to use, portable document cameras and others.

Speakers

Dan Herlihy

Technology Integration Specialist, CTS, Inc.

Tuesday April 25, 2017 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT
Autumn/Revere/Stone

Everyday Technology, Intermediate | Education & Learning, Intermediate | Accessibility, Intermediate