Category: Announcement
We are super excited about returning with a 2-day conference in June 2025!
Mark your calendar and save the dates of June 9 & 10 for our 2025 Tech Tools for Life Conference which will be held at the Bristol Event Center in Bristol, CT.
More information and registration options will be available soon!
The conference was hosted by the CT Tech Act Project & ATECH (a CTTAP AT Partner), with sponsorships from the Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS), the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and more.
On May 6 and 7, the CT Tech Act Project and ATECH combined our individual conferences into a 2-day conference focused on AT for independent living and remote monitoring on Day 1, and AT for college, work and independent living on Day 2.
We had over 250 attendees each day; 25 exhibitors showcasing a variety of technology, AT and services; and 30 presentations over the two days from experts in Connecticut and beyond. Sessions focused on built-in accessibility features, smart technology for the home, 3D printing, virtual reality, and we even had a 
ep from Apple Accessibility. Our keynote speakers, Curtis Hill and Todd Stabelfeldt, were amazing! They motivated us all, providing the energy and setting the stage for why Assistive Technology is such an integral part of an individual’s independence and success!
Enjoy our conference photos on the CT Tech Act Project page on Facebook.
Oak Hill lost our dear friend and colleague Steve Famiglietti in November of 2022. Steve was a member of our Oak Hill family for over twenty years, pioneering new, innovative services within the Eleanor Brooks Blindness Support Center. Under Steve’s leadership, the Eleanor Brooks Center helped scores of blind and low-vision individuals in Connecticut live full, joyful lives. We remember Steve as ever the patient teacher and trusted advocate for those in need. An avid storm chaser and lover of cuckoo clocks, we also remember Steve’s courage and undeniable zest for life.
On June 26th, 2024, members of the Oak Hill Community, Steve’s friends and family, and so many of the individuals he touched came together to celebrate his wonderful life and impact. Our friends at the National Federation of the Blind CT, Maryanne Melley and Mary Silverberg dedicated a beautiful bench in Steve’s honor. It will provide comfort and respite to visitors to Oak Hill’s campus for years to come.
To honor Steve and the incalculable impact he made on Oak Hill, we are proud to announce the establishment of the The Steve Famiglietti Memorial Fund. This fund will expand opportunities for blind and low-vision individuals in Connecticut to receive the enrichment and assistive technology services they need to reach the highest degree of independence. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the E. Matilda Ziegler Foundation, Steve’s impact will live on. Representatives from the foundation Cynthia Ziegler Brighton, Marcia Cleary, and Stephen Deltatto attended to dedicate a very generous gift in Steve’s memory. Please join us in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to the E. Matilda Zeigler Foundation for their commitment to building a more equitable world for blind and low-vision individuals!
To learn more about our blind service offerings at Oak Hill, or to make a gift in Steve’s memory, please contact Lucy McMillan, Chief Development Officer, at lmcmillan@gileadcs.org.
Reprinted with permission from the NEAT Center at Oak Hill, Summer 2024 Newsletter.
On April 17, 2024, the U.S. Congress and the disability community celebrates National Assistive Technology (AT) Awareness Day. The day honors people with disabilities who require AT to access their education, workplace, community, and recreational activities. The day also recognizes the innovation of researchers, educators, and the dedication of AT experts whose knowledge and dedication make a meaningful difference with their critical work.
The CT Tech Act Project expresses sincere appreciation to all our Assistive Technology Partners throughout our local communities. Your collaboration and efforts are invaluable in ensuring these essential resources reach the individuals who need them most.
Let’s take this opportunity to raise awareness about the profound impact that you and assistive technology can have.
Tech Tools for Life Assistive Tech at its Best!
When: May 6th & 7th, 2024
Where: Omni Hotel, New Haven, CT.
Meet, network, learn & share with people advancing independent living through technology.
Register now at the Early Bird rate at this link: https://atechconference.org and come back often to stay informed on:
- Conference sessions
- Speaker Announcements
- Exhibitors, and
- Sponsors
ATECH Conference 2024 is sponsored by the CT Tech Act Project & the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Written by Arlene Lugo, CT Tech Act Project Program Director
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.
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.
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
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.
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.