Hands-on with AIM Conversion Tools (day long workshop) 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.

Hands-On with AIM Implementation Tools: Software and Devices (half day to full day) NEW
Custom-designed workshops to fit district needs and interests. Options may include training on use of Read:Outloud (Bookshare version or full version), Kurzweil, WYNN, Text to Audio programs, or other software, upon request.

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
Assistive Technology and Accessible Instructional Materials: Strategies for Administrators • On Site or On the Web, Summer 2010 •   NEW IDEA and Section 504 require the provision of Assistive Technology (AT) and Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) for students who need them. School administrators have many special skills that can support the successful provision of AIM and AT devices and their support services. School administrators supervise staff, they manage program resources and processes, and lead program improvement efforts. In this class, we will explore ways that school administrators and AT leaders can help to develop and improve AIM and AT services. 

Models of Assistive Technology Assessment • On Site or On the Web, Winter 2011 • 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 2011 • 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. 

Accessible Instructional Materials: AIM-ing for Access, What do Districts Need to Know? (day-long workshop) NEW. A day-long workshop introducing the legal provisions of IDEA and eligibility, and giving an overview of AIM formats and resources, plus considerations for district processes and procedures for implementation of AIM with your students. 

Developing a District Process for Implementation of AIM  (half day to full day, depending on need) NEW. Information and facilitated discussion for district or building level teams on processes and procedures for considering AIM for students, establishing eligibility, determining student need, selection and acquisition of AIM and implementation and evaluation of AIM with students.

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.