A.T. Training for Educators, Specialists and Caregivers Resource Center

1. AAC TechConnect
   The purpose of AAC TechConnect is to simplify augmentative communication evaluations with toolkits, online resources, and workshops. Free resources on the AAC TechConnect website include a listing of new AAC devices; contact information for all major AAC manufacturers; and product information on nearly 100 AAC devices, with links to downloadable manufacturers' flyers. Fee for service resources include Device Assistant, a search tool for AAC devices based on features of nearly 100 devices, providing a side-by-side comparison; Lite Tech Low Cost, an AAC chart of low-cost equipment (less than $1500 US), including both non-voice and voice output communication tools and devices; ACE - Evaluation Toolkit, a list of tools for AAC evaluation; ACE - Evaluation Assistant, with premade materials and overlays to assist in AAC evaluations for a variety of language levels on a popular communication software application; Paperwork Assistant to help with the AAC evaluation process and paperwork; and training sessions on AAC Simplified: Overview and Evaluation Tools. AAC TechConnect is currently a project of the AAC-RERC, a collaborative research group dedicated to the development of effective AAC technology. [More Information]
2. Barkley Memorial Center
   The Barkley Memorial Center is a research center at the University of Nebraska Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders. Research and special projects at the Barkley Memorial Center include the Speech Production Lab; the Center for At-Risk Children's Services; the Fluency Center; the Augmentative and Alternative Communication Center; the Paraeducator Self Study Project; Project Re-Entry - Preparing Speech-Language Pathologists to Serve Students with Traumatic Brain Injury; Project NETS for Secondary Education Transition Specialists; and a project on Safe and Responsive Schools. [More Information]
3. Center for Assistive Technology, University at Buffalo
   The Center for Assistive Technology, housed within the School of Public Health and Health Professions at the University at Buffalo, conducts research, education and service to increase knowledge about assistive devices for persons with disabilities. The Center works in four related areas: Research, Development, Transfer, and Commercialization of advanced technologies and assistive devices; Education Programs for professionals, students, and consumers; Client Assessment & Training Services in computer access for education & employment; Dissemination of best practices and information about assistive technology devices and services. [More Information]
4. DEAL Communication Centre
   DEAL Communication Centre is an Australian non-governmental organization that provides services to people who are unable to talk, or to talk clearly, as a result of conditions such as cerebral palsy, strokes, acquired brain damage, autism, Down syndrome, or intellectual impairment - anyone whose speech is not clear enough, fluent enough or reliable enough to allow them to get across everything they want to say. DEAL assesses each clients' communication needs and abilities, and tries to find some means of communication. It provides training for clients, parents, therapists, caregivers, and teachers; loans communication aids so that people can practice their skills and make informed decisions about selecting equipment; and, when appropriate, it obtains equipment for clients through the Australian government-funded Electronic Communication Devices Scheme. DEAL also sponsors the Big Mouth Camp for school-age communication aid users. [More Information]
5. EASI - Equal Access to Software & Information
   EASI provides online training on accessible information technology for persons with disabilities through online courses, conferences, publications, and journals such as Information Technology and Disabilities. [More Information]
6. Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD)
   The Family Center is a resource designed to support organizations and programs that work with families of children and youth with disabilities. The organization offers a range of information and services on the subject of assistive technologies. Resources include the AT Resources CD Rom; the FCTD Online Conference Series where every other month nationally recognized experts lead month-long online discussions on a range of AT topics; monthly newsletters; the Resource Review Database, a fully-searchable database containing hundreds of reviews of books, articles, research and other materials of interest and utility to families of children with disabilities; and a Member Database with nformation on more than 1,200 disability organizations searchable by state, type of organization, and target disability. [More Information]
7. Helen A. Kellar Institute for Human disAbilities, George Mason University
   The Kellar Institute for Human DisAbilities is an interdisciplinary campus-based organization that focuses on improving the lives and productivity of persons with disabilities. KIHd combines the resources of George Mason with local, state, regional, national, public, and private sector agencies and organizations to develop products, services, and programs for persons with disabilities. The Institute's assistive technology program offers training through an undergraduate minor in AT, a graduate AT Certificate, and both Masters and Doctorate degrees specializing in assistive technology. Coursework for the programs is offered year-round and incorporates face-to-face, distance education, and combined formats. Summer institutes and on-line options are available for those who are outside the Northern Virginia area. KIHD is a part of the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University. [More Information]
8. Institute for Human Development, Northern Arizona University
   As the Arizona University Center on Disabilities, the IHD is responsible for the development and implementation of six essential core program areas: Interdisciplinary Preservice Training; Outreach Inservice Training; Technical Assistance; Direct Services; Dissemination; and Research. There are useful publications, project information, products, employment and other information information on IHD programs, services and research. [More Information]
9. Rehabilitation Continuing Education Center - University of Wisconsin - Stout
   The purpose of the Continuing Education Center is to advance the quality of participation by persons with disabilities in the workforce increasing their involvement and participation in their community of choice. The CEC fosters continuous learning opportunities designed to improve the knowledge, information, and application of skills needed by the workforce, rehabilitation personnel, educators, and community members. It is funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration. [More Information]
10. Spectrum Training Systems Inc.
    Spectrum Training Systems, Inc. educates parents, teachers, therapists and individuals who work directly with anyone affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Spectrum offers its services primarily in the Midwestern United States. [More Information]
11. Training for Augmentative and Alternative Communication Competency (TAACC)
    TAACC (pronounced Talk) is sponsored by six manufacturers of speech generating devices that have joined together to share their expertise in how to get the most out of the technologies they sell. The TAACC Workshop tours are special education workshop days intended to promote more effective use of augmentative and alternative communication devices in everyday life. By attending one of the all-day workshops, therapists and AAC users get to see current products as well as gain knowledge on how to utilize the devices they already own. At each event, a keynote speaker discusses implementing AAC into daily life. Presentations are given by industry experts who demonstrate practical uses of available AAC devices in a number of topic areas. Workshop subjects range from education and literacy development to advanced language communication, as well as environmental control and alternative computer access. In addition to the keynote and workshop presentations, there is time allowed for hands-on activities with the equipment, giving potential users the chance to sample communication systems with or without their therapists. The companies that sponsor TAACC are AMDi (Advanced Multimedia Devices, Inc.); Assistive Technology, Inc.; Prentke Romich Co.; Saltillo Corporation; Words+, Inc.; and ZYGO Industries, Inc. [More Information]

