Overview

This presentation will provide an overview and recommendations for implementing a maker focused, accessible STEM education program for persons with disabilities. Open discussion will highlight adaptations made to a maker workshop, build instructions, tools and equipment that meet the needs of persons with a variety of disabilities, providing them access to computer-aided design, 3D printing, small electronic design and assembly and coding. Technology should not be a barrier to accessing STEM education and maker activities, and people with disabilities deserve the opportunity to learn the possibilities of creating or contributing to their own solutions.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify three adaptations that can be incorporated in a maker workshop to increase accessibility of the space.
2. Compare two different ways to make the same STEM activity more accessible to address different abilities.
3. Describe three assistive technology devices that can be made by individuals with disabilities using adaptations developed through the STEM Education program.

Strand(s)

Assistive Technology for Physical Access and Participation; Education & Learning: Early Intervention – 12/Higher Education

Target Audience

Accessibility Professional; AT Specialists; Consumers/Individuals with Disabilities; Curriculum and Instruction; Disability Services; Educators; Faculty/Instructors - Higher Education; Government/Non-Profit Agencies; Occupational Therapists; Paraprofessionals; Rehabilitation Counselor; 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 2024 Conference on Friday, January 26 from 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM (EST)

Continuing Education Credits

For Satisfactory Completion and Continuing Education information, please visit: ATIA Online Education 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

Recorded Session: This course is offered for 0.05 ASHA CEU Units or 0.5 ASHA CEU Hours per ASHA guidelines.

Speaker/s:

Emma Croken, MScOT

Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapist

Biography

Emma Croken works as an occupational therapist at the Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. She works primarily with assistive technology, helping patients find solutions for accessing their technology for work, school and leisure. Emma also works with young adults who are transitioning from pediatric to adult care. In addition, Emma is the clinical research coordinator and a co-investigator on the project “Investigating a STEM Education Program for Youth with Disabilities” in partnership with the Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation and Makers Making Change, a program by Neil Squire. In this role, Emma helps develop the curriculum, modify the workspace and provide accessible solutions for accessing the tools needed for participants to take part in STEM activities.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Emma Croken receives hourly pay for contracted professional consulting services funded by Makers Making Change for the creation and administration of the Accessible STEM Program. Emma also receives a part time salary from Horizon Health Network where she is an occupational therapist.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No

Courtney Cameron

Neil Squire's Makers Making Change, East Region Coordinator

Biography

Courtney has been working on Neil Squire’s Makers Making Change program since 2017 when she attended her first tech building session and was immediately hooked by seeing makers creating open source technology. Since then, Courtney’s skills and passion have grown and she enjoys the challenge and value of promoting affordable and customizable assistive technology, creating opportunities for makers contribution.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Courtney is paid a salary by her employer Neil Squire Society. Neil Squire Society has provided funding that contributed to the creation and operation of the Accessible STEM Education Program discussed in this presentation.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No

Marla Calder, BScOT

The Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapist

Biography

Marla Calder has been a practicing occupational therapist for the past 23 years who has worked in the field of Assistive Technology for more than 16 years at the Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation in Fredericton, New Brunswick Canada. She most frequently assists clients with home environmental controls in the Smart Home Suite, mobile access, wheelchair integration, research and adapted video gaming. Most recently worked with an interdisciplinary team to launch the first accessible video gaming clinic in Canada, Game Changers who are now collaborating on the national GAME Checkpoint program.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Marla Calder is employed by Horizon Health as an occupational therapist and receives a full time salary.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No