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2nd Annual Assistive Technology Conference at WIU Jan. 22; Educators Attend Free, Can Earn Continuing Pro Development Units

January 14, 2016

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MACOMB, IL — The Western Illinois University Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) will hold its second annual Assistive Technology Conference on the WIU-Macomb campus, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, in Horrabin Hall, room 1. The conference is open free to educators, parents, other professionals and students. Educators will be able to earn continuing professional development units (CPDUs). Free parking will be available in the faculty/staff lots surrounding Horrabin Hall. The conference is presented by INFINITEC through a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education.

The daylong conference will be divided into three, two-hour sessions (conference schedule listed below) to provide participants with an overview of assistive technology, information on executive functioning disorder and Universal Design for Learning (UDL); see www.wiu.edu/coehs/curriculum_and_instruction/eventsindex.php for information, as well.

To register, visit http://bit.ly/WIUATC2016.

The conference is sponsored by the WIU CEC, the WIU Department of Curriculum and Instruction and the Illinois State Board of Education.

For more information about INFINITEC (Infinite Potential through Assistive Technology), visit infinitec.org.

WIU Second Annual Assistive Technology Conference Schedule (Jan. 22, 2016)

Session 1: 8-10 a.m. — Overview of Assistive Technology

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) 2004, there are five areas that must be considered for students with disabilities. While most are related to a specific disability (e.g., visual impairment or behavior), only one of the five must be considered for all students, regardless of the type or severity of disability: assistive technology (AT).

This presentation will introduce participants to a range of assistive technology. Whether it is communication, access to the computer and curriculum, writing, reading, mobility or activities of daily living, this presentation will highlight how and when technologies become assistive technology. Presenters will provide an overview of the legal requirements related to assistive technology, as well as define assistive technology device and assistive technology service. In addition, the new Illinois Assistive Technology Guidance Manual and technical support website will be shared.

Break: 10-10:15 a.m.

Session 2: 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. — Get from Point A to Z with a Little Help from AT: Assistive Technologies and Executive Functioning

In this session, participants will learn about AT tools, which support students who struggle with executive function skills. During the presentation, a variety of technology tools will be demonstrated that support skills in the areas of time management, information management and material management, all of which help support executive functions and are necessary for school success.

Lunch: 12:15-1 p.m. (on your own)

Session 3: 1-3 p.m. Web Resources to Build Your Universal Design for Learning Tool Kit (for Elementary Students)

This hands-on presentation will introduce participants to websites and web tools that support Universal Design for Learning (UDL). The three basic tenants of UDL— multiple means of representation, multiple means of expression and multiple means of engagement—will be defined in terms of the practical application of the Internet. These web-based supports will include reading, writing and math for elementary students.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing