Dyslexia Handbook and Upcoming Workshops
ABLE Tech is teaming up with Bookshare to promote Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) and Assistive Technology (AT) at Dyslexia Workshops around the state. The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) recently released the Oklahoma Dyslexia Handbook and is providing free workshops to train educators on recommended methods for reading instruction.
Each workshop will include a session showing educators how to use Bookshare to provide an accessible text which can be read aloud with highlighting. Fall workshop locations include Enid, Lawton, McAlester, Oklahoma City, Owasso, and Tulsa. OSDE plans to offer additional workshops in the spring.
The Dyslexia Handbook was developed by the State Dyslexia and Education Task Force to provide guidance to educators, students, families, and community members about dyslexia and the best practices for identification, intervention, and support for children with dyslexia. Registration information and a link to download the Oklahoma Dyslexia Handbook can be found on the OSDE Special Education webpage.
2019 Accessibility Workshop Collaboration with Massachusetts
In September, Oklahoma ABLE Tech sent Rob Carr and Lyssa Prince to Massachusetts to deliver a two-day workshop on web accessibility. Together, ABLE Tech and a peer Assistive Technology Act Program addressed a variety of Massachusetts state agencies, nonprofits, and members of the public. The workshop covered topics such as web accessibility law, web page accessibility, and Microsoft Office/ Adobe Acrobat accessibility. This training also demonstrated how web accessibility provides equal access and equal opportunity to people with disabilities.
ABLE Tech would like to thank the national AT3 Center for its partnership in delivering this workshop. ABLE Tech plans to deliver additional workshops in the next fiscal year under an agreement with the AT3 Center.
SoonerStart & ABLE Tech Success Story
Ella, an outgoing two-year-old, received a small Nimbo™ Walker through the collaboration between Creek County SoonerStart and ABLE Tech’s Pediatric Walker Project.
In her first few years of life, Ella underwent three open-heart surgeries as well as multiple heart procedures. She has limitations in strength, endurance, and walking independently. Like most kids, Ella enjoys being outside, and the walker has given her a new sense of freedom and independence.
The Pediatric Walker Project collaboration between ABLE Tech and SoonerStart made this little girl extremely happy. Ella is now able to go wherever her heart desires!
4th Quarter Team Winner
The Creek County SoonerStart team won this quarter’s $500 in new assistive technology (AT) to include in their county kit.
Congratulations!
ABLE Tech is Hiring
Do you know a Speech Pathologist?
We're looking for these qualifications.
- Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology and three years of experience working with individuals with disabilities who use various types of assistive technology.
- State of Oklahoma licensure in Speech-Language Pathology; Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology.
- Experience working with individuals with a broad range of disabilities or functional limitations across the age span who utilize assistive technology, specifically augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
- Must possess strong oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with individuals with disabilities, state agency personnel, disability-related organizations, family members, as well as programmatic partners.
Apply online: hr.okstate.edu/employment-opportunities
Job listing: Speech/Pathology Specialist
Contact: allyson.robinson@okstate.edu
Fire Safety Grant Comes to a Close
Oklahoma ABLE Tech, the OkAT Foundation, and Fire Protection Publications have been awarded a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fire Safety Solutions grant for the last six consecutive years. This grant was awarded to provide lifesaving equipment to individuals with hearing, vision, or mobility impairments. After seven successful years of receiving the grant, funding is not being provided for FY20; therefore, the program will not be available statewide.
Over time, this grant accomplished installing smoke alarms and specialized alert devices in the homes of over 2,874 Oklahomans. It has provided Oklahoman's acquisition of 11,554 smoke alarms and 2,919 specialized alert devices, totaling over $718,500 worth of assistive technology at no cost to the consumer. The project also developed an online curriculum to help other individuals establish and effectively manage a smoke alarm project in their communities, as well as extensive training to consumers on the best methods for fire and home safety standards. Though it is ending, ABLE Tech is proud to have participated alongside two amazing organizations in such an impactful project.
The project currently has enough remaining supplies to serve around 150 Oklahoma households adequately. These services will be limited to individuals in and around the Stillwater, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa areas only.
Reutilization Programs
Three programs: Reuse, Exchange, and Adaptive Baby Care (ABC) are merging into the “Device Reutilization Program.” This program provides Oklahomans with free, discounted, discontinued, or gently used medical equipment. The program is currently working on exciting new opportunities through upcoming medical equipment drives. Reutilization staff is also working with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to bring about improved guidelines for device donations.
ABLE Tech recently hired two new part-time employees for the Device Reutilization Program. Matt handles many of the requests for equipment that come in digitally and then reassigns the equipment that goes along with the applications. Abby is a current Occupational Therapy student at the University of Oklahoma and focuses on activities associated with the Device Exchange Program. It is a pleasure to welcome both of these wonderful people to the OKC team!
