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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literacy
10/09/2013
2pm-3pm
AAC Authors: Celebrating/Sharing with Free Apps
Date:
Wed, Oct 09, 2013
from
2:00 pm -
3:00 pm
Location: Atrium 4
Category: literacy
Format: demonstration
Subject Level:
Advanced
Computer Level:
Intermediate
Description:
Writing is not real until it is shared. It is essential for our students to have opportunities to celebrate and share what they wrote in order to become better writers (Caulkins, Sturm, Musselwhite). We will present a number of tools that cost less than a coffee at Starbuck's to make a few letters/words stand out in spectacular ways. We can make beautiful word clouds and take a picture of their writing and embellish it in draw programs (e.g., Doodle Buddy). Classroom projects can be uploaded to VoiceThread, pinned/shared on social networking sites or used to create a story on www.Tarheelreader.org.
Presenters:
Marla Naisant
Jennifer Perry
Victoria Riggs
Deanna Wagner
10/10/2013
9:30am-10:30am
Apps2 Applications of Applications for Special Populations
Date:
Thu, Oct 10, 2013
from
9:30 am -
10:30 am
Location: Bloomington
Category: literacy
Format: demonstration
Subject Level:
Advanced
Computer Level:
Intermediate
Description:
This session will demonstrate how wikispaces can be used as a collaborative tool for reviewing applications of apps for the iPhone and iPad for special populations. Participants can see how the developers of this wiki have reviewed various apps and have highlighted strengths and limitations. Now consumers can make informed decisions before downloading. Most importantly, this site will describe HOW applications can be used to support learning in home, school and therapy situations.
Presenters:
Anthon McLaws
Victoria Riggs
Deanna Wagner
10/11/2013
8am-9am
Benetech Global Literacy: Solutions for the Digital Age
Date:
Fri, Oct 11, 2013
from
8:00 am -
9:00 am
Location: Plaza 1
Category: literacy
Format: company-affiliated demonstration
Subject Level:
Intermediate
Computer Level:
Intermediate
Description:
As the educational content landscape rapidly evolves with more digital content, the growth of eTextbooks and increasing use of visualized data, Benetech's Global Literacy goal is to help students with disabilities at all reading levels meaningfully access quality educational materials. This session will give attendees insight into tools that are available for accessible content (Bookshare) with a focus in the areas of images and STEM and Math content (Diagram Center) and beginning adult readers(Route 66). Participants will learn about all three of Benetech's Global Literacy initiatives and how to meaningfully integrate digital cutting-edge learning in their classrooms.
Presenters:
Lisa Wadors
10/11/2013
9:30am-10:30am
Bridging Gaps: Literacy into Technology
Date:
Fri, Oct 11, 2013
from
9:30 am -
10:30 am
Location: Plaza 4
Category: literacy
Format: company-affiliated demonstration
Subject Level:
Intermediate
Computer Level:
Intermediate
Description:
This presentation is designed to help early childhood professionals use repetition, literature and assistive technology to create a language-rich environment for both verbal and nonverbal children. Saltillo technology now allows nonverbal children within one classroom to benefit from using Read It Once Again's curriculum technique of combining literature with repetition. Participants will learn how to use goals and objectives combined with appropriate activities necessary to provide students with an educational program that will meet their basic needs in each of the five domains commonly addressed in the early childhood classroom.
Presenters:
Rae Schaper
Lisa Timm
10/09/2013
2pm-3pm
Effectiveness of Text-to-Speech Software for Improving Reading of High School Students
Date:
Wed, Oct 09, 2013
from
2:00 pm -
3:00 pm
Location: Atrium 8
Category: literacy
Format: lecture
Subject Level:
All
Computer Level:
Beginner
Description:
The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of text-to-speech (TTS) software, Kurzweil 3000, as a reading intervention for 9th grade students with disabilities and/or students at risk, who are struggling readers. For the purposes of this study, a struggling reader is defined as a student in Grade 9 who reads at or between a 1.0 and 6.9 grade level equivalency (GLE). The underlying theory is that exposure to text will increase unaided reading. The researchers will present findings from three years of the research.