View State Specific Organizations

1. 10th Annual Assistive Technology Summer Institute
   The 10th Annual Assistive Technology Summer Institute - Assistive Technology: From Generation to Generation focuses on the application of assistive technology in all aspects of daily life. Participants will learn about the importance and value of assistive technology across the age span as well as appreciate how assistive technology has evolved and changed over time. This is an opportunity to look back while learning how to move forward with assistive technology. [More Information]
2. 2004 Assistive Technology Assessment Institute
   The 2004 Assistive Technology Assessment Institute will take place from January 4-9, 2004 at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, NV. The National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE), the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), and industry representatives (i.e., Laureate Learning Systems, PsychoEducational Services, Accessible Learning Inc, Crick Software and others) will partner to present the Institute. This week-long seminar demonstrates the latest techniques in assistive technology assessment and provides participants with software and other resources. Participants "learn by doing" as they work with other professionals in the field to study and practice the latest assessment techniques in such areas as teaming, data collection and analysis, report writing, and follow-up. All participants who successfully complete the Institute will earn a certificate from UNLV and NASDSE. Also, CEU's and graduate credit are available from UNLV. [More Information]
3. ATIA 2006 Conference
   ATIA 2006 is the annual conference of the Assistive Technology Industry Association, a not-for-profit membership organization of manufacturers, sellers or providers of technology-based assistive devices and/or services. The conference serves as a forum for the Assistive Technology community to participate in presentations and discussions about new technology, practical applications, and services. Segments of the Assistive Technology industry (Augmentative and Alternative Communication; Blindness; Computer Access; Curriculum Adaptations; Deaf and Hard of Hearing; Electronic Aids to Daily Living; Games and Recreation; Learning Disabilities/Study Aids/Literacy; Low Vision; and Mechanical Accessories and Mounting Devices) will be represented in various presentations, demonstrations and/or exhibits. In addition, a hands-on lab will provide an opportunity to experiment with and evaluate the latest assistive technology devices and software available. ATIA 2006 is for anyone in the Assistive Technology Community: Administrators AT Consultants Community Technology Center's Network (CTCNet) Consumers Government Personnel Occupational Therapists Parents Persons Interested in AT Physical Therapists Speech-Language Pathologists Teachers Technology Specialists. At the conference, you can learn about practical applications and uses of the current products, software and technology as they apply to: AAC and Language Development Advocacy and Policy Early Childhood Government Funding Independent Living K-12 Literacy Print Access Section 508, E&IT/Accessibility and Interoperability Workforce Development and more. [More Information]
4. Collaborative Assistive Technology Conference of the Rockies
   Assistive Technology Partners is hosting a conference geared toward providing information on what's new in the field of AT. Both professionals and users of AT will benefit from over 70 hands-on sessions covering funding issues, education, training, design, and employment. Co-sponsored by the Colorado Department of Education-SWAAAC and NIDDR. [More Information]
5. CSUN Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program
   The Center on Disabilities at California State University, Northridge is offering the Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program (ATACP). The ATACP is designed to provide a practical approach to the applications of Assistive Technology in meeting the needs of individuals with various disabilities in many settings. The training workshops teach the practical tools and techniques of assistive technology accommodations and applications. In addition to the principles of human needs, environment and tasks, the program will address the tools and techniques behind the assistive technology which will enhance the effectiveness of the training experience. [More Information]
6. RESNA 2010
   The RESNA Annual Conference is an interdisciplinary gathering of individuals and companies who share a common interest in rehabilitation engineering, assistive technology and disability issues in general. The conference schedule will include workshops and plenary sessions. Mixed in are dozens of meetings of committees, SIGs (shared interest groups) and PSGs (professional specialty groups). [More Information]
7. Spectrum Training System 2009 Career Planning for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders Conference
   The Career Planning for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders conference will focus on topics such as career planning, career assessment, workplace supports, social communication in the workplace, and implementing the career plan. Attendees will include career counselors, job developers, rehabilitation administrators, vocational and special education coordinators, teachers, case managers, therapists, students, parents, caregivers, and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders ages 16 years of age and older. Continuing Education Credits are offered. [More Information]

1. Tots 'n Tech Needs Your Help!
   The Tots 'n Tech Research Institute (TnT) is an inter-university collaboration between Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA and Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ. TnT conducts a national research program about use of assistive technology (AT) to enhance the development of infants and toddlers with disabilities. A major component of the TnT's mission is to produce new knowledge and information about AT use and practices and, specifically, about the ways in which AT may optimize children's development and learning. TnT is currently conducting two surveys to learn more about how Assistive Technology (AT) may have been helpful to (1) parents and (2) infants and toddlers.

   The first survey, entitled "Family Survey," seeks information from parents whose children are under the age of three years on what kinds of training and experience the parents have had with AT. The second survey, the "Early Intervention Provider Survey," seeks information from multidisciplinary providers who work in early intervention at least one day per week to learn more about how AT may have been helpful to infants and toddlers. If you qualify as either a parent or a provider, please take a few minutes to respond to the appropriate survey. [More Information]

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