Creating with Intention: Solving Accessibility Challenges through Low-Cost Assistive Technologies

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

accessibility & UDL

Format:

Subject Level:

n/a

Age Span:

infant / toddler
preschool
kindergarten - grade 6
grades 7-12
adult

Target Audience:

autism specialist

educator
family member / caregiver

occupational therapist
paraprofessional
physical therapist
special educator
speech language pathologist
teacher of the visually impaired

vision impairment specialist

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

.01 CEU

ACVREP CEs:

1 CE

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location:

Plaza 5

Description:

Complementing the newly published article of the same name in *Closing the Gap* (CTG) magazine, this session will explore common accessibility challenges across the lifespan and demonstrate how low-tech, low-cost assistive technologies can offer practical, person-centered solutions. Participants will examine key barriers to access and consider both ethical and practical implications in designing and implementing supports. Through hands-on activities, attendees will fabricate an assistive technology (AT) support using common maker materials and tools. Demonstrations will feature easy-build items made from high-impact, readily available supplies—such as custom grips, adapted utensils, and simple communication aids. The session will also address strategies for repurposing everyday items and navigating the balance between DIY innovation and intellectual property considerations. Attendees will leave with concrete examples, resource lists, and actionable ideas for immediate use across educational, vocational, therapeutic, and home settings.

Learning Outcomes:

As a result of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Identify at least two Intellectual Property Rights considerations.

• Discuss at least two high impact materials used to create low-cost assistive technologies.

• Create at least two low-cost, low-tech assistive technology tools.

Disclosures:

Salary Montgomery County Public Schools, Compensation from smART Consulting.