Fall 2022 AT Workshop Series: Part 1 Recap
On September 15, Oklahoma ABLE Tech staff conducted the first session of our recurring, three-part workshop series designed to develop participants’ knowledge, skills, and competencies related to Assistive Technology (AT). In Part 1 of the series, participants examined the process for considering AT for students with disabilities. Additionally, Part 1 included reviewing the Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology (QIAT), specific legal requirements, an overview of the 10 AT categories, and a low-tech Make ‘n Take activity.
Attending the session were college students, in-service teachers, administrators, and related service providers from across Oklahoma. In fact, it was a record-breaking event with 140 registrants and 120 attendees!
Dr. Gretchen Cole-Lade, State Leadership Training Specialist with Oklahoma ABLE Tech, engaged participants throughout the session with relevant anecdotes from her long experience as a special education teacher and her immense technical knowledge of best practices using assistive technology. Regarding the session, Dr. Cole-Lade remarked, “Wonderfully, attendance far exceeded our past numbers! Participants interacted using the chat feature [in Zoom] and left the workshop prepared to ‘consider’ assistive technology for all students with disabilities.”
Participants echoed Dr. Cole-Lade’s enthusiasm:
- “Wonderful webinar! Thank you!”
- “Thank you so much for all the info and Make ‘n Take examples!”
- “Such a wealth of information! I’m really looking forward to Workshop 2. Thank you so much!”
Part 2 of the workshop series, “Gathering Information and Trialing Devices,” is scheduled for October 6th. You can still register online! You need not have attended Part 1 to register for Part 2. We look forward to seeing you in October!
For additional information or if you have questions, contact Drs. Gretchen Cole-Lade or Joshua Hawkins at Oklahoma ABLE Tech.
ABLE Tech staff are proud to offer the FREE Fall 2022 Assistive Technology (AT) Workshop Series. The next installment is October 6. You’ll learn the steps for providing AT to students in schools. This workshop is designed for educators, related service providers, and administrators needing a wide range of AT knowledge, providing standards-based training, hands-on practice, and dynamic coaching for the novice up to the expert.
If you have questions about these workshops or are interested in learning more, please contact Dr. Joshua Hawkins at joshua.hawkins@okstate.edu.
Special Education Resolution Center Tip of the Month:
Executive function skills help all of us pay attention, get organized, and plan. We all use these skills to get things done. Poor executive function skills often explain why some students have difficulty in school.
Emotions can also impact executive function skills. The good news is these skills can be taught! There’s also a variety of assistive technology solutions to assist students with disabilities in using these skills successfully.
If your student has executive function issues that interfere with school services and the school is confused about how to address this need, the Special Education Resolution Center (SERC) can offer a facilitated IEP to help the family and school have a deeper discussion.
Read this article from understood.org to find out more about executive functioning skills.
For more information about SERC, visit their website or call 888-267-0028 (toll-free).
Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council (ORC) News: OTI Registration is Open!
If you’re an educator, parent, advocate, or student, this event is for you! The Oklahoma Transition Council presents the 17th Annual Oklahoma Transition Institute (OTI) from November 1-2, 2022. This year attendees will come together to make an IMPACT by IMproving Productivity and Championing Transition! This will be the first-ever hybrid event and participants can attend in person (limited tickets available) at the Metro Tech Business Conference Center, 1900 Springlake Dr. in Oklahoma City, or virtually through the Whova App.
Join education and community leaders from across the state to share best practices, learn about resources, collaborate to build your network, and make an IMPACT!
To register, download the Whova App and search for the event, “2022 Oklahoma Transition Institute.” The cost is $25, and payment can be made through the app.
October AT Features: Learning Cognition and Development
October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month! Check out October's Learning Cognition and Development AT Highlights! All items are available to borrow from ABLE Tech’s Device Short-Term Loan Program.
What is Assistive Technology?
AT devices and equipment can be used in a variety of ways to assist people of all ages and abilities in more independently completing everyday tasks and activities. Learn more about AT for people of all ages on the ABLE Tech AT Discovery webpages.
ABLE Tech Accessibility Tip: Creating Accessible PowerPoint Presentations
Did you know the best way to create accessible PowerPoint presentations for others to use is to use Slide Master? Slide Master allows you to create a custom theme containing layouts unique to your school or organization. You can set color schemes, logos, and other design elements in Slide Master, as well. ABLE Tech is currently working on content for a PowerPoint Accessibility course, and Slide Master is one of many things you’ll learn to use as you take the course. Be on the lookout for this and other courses coming soon!
Let us know if ABLE Tech can help with any of your digital accessibility needs by emailing us at abt.a11y@okstate.edu.
Donate Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
Do you have gently-used DME such as crutches, a wheelchair, or a blood pressure monitor that is ready for a new home? Oklahoma ABLE Tech can refurbish, repair, and re-home those items to Oklahomans in need!
Drop your unused items off at our Medical Equipment Drive at the Shoppes at Northpark Mall in Oklahoma City on October 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Learn more on the event webpage.
- Free drop off
- Donations are tax deductible
- Directly impact the lives of others
Partner Success Story: Pathways Therapy Center
HH, a 4-year-old from Tulsa County, receives therapy services through Pathways Therapy Center. He has a sensory processing disorder and borrowed a companion cat to see if the soft fur and built-in sensors that respond to motion and touch could be beneficial. HH’s trial led to a successful outcome as he was able to use the cat to calm down and sleep better through the night.
The cat, along with other assistive technology devices, is available to borrow from Pathways’ short-term loan program provided by Oklahoma ABLE Tech. Learn more about Pathways Therapy Center and other ABLE Tech Core Program Partnerships on the ABLE Tech partnerships webpage!
Oklahoma AT Center Locations and Partners
ABLE Tech and partners operate device demonstration & loan programs to increase access to AT.
- AbleGamers
Kearneysville, WV
- Alzheimer’s Association, Oklahoma Chapter
Tulsa, 918-392-5009 - The Bethany Children's Health Center
Bethany, 405.789.6711 - Handicapped Vehicle Sales and Services
Tulsa, 918.622.8400 - Indian Nations Council of Governments,
Area Agency on Aging
Tulsa, 918.579.9477 - Kiamichi Economic Development District of Oklahoma
Wilburton, 918.465.2367 - Moore Autism Center
Moore, 405.735.8478
- Newby-Vance Mobility
Guthrie, 405.518.0167 - NewView Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, 405.521.4880
Tulsa, 855.811.9699 - OSU – Dept of Communication
Sciences & Disorders
Stillwater, 405.744.6021 - Pathways Therapy Center
Tulsa, 918.712.7868 - SoonerStart
Oklahoma City, 405.271.8333 - Speech Pathway, LLC
Oklahoma City, 405.652.9683 - United Access Mobility
Oklahoma City, 888.939.1010
Oklahoma State University
1514 W. Hall of Fame
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 800.257.1705
Email: abletech@okstate.edu
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