Over 200 Presentation and Hands-On Lab Hours
Wednesday through Friday, October 9-11, 2013
Over 200 presentation and hands-on lab hours that describe and/or demonstrate successful applications of assistive technology for persons with disabilities will be held during the three days of the conference.
See list of conference presenters.
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keyboard alternatives
10/09/2013
9:30am-10:30am
Motor Cognitive Learning: Not Just "Hit the Switch"
Date:
Wed, Oct 09, 2013
from
9:30 am -
10:30 am
Location: Plaza 5
Category: keyboard alternatives
Format: demonstration
Subject Level:
Beginner
Computer Level:
N/A
Description:
Learning switch access requires both motor and cognitive learning. Directing a child to simply "hit the switch" puts the emphasis on the task instead of the learning process. For children who face severe multiple challenges, developing both physical abilities and problem solving skills must be addressed. Instruction for the most severely involved students often focuses on single switch cause and effect and recreation and leisure activities. This session will address the process for engaging the child's brain in the motor/cognitive learning process and encouraging problem solving skills through the use of two switches and intrinsic motivation.
Presenters:
Linda Burkhart
10/09/2013
8am-9am
Physical Access to Tablets for the Marginal Touch User
Date:
Wed, Oct 09, 2013
from
8:00 am -
9:00 am
Location: Plaza 4
Category: keyboard alternatives
Format: demonstration
Subject Level:
All
Computer Level:
Beginner
Description:
Some people with disabilities have difficulty with targeting their touch to utilize a tablet effectively. Strategies to increase success with targeted touch on tablets, utilizing external physical supports and apps will be discussed and demonstrated. Case examples will bring this topic to life. If time allows, we will review the accessibility option on iPads and Androids.
Presenters:
Patricia Bahr
Katie Duff
10/11/2013
11am-12pm
Promoting Functional Independence Following Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury: Computer Access for School, Work and Home
Date:
Fri, Oct 11, 2013
from
11:00 am -
12:00 pm
Location: Plaza 4
Category: keyboard alternatives
Format: demonstration
Subject Level:
Intermediate
Computer Level:
Intermediate
Description:
When was the last time you went 24 hours without using a computer? We are constantly using computers at home, at school and at work! Using a standard computer can be challenging for individuals after a spinal cord injury. Today's session will address computer access and its critical importance within rehabilitation following spinal cord injury in children as young as 2 years old. Spinal cord injury and its impact on function will be reviewed. Numerous technologies will be demonstrated in a case study format. Come learn how to use a computer without using your hands!
Presenters:
Michelle Spady
10/09/2013
12:30pm-1:30pm
Revisiting Speech Recognition
Date:
Wed, Oct 09, 2013
from
12:30 pm -
1:30 pm
Location: Plaza 3
Category: keyboard alternatives
Format: demonstration
Subject Level:
Intermediate
Computer Level:
Intermediate
Description:
Students who have difficulty writing are disadvantaged in many important ways. When students have difficulty writing at grade level, their ability to maximize the learning experience and to demonstrate learning is diminished. Speech recognition can be used effectively as AT when teachers focus on data-based decisions for selection, initial skill development, monitor of independent use and appropriate selection of tools for the task and environment. This session will provide review of speech recognition and speech recognition tools, including installations for phone technology, iPads, Chromebooks, Macintosh and Windows computers; data-based decision process and data tools; stages of speech recognition learning; skill checklist for independent, successful speech recognition use; writing accommodations matrix; process for selecting writing accommodations; and resources in the area of speech recognition.
Presenters:
Cindy Cavanagh
10/10/2013
2pm-3pm
Speech Recognition Options for People with Disabilities
Date:
Thu, Oct 10, 2013
from
2:00 pm -
3:00 pm
Location: Atrium 1
Category: keyboard alternatives
Format: demonstration
Subject Level:
Beginner
Computer Level:
Intermediate
Description:
Tablet and smartphone computers have become ubiquitous in the world today. They offer a number of options for email, social networking and other computer tasks. A person with a disability is able to access tablets and smartphones using speech recognition (SR). SR, on a traditional computer, has a number of drawbacks and issues. Tablets and smartphones have many of the same issues, but with additional complications. Vision, cognitive or motor deficits can influence use of mobile computer, given screen size, sequencing demands or need for touch. This presentation will address options to allow people with a disability to utilize SR options to access a tablet/smartphone. Activation, visual enhancement and mounting options will be addressed. This presentation will provide tools for success with SR on a tablet.
