Overview

Smart home technology is an increasingly affordable way for some people with disabilities to connect with others, independently complete daily living tasks, and have more direct control over their living and working environments. This session will provide an introduction to Alexa and Echo smart home technologies and how they can be used with additional smart devices for a variety of users. Participants will learn what it takes for effective implementation of these systems and what to consider when determining the needs of their user.

Session Disclosure: This presentation will focus on Amazon Alexa and Echo with limited information on similar products.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify at least three smart home devices and how they can assist people with disabilities.
2. Describe at least three areas of consideration when determining your client’s needs and abilities when investigating use of smart home technology.
3. Describe at least three strategies for successful implementation of smart home technology.

Strand(s)

Mainstream Accessible Technologies; Assistive Technology for Physical Access and Participation

Target Audience

AT Specialists; Caregivers; Consumers/Individuals with Disabilities; Consultants/Trainers; Disability Services; Family Members; Occupational Therapists; Physical Therapists; Rehabilitation Counselor; Speech-Language Pathologists; Transition Coordinator; Vocational Rehabilitation

Experience Level

Introductory

Primary Life Cycle Addressed

All

Session Delivery Format

In-person presentation with live-stream

Course Schedule

This course was given at the ATIA 2024 Conference on Saturday, January 27 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:
IACET
For: 0.10 CEU Units or 1.0 CEU Hours

Speaker/s:

Jessica McKay, MT-BC, ATP

Alabama AT Act Program, Assistive Technology Specialist

Biography

Jessica McKay has been an Assistive Technology Specialist for over 15 years. Before moving to Birmingham, Alabama, Jessica was the AT specialist for a large, 60 campus school district in El Paso, TX. In addition to providing direct assistive technology services to students, Jessica was dedicated to developing capacity building resources and supports through collaboration with other district departments including instructional technology and the state assessment team. Jessica’s participation in the textbook adoption and hardware/software acquisition committees ensured that accessibility and the needs of people with disabilities were being considered throughout the purchasing process.
After moving to Birmingham, AL, Jessica became the Director of Community Programs for Knowbility, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating more inclusive and accessible digital species for people with disabilities. Programming was designed to empower content creators of all experience levels in designing accessible websites and digital content. This included an international web-design competition, an annual hybrid accessibility tech conference and monthly webinars focused on accessible design practices.
Jessica is now the AT specialist for the Alabama AT Act program, Accessing Potential Through Assistive Technology (APTAT).
Jessica currently serves as an advisory board member for the National Center for Accessible Educational Materials, the Center on Inclusive Technology and Education Systems, and the State Leaders of Assistive Technology for Education.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Jessica McKay is an employee of the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services whose salary is federally funded by the 21st Century Assistive Technology Act.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No