Presenters:
Hye-Jin Park
Kelly Roberts
Robert Stodden
Kiriko Takahashi
10/10/2013
3:30pm-4:30pm
First Author: A New Writing Tool and Measurement Scale for Emergent Writers
Date:
Thu, Oct 10, 2013
from
3:30 pm -
4:30 pm
Location: Edina
Category: literacy
Format: company-affiliated demonstration
Subject Level:
All
Computer Level:
Beginner
Description:
Many students with developmental disabilities, including autism, never develop the most basic writing skills they never get beyond tracing and copying. Don Johnston and Dr. Janet Sturm of Central Michigan University won a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant to research and develop technology that will help these students break out of tracing and copying and really write. In this session, the presenter will share the outcomes of this grant, including a new writing measurement scale sensitive enough to detect the smallest writing growth; First Author writing software, a tool that guides students through the writing process and supports them with built-in accommodations; and outcomes from the First Author research with over 150 students with developmental disabilities.
Presenters:
Marci Butler
10/09/2013
12:30pm-1:30pm
Guided Reading with Students with Severe Disabilities: Read Silently and Comprehend
Date:
Wed, Oct 09, 2013
from
12:30 pm -
1:30 pm
Location: Bloomington
Category: literacy
Format: demonstration
Subject Level:
N/A
Computer Level:
N/A
Description:
The session will include valuable video clips to illustrate each component and step to building reading skills (not emergent reading skills) for children with severe disabilities, such as autism, Rett syndrome and cerebral palsy. Utilizing the framework of the Balanced Approach to Reading, participants will learn how to teach students to do the reading, versus being read to. Video and technology demonstrations will delineate this process of building silent reading skills incorporating communication, which is the platform for comprehension. Reading is an essential skill for all students, not just the talking ones!
Presenters:
Susan Norwell
10/10/2013
2pm-3pm
I Love This Computer! Using Assistive Technology to Engage Middle School Students with Significant Disabilities in Authentic Writing Routines
Date:
Thu, Oct 10, 2013
from
2:00 pm -
3:00 pm
Location: Atrium 8
Category: literacy
Format: demonstration
Subject Level:
Beginner
Computer Level:
Beginner
Description:
Students with significant disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities and autism, require more time and specialized instruction to develop and master basic literacy and writing skills. The new Common Core State Standards (CCSS) have called for greater accountability and shared responsibility for literacy instruction for all students, including those with disabilities. This session will highlight several case studies of middle school students who received powerful literacy and writing instruction, combined with the use of assistive technology tools, such as Classroom Suite, SOLO 6, Kidspiration and adaptive keyboards, to continue to develop their reading and writing skills.
Presenters:
Amanda Fenlon
10/10/2013
8am-9am
Integrating Print and Digital Media
Date:
Thu, Oct 10, 2013
from
8:00 am -
9:00 am
Location: Atrium 6
Category: literacy
Format: demonstration
Subject Level:
Intermediate
Computer Level:
Intermediate
Description:
Discover how to utilize all of the technologies (basic and cutting-edge) to support the core curriculum while enhancing the development of literacy and communication skills. Explore strategies for integrating current trends, like eBooks and story apps, with more traditional methods and materials. Examine resources for sorting through multiple eBooks and story apps, learn what to consider when selecting and/or creating your own literacy activities for state-of-the-art technologies and gain information on creating your own eBooks and story apps. Receive a website address with multiple resources, including guidelines to creating literacy materials for cutting-edge technology and free and inexpensive literacy apps employing communication symbols.
Presenters:
Celeste Helling
Elizabeth (Libby) Rush
10/09/2013
8am-10:30am
Interactive Alphabet Instruction: The Power of 26 (Two Block Session)
Date:
Wed, Oct 09, 2013
from
8:00 am -
10:30 am
Location: Edina
Category: literacy
Format: demonstration
Subject Level:
Beginner
Computer Level:
N/A
Description:
Alphabet instruction is traditionally a part of every educational program for students who are just getting started with literacy. Too often, this consists of "letter-of-the-week" and drill and kill on letter identification. Students often learn to identify letters but have little understanding of how to use those letters. Students must understand concepts, such as the full alphabet and using letters for reading and writing. We will show strategies for supporting students in grasping the alphabetic principle the notion that specific letters are linked to specific sounds as an integral part of using letters. Sample interactive activities include scribbling in context, voting with the alphabet and using apps creatively.