Presenters:
Ed Hitchcock
10/10/2013
12:30pm-1:30pm
Supporting the Transparency of Switch Access to AAC: Computer Use and Powered Mobility
Date:
Thu, Oct 10, 2013
from
12:30 pm -
1:30 pm
Location: Plaza 2
Category: keyboard alternatives
Format: demonstration
Subject Level:
Intermediate
Computer Level:
Intermediate
Description:
Switches, their placement and expectation of use can frequently alter actual learning. Access to activity is frequently decided by the switch chosen. Then the activity itself is altered (smaller scanning array, slower speed), as well. This seems to be a backwards approach. Shouldn't we be interested in the child's engagement in activity first and then look at supporting her management of the activity? With the use of electronic switches (zero pressure), we can provide children with the most complex bodies more direct involvement in the activity the switch is controlling.
Presenters:
Karen Kangas
Lisa Rotelli
10/10/2013
3:30pm-4:30pm
Switch Access to the iPad for Communication and Instruction
Date:
Thu, Oct 10, 2013
from
3:30 pm -
4:30 pm
Location: Atrium 6
Category: keyboard alternatives
Format: company-affiliated demonstration
Subject Level:
Beginner
Computer Level:
Beginner
Description:
The iPad is quickly making its way into classrooms around the world. Although many individuals with disabilities can use this consumer electronic for communication, access can often be an issue for those who cannot use it in a typical way. In addition, of the 700,000 apps created, very few in comparison are switch accessible. Learn how to gain access to the 36 and counting switch accessible apps that are not primarily used for AAC and how the iPad can be used for communication purposes and to support classroom instruction.
Presenters:
Mary Sagstetter
10/10/2013
8am-10:30am
The Complete Guide to iPad Accessibility (Two Block Session)
Date:
Thu, Oct 10, 2013
from
8:00 am -
10:30 am
Location: Plaza 6 iPad Lab
Category: keyboard alternatives
Format: iPad hands-on workshop
Subject Level:
Beginner
Computer Level:
Beginner
Description:
The iPad has revolutionized assistive technology by dramatically increasing features and lowering costs. But many popular AT apps have left kids with physical challenges behind by failing to provide adequate accessibility options. In this session, participants will learn about a new generation of apps, such as MyVoice's TalkRocket and RocketKeys products, which are working to provide an unprecedented new level of accessibility on the iPad. Participants will also receive hands-on training with built-in iPad accessibility technologies, such as AssistiveTouch and VoiceOver. And as an added bonus, leading equipment partners, such as RJ Cooper, Beyond Adaptive and Big Grips, will drop by to demonstrate their iPad-compatible switches, wheelchair mounts, screen guards and cases, with examples from actual users.
Presenters:
RJ Cooper
Tony Gross
Alex Levy
Kirk Mills
John Shuster
10/09/2013
9:30am-10:30am
Turning an Adapted Computer User into a Power User
Date:
Wed, Oct 09, 2013
from
9:30 am -
10:30 am
Location: Atrium 6
Category: keyboard alternatives
Format: demonstration
Subject Level:
All
Computer Level:
Intermediate
Description:
How much is your time worth? In this presentation you will learn about the power of automation tools and macros for adapted access users. You'll learn how to leverage tools, like Keyboard Maestro, to make your switches do much more than just press a single key. We'll pair Keyboard Maestro with Switch XS to turn a switch user into a power user! You'll learn how to use text expansion tools, like Typinator and TextExpander, to speed up typing and a whole lot more. Screen readers have to navigate their computers entirely with their keyboards, but what if their software doesn't play nice with their reading tool? We'll show you how sometimes making a couple of macros can fill the void left behind by the developer.
Presenters:
Jonathan Campbell
Rachel Magario
10/11/2013
12:30pm-1:30pm
Using Eye Gaze to Access Communication Devices and Computers: Tips and Tricks!
Date:
Fri, Oct 11, 2013
from
12:30 pm -
1:30 pm
Location: Atrium 2
Category: keyboard alternatives
Format: company-affiliated demonstration
Subject Level:
Intermediate
Computer Level:
Intermediate
Description:
This presentation will discuss using eye control for computer access and AAC systems. It will explain how eye control works and how to conduct an eye control assessment. Participants will learn about calibration and the advanced calibration adjustments that are available. Further information will be provided on how to increase accuracy and success for people who have been using eye control for a period of time. Rationale for choosing various interaction methods will be provide and participants will learn how to make informed decisions on matching the AAC content with eye control as an access method. Finally, participants will learn how to make adjustments to Windows Control so that eye control users are able to access mainstream Windows applications. Further resources will also be provided.
Presenters:
Elizabeth Walker
What participants have said
The Closing The Gap Conference was beyond exceptional as many of the sessions that I attended answered the Communication needs we are experiencing.
~Director of Communications
My hours at Closing The Gap are my best-spent professional development hours to date.
~ Teacher
One benefit of a conference environment is the opportunity to experience, in person, the tools we often just read about.
~Technology Specialist
