Month: February 2024

Every year ATIA puts on an amazing national conference in Florida where Assistive Technology professionals, exhibitors, individuals with disabilities, family members and many others come together to learn about trends in Assistive Technology services, see and interact with new AT devices, learn about services and programs and as ATIA says “connect, discover and inspire.” According to ATIA, this conference which took place at the end of January, hosted over 5100 attendees, in person and virtually. They had over 500 speakers across more than 350 sessions and about 125 exhibitors.

Some of the CT Tech Act Project’s AT Partners made it to the in-person event! Pam Fields, Founder & CEO of ATECH pictured here, had a table in the Exhibit Hall. Not only was she able to participate in the in-person events network with so many, she promoted CT’s upcoming Assistive Technology conference – Tech Tools for Life, Assistive Technology at its Best, this May.

Shannon Taber, Director, Inclusion & Accessibility at UCP of Eastern CT was selected to do a poster section where she highlighted the great work we are doing in CT with our Bridging the Digital Divide program. This was part of ATIA’s AT & Aging track, and this was the first year they’ve offered sessions in theme.

I was able to participate in ATIA virtually, and one of the sessions that stood out for me was the “What’s New with Apple Accessibility?” If you do one thing while reading this article, it has to be watching this video about Apple’s new feature Personal Voice and Live Speech. The video called “The Lost Voice” gave me chills. It was so moving!

Apple continues to innovate, introducing so many new Accessibility features. I also found this video called “The Greatest” with individuals with disabilities showing how they actually use Apple and their accessibility features in ways that work best for them. Since Shannon was at ATIA, I texted her right away about going to visit the Apple Experience room where participants could try out all of the built-in accessibility features. She sent me this selfie (pictured in the center, below) taken with the presenters, Janette Barrios, Senior Manager and Gus Shitama, Marketing Specialist who both work for Apple’s Global Accessibility Policy & Initiatives department.

Shannon Taber with presenters from Apple's Accessibilty session

Of her experience, Shannon stated, “To be honest, there were so many new tools available to see andtouch, I could have spent days walking from exhibitor to exhibitor.” This made me wish I had attended ATIA in person … maybe next year.

Until then, one more resource I want to share with you is Apple’s Accessibility playlist on YouTube which provides nearly 50 short videos about how to use their various accessibility features. I hope you find these as useful as I do.

Tags AT Awareness, ATIA 2024

Announcement News and Events

Accessible Pharmacy Services Virtual Diabetes Prevention Program

Post author By Arlene Lugo
Post date February 13, 2024
No Comments on Accessible Pharmacy Services Virtual Diabetes Prevention Program

As part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, you can join the Accessible Pharmacy Services Diabetes Lifestyle Coaches on a journey to a healthier you! Get healthy, stay healthy, and avoid diabetes with this virtual program (fully funded by insurance). Also available: virtual classes provided in American Sign Language!

Who Can Join? If you are age 18+ and identify with any of the following:

Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or higher
Not be previously diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
Not be pregnant
Be able to meet 1 of the following requirements:
Had a qualifying blood test result in the prediabetes range in the past year

Have a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes
Receive a high-risk result on a Prediabetes Risk Test

Goals:

Lose weight through healthy eating
Increase physical activity
Learn to identify and address barriers to healthy eating and physical activity

Duration (1-Year):

22 virtual sessions spread out over the course of 1 year

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has proven success:

Participants lowered their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%
Participants ages 60+ lowered their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 71%

Contact Accessible Pharmacy to Register – Email: info@AccessiblePharmacy.com

VP available upon request

www.AccessiblePharmacy.com/diabetes-prevention-program

Announcement News and Events

ATIA 2024 – A Fantastic Learning Experience!

Post author By Arlene Lugo
Post date February 13, 2024
No Comments on ATIA 2024 – A Fantastic Learning Experience!

Written by Nicole Deary, AT Specialist, EASTCONN

My colleague and I recently attended the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) conference in Florida, and we are thrilled to share our experience. The event was a treasure trove of information, providing valuable insights into the latest advancements in technology designed to support individuals with communication disorders and other disabilities. The conference showcased a diverse range of products and solutions that left us impressed and excited about the possibilities in our field.

One of the highlights was attending the comprehensive sessions that delved into the practical applications of various assistive technologies. These sessions covered everything from augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices to innovative apps and software designed to enhance communication skills. The presenters were experts in their respective fields, offering in-depth knowledge and practical tips that we can now integrate into our practice.