Presenters:
Gretchen Hanser
10/10/2013
12:30pm-1:30pm
iPad Apps for Struggling Readers and Writers and Students with a Print Disability
Date:
Thu, Oct 10, 2013
from
12:30 pm -
1:30 pm
Location: Plaza 3
Category: literacy
Format: demonstration
Subject Level:
All
Computer Level:
All
Description:
In this presentation, you will learn about the best educational iPad apps for students who have difficulty with reading and/or writing, including challenges with math! Apps that are useful for related therapists, such as OTs, SLPs and reading specialists, will also be demonstrated. If your student/child struggles with a print disability due to dyslexia or specific LD, low vision or blindness, difficulties with processing or executive function, or physical disabilities, you will learn about apps that will assist them to read, write, compute, comprehend, organize, take notes and access textbooks and learning materials. Apps demonstrated can be utilized with students K-12 through post secondary education.
Presenters:
Diana Petschauer
10/10/2013
2pm-4:30pm
Navigating the eBook Maze (Two Block Session)
Date:
Thu, Oct 10, 2013
from
2:00 pm -
4:30 pm
Location: Plaza 3
Category: literacy
Format: demonstration
Subject Level:
Intermediate
Computer Level:
Intermediate
Description:
eBooks and players can be exciting with a new world of opportunities, but it can also be overwhelming to sort through the multitude of options. During this session, a variety of eBook and audio sources will be introduced, along with the matching book players, accessibility features and options of each source and player. Both specialized and mainstream sources will be presented, including Bookshare, Learning Ally, Project Gutenberg, OverDrive and others. Specialized and mainstream players will also be explored, such as Kindle, tablets and apps, Classmate Reader and more. Presenters will be introducing some methods and different types of technologies that can be used to create accessible reading materials, such as Kurzweil, Intel Reader and more.
Presenters:
Tara Bruss
Tina Hanson
Rachel Magario
10/11/2013
8am-10:30am
Shared Reading for Students with Significant Disabilities: It's About the Interaction! (Two Block Session)
Date:
Fri, Oct 11, 2013
from
8:00 am -
10:30 am
Location: Edina
Category: literacy
Format: demonstration
Subject Level:
Beginner
Computer Level:
N/A
Description:
Children without disabilities engage in hundreds of hours of shared reading experiences, characterized by rich interactions with children labeling pictures, asking questions, learning to express themselves and taking in adult explanations. Through these interactions, children learn important conceptual knowledge, such as print awareness, story structure, rich vocabulary, sound awareness and important background knowledge. Students with significant disabilities may have great difficulty engaging in shared reading due to speech and physical difficulties. However, with the right strategies - they can! Not only that, but shared reading is an ideal time for students to work on using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. This workshop will describe shared reading for preschool to high school students, along with sample AAC vocabulary, interaction strategies, good books, videos and sample goals.
Presenters:
Gretchen Hanser
10/10/2013
9:30am-10:30am
The Right Tools for the Inclusive Classroom: Clicker Apps
Date:
Thu, Oct 10, 2013
from
9:30 am -
10:30 am
Location: Plaza 4
Category: literacy
Format: company-affiliated demonstration
Subject Level:
All
Computer Level:
N/A
Description:
Discover how Clicker Apps are an essential part of the special needs toolbox to support emergent and struggling learners build their literacy skills and work towards becoming more independent and successful readers and writers. Clicker Apps for the iPad offer unique features that ensure they are easily customizable, highly relevant to the curriculum and engaging for all your learners. They also work with Clicker 6 to deliver a comprehensive learning solution.
Presenters:
John Crick
Ann Crick
10/11/2013
11am-12pm
Universal Design for Learning: Reading and Writing with Solo 6
Date:
Fri, Oct 11, 2013
from
11:00 am -
12:00 pm
Location: Atrium 2
Category: literacy
Format: demonstration
Subject Level:
Intermediate
Computer Level:
Beginner
Description:
Do you have students that struggle with spelling, reading, note-taking, creating an outline, paper writing and editing? There is not an app that comprehensively overcomes these difficulties. These learning barriers can be removed with Solo 6, a simple and powerful software solution. Learn how to use the four programs of Solo 6: Write:Outloud, Read:Outloud, Draft:Builder and Co:Writer. Hear what special and general education teachers are saying about student achievement with Solo 6. Hear from students in special education on how this powerful assistive technology has impacted their education for the past two years. Learn how you can implement Solo 6 in your district.
