Overview
Transition means leaving the safety and structure of K-12, and moving into the world of higher education, independent living and employment. Supports in the adult world are limited, and young adults face an increased need for self-sufficiency. Apps introduced in school may have ongoing subscription fees or require routine maintenance to stay current. Financial and technical support may not be available. The native features of mainstream technology can be a powerful tool for self accommodation. We will look at using the built in features of iOS mobile devices to support independence in the adult world.
Content Disclosure: This presentation will focus exclusively on iOS mobile devices and does not include information on other similar or related products.
Learning Objectives
- Identify three features that can reduce distractions on mobile devices.
- Describe three formatting techniques that contribute to cognitive access and independent living.
- Identify three native apps that can be customized for adults with limited reading proficiency.
Primary & Secondary Strands
Transition & Workplace Accessibility; Mainstream & Web Accessible Technologies
Target Audience
- AT Specialists
- Caregivers
- Consumers/Individuals with Disabilities
- Consultants/Trainers
- Disability Services
- Educators
- Faculty/Instructors - Higher Education
- Family Members
- Government/Non-Profit Agencies
- Instructional Technologist
- Occupational Therapists
- Paraprofessionals
- Rehab Therapists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Special Education Educators
- Transition Coordinator
- Vocational Rehabilitation
Experience Level
Intermediate
Primary Life Cycle Addressed
Elementary - Secondary (K-12); Higher Education; Adult/Senior
Session Delivery Format
In-person presentation with recording
Course Schedule
This course was given at the ATIA 2023 Conference on Thursday, February 2 from 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM (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; CRC; IACET
For: 0.10 CEU Units or 1.0 CEU Hours.
ASHA CE Information: Recorded Session
Start date of ASHA CEUs offering: February 15, 2024
End date of current CRC CEUs offering: March 19, 2025
Please refer to the CRC Transition & Workplace Accessibility Series (2024-2025) page for further information on how to submit your CRC CEUs for this course to CRCC.
Speaker/s:
Cindi Pichler, ATP
IndependenceFirst, Senior AT Specialist
Biography
Cindi Pichler is the Senior Assistive Technology Specialist at IndependenceFirst. She has received extensive training in a wide variety of Assistive Technology related topics, including funding issues, evaluation and selection, home and workplace modifications and specific devices. She is an active member of RESNA, the Rehab Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, and has served as a member of their Board of Directors and as Co Chair of their Accommodations Special Interest Group. She has served two terms on the State Rehabilitation Council, and currently serves on the Milwaukee Aging and Disability Resource Center Governing Board. Cindi holds a Bachelor's Degree in Exceptional Education and a Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. She is a RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional. She has been employed at IndependenceFirst for 36 years.
Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Cindi Pichler receives a salary from IndependenceFirst, where she is the Senior Assistive Technology Specialist.
Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: Yes
Cindi is an active member of RESNA, and has served as a member of their Board of Directors and as Co Chair of their Accommodations Special Interest Group. She has served two terms on the State Rehabilitation Council, and currently serves on the Milwaukee Aging and Disability Resource Center Governing Board.
Nicole Damiano
Independencefirst, Assistive Technology Training Specialist
Biography
Nicole Damiano has a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education and a Master's in School Counseling. She has worked as a case manager for a job training program, a Retention/Employment Specialist and was the Executive Director of a transitional housing agency. She is currently employed at Independence First where she teaches basic computer skills, disability specific computer and mobile device skills, and provides other AT device specific training.
Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Salary from employment
Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No
Nina Gutmanis
Assistive Technology Specialist, Independencefirst
Biography
Nina Gutmanis is an Assistive Technology Specialist at Independence First. In this role, she performs assessments for home modifications that would allow individuals to continue living safely and independently in their own home. She received Bachelor's Degrees in Sociology and Occupational Studies and a Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy. During graduate school, she worked in a campus research center, primarily assisting with the development of smart device apps that would assess accessibility of public spaces. Prior to joining the Independence First team, she worked as an occupational therapist serving pediatrics and with adults with chronic pain. She is an active member of RESNA, and is working towards her RESNA certification as an Assistive Technology Professional, as well as certification as an ADA Coordinator.
Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Salary from employment.
Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: Yes
Nina is an active member of RESNA.