Overview
In this session, we will take a look at some of the tools and devices we have found - or created - for supporting students with significant physical disabilities whose unique needs can't be met using typical accommodations or commercially available devices. We will review our center's AT Maker model and discuss our success with identifying community resources and building partnerships to acquire, adapt, and/or fabricate devices and supports to meet our students' needs.
Learning Objectives
- Describe at least three pros and cons of fabricating customized AT devices.
- Identify at least three potential community resources who may be able to provide financial assistance or manufacturing support for creating customized AT interventions.
- Describe at least two benefits of working collaboratively with school clinicians and community resources for addressing the unique needs of students with significant challenges.
Primary & Secondary Strand
Assistive Technology for Physical Access and Participation
Target Audience
- Accessibility Professional
- AT Specialists
- Occupational Therapists
- Physical Therapists
- Rehab Therapists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Special Education Educators
Experience Level
Introductory
Primary Life Cycle Addressed
Birth - PreK; Elementary - Secondary (K-12)
Session Delivery Format
In-person presentation with live-stream
Course Schedule
This course was given at the ATIA 2022 Conference on Friday, Jan 28: 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM (EST)
Continuing Education Credits
For Satisfactory Completion and Continuing Education information, please visit: ATIA Learning Center CEUs
This course is offered for the following CE Provider Credits:
ACVREP; AOTA; IACET
For: 0.10 CEU Units or 1.0 CEU Hours.
This course was approved by CRCC for CRC CEUs and was included in the ATIA 2022 Virtual Event series. The ATIA 2022 Virtual Event CRC series offering was available from January 25, 2022 through January 24, 2023.
ASHA CE Information: Recorded Session
Start date of ASHA CEUs offering: September 15, 2022
End date of ASHA CEUs offering: May 31, 2023
Speaker/s:
Janice Reese, OT/L, M.Ed, ATP
Little TN Valley Educational Cooperative, Director of AT
Biography
Janice earned a B.S. in Occupational Therapy in 1987 from Eastern KY University, attained ATP certification in 2005, and returned to school for M.Ed. (Technology and Instruction) from Western Governor's University in 2014. She worked extensively in multiple areas of physical rehabilitation, merging her passion for OT and AT to support patient independence, before transitioning to school-based services for children with moderate to severe disabilities. Since 2002, she has served as Director of the AT4Kids Center at the Little Tennessee Valley Educational Cooperative, a non-profit educational agency providing school-based support to students in multiple East Tennessee districts. Additionally, she coordinates AAC support services for more than 70 school systems in the middle Tennessee region through the "Tennessee Talks" project, a program launched by the TN-DOE to provide technology assistance, resources, and training for school teams serving students with complex communication needs. Janice is an avid AT Maker and loves to think up creative ways to support her students with special needs. She coordinates the state's annual AT conference and teaches at local, state, and national events on a wide variety of topics related to AT, AAC, and supporting accessibility in special education.
Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Janice Reese receives a salary through her employment by the Little Tennessee Valley Educational Cooperative, but has no other financial or non-financial relationships to disclose.
Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No
Sabina LaClair
LTVEC, SLP and AAC Specialist
Biography
Sabina is a Speech Language Pathologist and AAC specialist with the Tennessee Talks and AT4Kids programs, which are served by LTVEC. She is excited to have the opportunity to pursue her passion of assisting all individuals in finding a way to communicate. Sabina received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and her graduate degree in Communication Disorders from Western Kentucky University. Prior to working with the Tennessee Talks and AT4kids programs, Sabina has worked in a variety of settings providing communication support, including schools, adult care facilities, hospital settings, and outpatient clinics, providing services for both children and adults. Sabina’s specialty is in assisting school teams in the AAC process from trial through implementation.
Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Salary from employment with Tennessee Talks program and at4kids program which are served by LTVEC.
Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No