Sponsored by: American Printing House for the Blind

Overview

Discover innovative strategies for fostering inclusive STEM education in diverse classrooms. Explore tailored approaches for students who are blind or low vision, autistic, have mobility limitations, or are deaf or hard of hearing. Learn about adaptive teaching techniques, accessible resources, and collaborative tools. Join us to enhance your classroom's inclusivity and empower every student to thrive in STEM. Engage in interactive discussions, practical demonstrations, and shareable resources. Stay until the end for a chance to win a prize that supports your inclusive teaching journey.

Content Disclosure: This presentation will reference products and services associated with American Printing House for the Blind and may not include information on other similar or related product/services.

Learning Objectives

1. Define stages of accessible coding for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students who are autistic, blind, have low vision, mobility limitations, and AAC needs.
2. Discuss one or more best practices for teaching computer programming languages to students with exceptionalities.
3. Identify and compare two or more accessible resources for your students.

Strand(s)

Education & Learning: Early Intervention – 12/Higher Education; Vision & Hearing Technologies

Target Audience

Accessibility Professional; AT Specialists; Alternative Media Specialist; Communication Specialist; Consumers/Individuals with Disabilities; Consultants/Trainers; Curriculum and Instruction; Disability Services; Educators; Faculty/Instructors - Higher Education; Family Members; Government/Non-Profit Agencies; Instructional Technologist; Media Specialist; Occupational Therapists; Paraprofessionals; Physical Therapists; Rehabilitation Counselor; Speech-Language Pathologists; Special Education Educators; Teachers of the Visually Impaired; Teachers of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing; Transition Coordinator; Visual Impairment Specialists; Vocational Rehabilitation

Experience Level

Introductory; Intermediate

Primary Life Cycle Addressed

Birth – Pre K; Elementary - Secondary (K-12)

Session Delivery Format

In-person presentation with recording

Course Schedule

This course was given at the ATIA 2024 Conference on Friday, January 26 from 8:30 AM - 9:30 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; ASHA; CRC; IACET
For: 0.10 CEU Units or 1.0 CEU Hours

Speaker/s:

Heather Kennedy-MacKenzie

American Printing House for the Blind, Director, Global Technology Innovations

Biography

Heather Kennedy-MacKenzie is a technology professional with over 20 years of experience in the field. Throughout her career, Heather has worked in various roles including Software Engineer, Business Analyst, Project Manager, and Program Manager. Currently, she serves as the Director of Global Technology Innovations at the American Printing House for the Blind, where she leads a team responsible for driving innovation across the organization. In addition to her work in technology, Heather is a devoted wife and mother of two sons who share her passion for STEM. She is actively involved in Women in Tech groups, where she advocates for gender diversity and promotes opportunities for women in the industry. Outside of work, Heather is an avid runner and dedicates her time to various community initiatives. Her commitment to excellence and leadership has earned her numerous awards and recognitions in her industry.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Heather Kennedy-MacKenzie receives a salary from employment from the American Printing House for the Blind.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No

Katrina Best

American Printing House for the Blind, Product Manager, Accessible Coding, Educational Product Innovation

Biography

Katrina Best works in the role of Accessible Coding Product Manager on the STEM team at the American Printing House for the Blind (APH). In her role, she works with several dedicated and talented individuals both within APH and outside of APH to provide curriculum, resources, and products for students participating in Computer Science Courses (specifically Coding and Electronics).

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Katrina Best receives a salary from employment from the American Printing House for the Blind.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No

Jason Martin

American Printing House for the Blind, Technical Innovations Product Manager

Biography

Jason Martin is a highly experienced teacher who currently works at the Center for Assistive Technology Training, a partnership between the American Printing House for the Blind and the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind. He has an extensive background in the field of Assistive Technology, having served as the Statewide Assistive Technology Specialist for the Blind at the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services for seven years. Jason is a native of Talladega, Alabama and has a personal connection to the field as he is the third generation of his family to attend the Alabama School for the Blind. He later taught Assistive Technology to low vision, blind, and deaf-blind students at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind. Jason holds a Bachelor of Arts in Radio, Television, and Film from Auburn University and a Master's degree in Special Education and Visual Impairments from the University of Alabama Birmingham. He is a certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired and the first and only Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist in the state of Alabama. He is deeply influenced by his father who is totally blind and his mother who was visually impaired. Jason has been recognized for his work, receiving the Advocate of the Year award from the Montgomery Area Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities in 2017. He is a graduate of the American Foundation for the Blind’s Centennial Leadership Cohort and currently serves as a mentor in the 2022-23 BLDP Cohort. He is a highly sought-after speaker in the field of Assistive Technology, Transition, and STEM programs for students with visual impairments. Jason is married to his lovely wife, Shelby, has four incredible kids and perhaps too many standard poodles.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Jason Martin receives a salary from employment from the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No