Below is a list of the classes which Oregon Technology Access Program (OTAP) can offer in your area this year. In addition to the classes on this list, we are happy to work with you to arrange customized training opportunities on any assistive technology topic for your group. Please contact Shar Powell or Diana Roberts to discuss professional development options.

2009-2010
OTAP Professional Development Opportunities

 Below is a list of the classes Oregon Technology Access Program (OTAP) can offer in your area this year. In addition to the classes listed here, we are happy to work with you to arrange customized training opportunities on any assistive technology topic for your group.  OTAP Professional Development Opportunities are provided at no cost.  Please feel free to contact Shar Powell or Diana Roberts in the OTAP office to discuss professional development options.

HANDS-ON OPPORTUNITIES

Conversion Tools for AIM (Accessible Instructional Materials): Hands-on   NEW
Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) are defined as text books and core instructional materials in specialized formats such as electronic text, audio files, large print, or Braille. Some AIM may be derived from NIMAS source files. This hands-on class will cover resources for acquisition of AIM, and how to convert files to student-ready formats using programs such as READ:OutLoud, Victor Reader Soft, or other free or readily-available software programs. This workshop may be customized to meet your training needs for the software available in your district.

Accessible Literacy: Tools for Struggling Readers
Accessibility refers to an individual’s ability to obtain or make use of a product
or environment. In this hands-on class, we will explore how easily books can be found on the internet in electronic formats; often, free of charge. Learn how to locate e-books and help students with disabilities to use them as tools to overcome barriers and make reading fun.

BoardMaker: Hands-on
Learn to use pre-made templates and create your own overlays with BoardMaker. Participants will have the opportunity to make and take while learning to use both programs together.

Clicker 5, PixWriter and Writing with Symbols: Hands-on
Each of these software packages allows students to use pictures with words for written composition. Talk with OTAP staff about developing a customized hands-on workshop using these graphic writing tools.

Dragon Naturally Speaking: Hands-on
Dragon Naturally Speaking is one of the most commonly used voice recognition software programs available. As the student speaks into a microphone, the computer learns to recognize and type what the student says. Learn the pros and cons of this and other voice recognition applications in this hands-on class.

IntelliTools Classroom Suite: Hands-on
This hands-on class can include any or all of the IntelliTools products: IntelliKeys, IntelliTalk, Overlay Maker, Balanced Literacy, IntelliMathics. Talk with OTAP staff about developing a customized hands-on workshop using any of the products from the IntelliTools Company.

Kurzweil 3000: Hands-on
Kurzweil 3000 is the comprehensive reading, writing and learning software solution for struggling readers, including individuals with learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, or attention deficit disorder, or for English Language Learners. Kurzweil 3000 allows students to type answers directly onto the image of a scanned text, thereby offering more independence for both the student and teacher. Participants will explore the reading, writing, study skills and scanning features and learn how to apply them in the classroom to effectively support struggling students.

SOLO: Hands-on
Hands-on practice with this talking word processing program and its companion word prediction software. SOLO, with Write:OutLoud and Co:Writer can offer enormous benefits to students who have reading and writing difficulties. This class covers both program operation and strategies for including the software in the classroom. SOLO is the upgraded version of both programs with many new and advanced features.

Switch Workshop: Hands-on
What’s a Switch? A “switch” is something that can be used to activate a toy or any device that can be turned on or off by opening or closing a circuit. What’s an adapted toy? A switch-adapted, battery-operated toy is one that has been modified so that a child with a disability can use a switch to activate the toy, as an alternative to a standard on/off button. In this hands-on class, participants will learn how to make a switch-accessible toy as well as strategies for instruction.

WYNN: Hands-on
WYNN Wizard is a software-based reading and study aid. It uses Optical Character Recognition to scan printed materials and read text. Speech output is very clear and can be customized to match the listening/reading needs of the user. Other features include a talking dictionary and thesaurus, bookmarking and highlighting, word prediction, text or voice annotation, and access to the internet with reading and study tools. This hands-on workshop will introduce the participant to all of the above features and offer guided practice in the development of custom setups and reading/writing activities. 

POLICY AND PROCEDURE OPPORTUNITIES

Models of Assistive Technology Assessment • On Site or On the Web, Winter 2010 • This class offers information about the essential components of an assistive technology assessment. The focus is on the role of the child’s IEP/IFSP team in identifying the tasks which are difficult for the child, and AT tools that might help with those tasks. Participants will have many opportunities to practice using the concepts presented using real-life examples.

 After the Assessment: AT Implementation Strategies • On Site or On the Web, Spring 2010 • Participants will learn a variety of concepts that can be applied to any child’s assistive technology program to ensure quality AT services and effective implementation. Among the topics covered are the four aspects of assistive technology competence, strategies for planning implementation, data collection and the use of Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Services (QIAT) to facilitate AT implementation. Participants will have numerous opportunities to practice using real-life examples. 

A School Administrator’s Role in Assistive Technology
School administrators have many special skills that can support the successful provision of assistive technology devices and services. School administrators supervise staff, they manage program resources and processes, and lead program improvement efforts. Learn about a format that assistive technology leaders and school administrators can use in the development and improvement of assistive technology programs. 

Assistive Technology Pointers for Parents
Parents are an integral part of any child’s AT team. This workshop offers information on the essential roles that parents can play in considering a child’s need for assistive technology. Parents receive opportunities to have handson experiences with the technologies that their children might use in school programs.

How Do You Know It? How Can You Show It? Using Data to Make AT Decisions
Strategies to guide the assistive technology decision-making process have become increasingly important as more and more technology alternatives become available. Today’s service providers must be able to objectively document the impact of assistive technology on an individual’s performance before recommending long term use. This session guides teams in developing strategies, techniques and specific steps to evaluate the effectiveness of assistive technology.

Making AT More Meaningful: Integrating Technology with Educational Initiatives
Understanding and working within the education initiatives that are shaping instruction in your district can make your AT services more effective and more meaningful. If you don’t know how EBP relates to RBI, whether AT can play a role in PBS, the relationship between UDL, AIM and DI, or when AT becomes critical in RTI, you are not alone. And yet, these initiatives provide a dramatic opportunity for increased acceptance and use of instructional and assistive technology. This session will help you understand how to effectively interface AT with Differentiated Instruction (DI), Response to Intervention (RTI), Positive Behavioral Support (PBS), Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) and Research Based Intervention (RBI). It will include opportunities to judge and discuss research, analyze AT hardware and software to realize its potential for use in differentiated classrooms, and strategize for increased use of AT in your district.

 CONTACT INFORMATION

Shar Powell, Technology Training, Technical Assistance & Loan Library shar.powell@douglasesd.k12.or.us

Diana Roberts, Coordination & Requests for Service diana.roberts@douglasesd.k12.or.us

Terry Christenson, Events Management, Materials & Registrations terry.christenson@douglasesd.k12.or.us