Sponsored by: American Printing House for the Blind

Overview

Advocacy is a foundational aspect of the Expanded Core Curriculum and is a vital component for success for students with Visual Impairments. This session answers the question, “How can I use technology to be a better advocate for myself?” This session explores and expands upon the traditional relationship between Self Advocacy and Assistive Technology for students with visual impairments. Using student profiles and mentors, this session covers comprehensive strategies, lessons, and techniques that educators and professionals are using to connect Self Advocacy and Assistive Technology. It covers a wide range of methods from simplistic and low tech, to advanced topics with an emphasis on a strong digital knowledge, awareness, and presence. This session aims to give professionals a humorous, realistic, and empathic approach to examine these pivotal parts of the ECC.

Content Disclosure: This presentation will focus primarily on products/services from the American Printing House for the Blind and will not include information on other similar or related products/services.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the significance of the Expanded Core Curriculum and the interconnected nature of Self Advocacy and AT.
2. Identify at least three expandable strategies, lessons, and techniques used to encourage Self Advocacy through the use of AT.
3. List two or more specific resources, National Mentors, and anecdotal evidence related to Self Advocacy through the use of AT.

Strand(s)

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

Target Audience

AT Specialists; Consumers/Individuals with Disabilities; Consultants/Trainers; Curriculum and Instruction; Family Members; Occupational Therapists; Special Education Educators; Teachers of the Visually Impaired; Vocational Rehabilitation

Experience Level

Introductory; Intermediate

Primary Life Cycle Addressed

Elementary - Secondary (K-12); Higher Education

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:

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