The exhibit hall was a bustling hub of activity, with numerous vendors showcasing their latest products. It was a delight to explore the myriad of options available, each catering to different needs and preferences. From cutting-edge AAC devices with customizable features to user-friendly apps that promote language development, the diversity of assistive technology was truly impressive.

Engaging with the vendors provided us with a hands-on experience, allowing us to better understand each product’s functionality and potential benefits. Additionally, networking with professionals from various disciplines, as well as from our own home state of Connecticut, opened up opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange. The vendor exhibit was not only a feast for our mind but also for the taste buds, as attendees were treated to delicious hot pretzels and refreshing ice cream, creating a delightful atmosphere for networking and informal conversations.

Overall, the conference was a fantastic learning experience, and we left feeling invigorated and inspired by the vast potential of assistive technology. The event not only deepened our understanding of the available tools but also reinforced the importance of staying abreast of technological advancements to better serve individuals with communication disorders. We are eager to incorporate our newfound knowledge into our practice and contribute to the continued advancement of assistive technology in our field.

Tags AAC, Access, Assistive Technology, AT Awareness, AT for Community Living, AT for Education, AT for Work, Training

Announcement News and Events

Assistive Technology Graduate Certificate at Southern Connecticut State University

Post author By Arlene Lugo
Post date February 13, 2024
No Comments on Assistive Technology Graduate Certificate at Southern Connecticut State University

By Lauren Tucker, Ed.D. Assistant Professor, Area Coordinator, Graduate Program in Assistive Technology, Special Education Department, Southern Connecticut State University

Interested in learning more about assistive technology while earning graduate credits? Southern Connecticut State University is now offering a 12-credit graduate certificate in assistive technology. The four-class program spans the fall and spring semesters and includes hybrid coursework and an in-person, evening clinical experience. The courses review foundational aspects of assistive technology across a variety of areas including assessment, consultation, and training.

The first two courses provide a foundation of tools and strategies across functional, academic, and independent living tasks. Within these courses, hands-on activities and technology explorations are provided each week. The majority of content is delivered online for these two courses; however, any in-person sessions involve working directly with technology (i.e. 3D printing, virtual reality, eye gaze devices, adapting toys, etc.). In addition to hands-on explorations, graduate students are paired with practicing educational professionals in the field to reinforce effective consulting approaches. Using a framework, graduate students gain information about a challenge, match technology to the task, and provide individualized trainings.

The final two courses focus on the assistive technology assessment process. The first class reviews a variety of approaches to AT assessments, forms, and areas for evaluation. The final practicum course facilitates a hands-on opportunity for graduate students to work with two members of the community to evaluate their AT needs, one K-12 student and one older adult.

These four courses provide practical, hands-on, authentic AT learning experiences to be applied when working with individuals across the life span. If you are interested in learning more about the program and admission, please contact Dr. Lauren Tucker (tuckerL7@southernct.edu) and visit the SCSU website at: https://catalog.southernct.edu/graduate/programs-and-degrees/assistive-technology-certificate.html.

Tags Assistive Technology

Announcement News and Events

Bridging the Digital Divide: A Success Story

Post author By Arlene Lugo
Post date February 13, 2024
No Comments on Bridging the Digital Divide: A Success Story

Written by Miriam Johnson, Inclusion & Accessibility Manager, ATS, United Cerebral Palsy of Eastern CT

Milton suffered a stroke that permanently affected his mobility. He was forced to sell his mobile home and move into an affordable apartment that provided accessibility, but was no longer near his friends and family, leaving him completely alone and isolated. He had not spoken to his brother or sister in over 6 years, and he missed seeing and talking to them.

After setting up the new tablet for Milton, we were able to add his email address and create a brand new Facebook account for him. We took his photo, uploaded it as his main image, and helped him create

his online profile to make it possible for friends and family to look him up online. We helped him locate his brother and sister, helped to connect them as friends, and then trained Milton how to message them. We then trained him how to use Facebook Messenger and he and his sister and brother held video calls together for the first time in over 6 years. He was thrilled to catch up with them!

Since Milton only has use of one arm and hand, we set up Google Assistant to give Milton the ability to use voice commands to operate most of the tablet’s functions. We also attached a shoulder strap to the device and set it up uniquely to hang around his neck and balance on his abdomen to make one-handed usage possible.

Tags AT for Community Living, Bridging the Digital Divide, Tablets

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The Connecticut Tech Act Project (CTTAP) operates out of the CT Department of Aging and Disability Services. We help people with disabilities, family members, employers, educators and other professionals with access to Assistive Technology devices and services.

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