Reutilization Success Story
Charles contacted the ABLE Tech Device Reuse Program and matched with a standard walker that he can use as long as needed. Although the program is free for every Oklahoman to utilize, SoonerCare members receive durable medical equipment (DME) from the Reuse Program as a priority above the general public.
Charles was thrilled with the walker. He stated, “This walker will help me improve my strength in my legs and regain more mobility every day.” Charles uses this walker in the pool during therapy sessions to assist him in regaining his ability to bear weight through his legs.
AT Device Feature
IPEVO Wireless Magnifying Document Camera
The VZ-X Wireless, HDMI and USB 8MP Document Camera feature three connection modes Wi-Fi, HDMI and USB that let you capture and stream real-time images to your computer, iOS/Android devices, Apple TV, TV, projector or monitor in the setup that best suits your needs.
VZ-X features a built-in LED light that gives you additional illumination for capturing material in dimly lit environments. Features a swiveling head and multi-jointed stand that captures from different heights, angles, and orientations. The VZ-X base is small, and the unit can be folded together and transported between classrooms, homes, or offices.
Interested? View in the ABLE Tech inventory.
Upcoming Events
Special Education Resolution Center (SERC)
The Special Education Resolution Center (SERC) offers innovative programs that assist school districts and parents in settling disputes regarding the Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) of students with disabilities.
Mon, November 18, 2019
8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
FREE Admission with Registration
SERC will examine the ongoing nature of special education conflict and will help participants rethink one's relationship to conflict in order to focus on creating opportunities and building relationships. The event will include morning general sessions and afternoon break out workshops for attendees.
Location:
Moore Norman Technology Center -
OKC Campus
Register ONLINE
Call: 888-267-0028
Email: shannon.esmeyer@okstate.edu
Who Should Attend: Parents, school personnel, and agencies working with children with disabilities.
Sponsored by SERC and the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
Additional Upcoming Events
OCT 30: OSDE Dyslexia Traning - McAlester, OK
NOV 2: NFB Meeting - Norman, OK
NOV 9: Walk to End Alzheimers - Stillwater, OK
NOV 14: AT Team Training Part 3 - OSDE - Enid, OK
NOV 15: Autism Conference - Midwest City, OK
JAN 23: AT Team Training Part 1 - OSDE - Shawnee, OK
Oklahoma AT Center Locations and Partners
Oklahoma ABLE Tech and their partners operate device demonstration and loan programs to increase access to AT.
- OSU – Department of Communication Sciences & Disorder
Stillwater, 405.744.6021 - Hearing Loss Association of America, Central Okla Chapter
Oklahoma City, 405.717.9820 - Moore Autism Center
Moore, 405.735.8478 - NewView Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, 405.521.4880
Tulsa, 855.811.9699 - Oklahoma Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association
Oklahoma City, 405.319.0780 - Pathways Therapy Center
Tulsa, 918.712.7868 - The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital
Bethany, 405.789.6711 - SoonerStart Intervention Program
Oklahoma City, 405.271.8333 - United Access (Mobility)
Oklahoma City, 888.939.1010 - Handicapped Vehicle Services
AT Inventory website www.okabletech-abc.org
OSU Department of Wellness - Oklahoma ABLE Tech Staff
- Todd Misener, Chief Wellness Officer/Director, OSU Department of Wellness
- Linda Jaco, Associate Director, Sponsored Program
- Dawn Aaron, Administrative Assistant
- Kimberly Berry, Assistive Technology Teacher
- Rob Carr, ICT Accessibility Program Manager
- Melisa Cranfield, Reutilization Program Manager
- Lisa Croston, Grants-Contracts Fiscal Officer
- Matt Dalthorp, Site Coordinator Assistant
- Shannon Esmeyer, SERC Administrative Assistant
- Shelley Gladden, Loan Program Manager
- Tammie Honeyman, Sponsored Programs Administrative Associate
- Rob Keiter, Program Coordinator Special Education Resolution Center (SERC)
- Kelli McDoulett, Reutilization Grant Coordinator
- Kimberly O’Meilia, Marketing Manager, Accessibility Specialist
- Jo Anne Pool Blades, SERC Program Manager
- Lyssa Prince, ICT Accessibility Coordinator
- Allyson Robinson, SLP, Assistant Director
- Natalie Rohwer, Financial Loan Coordinator
- Shelby Sanders, Assistive Technology Specialist
- Brian Sargent, Reutilization Site Coordinator
- Amy Woods, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
This publication is available in alternative formats; please call 800.257.1705 for more information. The Oklahoma State University Department of Wellness is the lead agency for Oklahoma ABLE Tech. ABLE Tech is funded through the Administration for Community Living of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and maintains coordination and collaboration efforts with partners throughout the state of Oklahoma.