Presenters:
Carole Ries
10/09/2013
12:30pm-1:30pm
Uses of iPad Apps for a Balanced Literacy Program for Emergent Readers and Writers
Date:
Wed, Oct 09, 2013
from
12:30 pm -
1:30 pm
Location: Plaza 4
Category: literacy
Format: demonstration
Subject Level:
Intermediate
Computer Level:
Beginner
Description:
This workshop is directed at supporting students who demonstrate emergent literacy behaviors with minimal interest in traditional literacy materials. This workshop will give an overview of innovative uses of iPad applications to support a comprehensive balanced literacy program for students with significant disabilities. Participants will learn iPad-based strategies to help students with emergent communication and literacy skills to develop phonemic awareness; self-select and attend to reading materials; participate in dialogue about reading materials; explore different genres of literature; find and attend to reading materials to support comprehension of the general curriculum; engage in writing activities; participate in working with words and vocabulary development; view video modeling of essential emergent literacy behaviors; and attend to shared and guided reading activities.
Presenters:
Erin Sheldon
10/11/2013
12:30pm-1:30pm
Using Assistive Technology to Promote Literacy
Date:
Fri, Oct 11, 2013
from
12:30 pm -
1:30 pm
Location: Plaza 3
Category: literacy
Format: demonstration
Subject Level:
Beginner
Computer Level:
Beginner
Description:
During this introductory-level session, participants will learn about different ways of adapting literature using assistive technology. Topics to be covered include adapting books, reading comprehension and websites for literacy. In order to accommodate the budgets and skill levels of various users, methods ranging from low-tech to high-tech will be demonstrated. Participants will gain an understanding of how to adapt literary materials, learn how to use books with students with various disabilities, understand types of technology that can be used in classrooms/libraries to promote literacy and understand legal issues in adapting books.
Presenters:
Jenny Shanker
Rachael Smolen
10/09/2013
11am-1:30pm
When You Need a Powerful All-in-One Literacy Solution: Kurzweil 3000 Here to Help! (Two Block Session)
Date:
Wed, Oct 09, 2013
from
11:00 am -
1:30 pm
Location: Plaza 1 PC Lab
Category: literacy
Format: PC hands-on workshop
Subject Level:
Intermediate
Computer Level:
Intermediate
Description:
Kurzweil 3000 remains one of the most powerful all-in-one software solutions to support reading, writing, test-taking, study strategies and, ultimately, lifelong learning. It can be found in schools, colleges and individual homes throughout the country and the world. Do you have the Kurzweil 3000 icon on your desktop? Is it collecting dust? Use this session to get your hands on this comprehensive program and create specific activities to support your students. It's a BIG program but you can master it! Whether you already have Kurzweil 3000 or if you are finding out about this tool for the first time, join us to explore and learn! In addition, learn the latest and greatest implementation management features and mobile learning tools with the Kurzweil 3000 Firefly Web and iOS apps.
Presenters:
Jennifer Edge Savage
10/10/2013
8am-10:30am
Where, Oh Where Are the Books for Me? Oh, Where, Oh Where Can They Be? (Two Block Session)
Date:
Thu, Oct 10, 2013
from
8:00 am -
10:30 am
Location: Edina
Category: literacy
Format: demonstration
Subject Level:
Beginner
Computer Level:
N/A
Description:
In order to become readers, students must have access to good books and a large, changing assortment (NELP 2009). Books need to be chosen carefully as different types of books may contribute to the development of different skills. Students need access to a range of genres to learn about different text structures. Rich literature supports vocabulary development. Students who are just learning about print benefit form short simple texts to learn critical concepts about print. Students who are learning to read actual words need to have easy, easy books in order to support their ability to read silently and fluently. When students can read silently and fluently, they are able to focus on comprehending the text (NELP 209).
Presenters:
Gretchen Hanser
What participants have said
My attendance at the 2012 Closing The Gap Conference was not only an inspirational and motivating experience for myself, but will be a game changer for those students and staff members I serve.
~AT Consultant
I attended all five days — it was awesome!
~Speech Pathologist
This conference gave me the opportunity to learn and grow in my weakest areas and have leading experts in the field as my instructors.
~AT Consultant
