Power Up Conference Sessions

This session will provide an overview of the HTML5 language. It will highlight differences between HTML5 and current versions of HTML/XHTML. It will provide specific, real-world examples of where ARIA and HTML5 are useful and necessary for optimal accessibility. An overview will be provided of support (and the lack thereof) in assistive technologies for these technologies and how this impacts their implementation. Participants will leave with a thorough overview of this language and how to implement them in their own web pages and applications.

A2 - iPad for Children with Special Needs

By Eric Sailers

In this workshop, participants will learn about iPad device basics, the latest accessories and accessibility features, in addition to apps for communication, literacy, social skills, math, and organization. Proloquo2Go, the popular augmentative and alternative communication app, will be included. Learn about the latest features in Proloquo2Go and other children's apps to address special needs. The workshop will include slides, videos, and demonstrations for participants to learn more about the devices and apps.

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A3 -- ADA Job Accommodations That Work

By Linda Batiste

In this session, a JAN Principal Consultant will review workplace accommodation examples for employees with all types of disabilities. Calling upon the results of an ongoing study of 1,548 employers who contacted JAN, this session provides information on accommodation benefits/costs, successful accommodations, and ways to integrate low and high tech accommodations that enhance the productivity of employees with disabilities and help with compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

· Discuss actual workplace accommodations that have been implemented.

· Learn about the costs/benefits of workplace accommodations.

· Receive practical ideas for complying with the ADA’s reasonable accommodation requirement.

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A4 -- Interactive AT: Constructing Individual Solutions

By Dave Wilkinson

Assistive Technology is evolving at breakneck speeds. There are more choices than ever, allowing for creativity and innovation in constructing customized solutions with your assistive technology tool box. In this session you will get a chance to try your hand at assembling the building blocks in your AT solutions with a wide variety of products including the latest in video magnifiers, screen readers, Braille displays, GPS solutions and more.

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A5 -- Let Reading Come Alive

By Kristina King Cohen

Bookshare’s Let Reading Come Alive Workshop is designed to educate participants on how to use Bookshare resources and tools so that teachers can provide timely access to textbooks and print materials in accessible formats for students with print disabilities. Participants will experience a hands-on curriculum, allowing them to gain full use of the many Bookshare tools and services to optimize their effectiveness in the classroom. Participant Outcomes
After completing the hands-on workshop, participants will be able to:
• Navigate Bookshare library and software offerings
• Determine student eligibility
• Understand the range of membership options
• Create an account and complete the registration process
• Use online management tools to manage users and generate reports
• Search for books, including multiple search options
• Request books not currently available
• Download digitally accessible instructional materials and transfer the files to e-reader technology
• Understand available e-reader applications and determine which is the best for each student
• Gain knowledge of resources and tools available for getting accessible instructional materials into the classroom
• Successfully integrate Bookshare resources into the classroom
• Create lesson plans that integrate accessible instructional materials into a students’ educational program

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A6 -- Creating Accessible and Convertible Documents Using Microsoft Word 2010

By Robert Beach

This hands-on lab will demonstrate how to use the features of Word 2010 to create documents that are accessible. The session will also show how to convert the documents to other formats while retaining accessibility. Topics will include: using styles (applying, modifying, and creating), creating tables, inserting graphics with alt text, formatting for other languages, and converting to formats such as PDF and HTML. Some time-saver tips will be given for reformatting older documents using the Find and Replace feature. Discussion will also be given to the differences between the various versions of Microsoft Office.

Monday, 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Concurrent Sessions

B1 -- The Nebulosity of Web Accessibility

By Jared Smith

Web accessibility is about the human experience. Humans, especially those with disabilities, tend to be quite diverse. Despite volumes of documentation, standards, laws, and guidelines that attempt to define web accessibility, the fact remains that web accessibility is often a nebulous work of art; something that cannot easily be defined nor constrained to guidelines and techniques. This session will explore the ethereal, gray areas of web accessibility - those parts of accessibility that have significant impacts on the user experience, but that are difficult to define. It will focus on existing guidelines (such as the W3C's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and how they, while extremely helpful, do not provide adequate guidance to ensure a truly enjoyable and accessible user experience. It will show how a web site can be technically accessible and compliant, yet functionally totally inaccessible. We'll explore how to best use guidelines, evaluate efforts, and provide optimal accessibility.

B2 -- iCan Make Sense Out of All These Apps

By Sean Smith

We’ve looked at the big picture, now let’s consider specific apps for social and emotional development as well as academic development. Central to our conversation will be the framework of universal design for learning and how these critical principles can be used to identify the right apps and their subsequent use. We will also touch on ways to manage what we find. Participants will come away with a number of apps solutions, as well as ways to further identify what is right for you, your student, or your son/daughter.

B3 -- Universal Design Housing: An Update on Practice and Policy

By Nick McIntyre

A significant barrier to independent living for many people with disabilities is the lack of affordable, accessible housing. For over a decade, the Universal Design Housing movement has been at the forefront of efforts to change people’s opinions on what constitutes accessible housing and to increase the availability of accessible homes. This session will emphasize the latest in Universal Design principles and policies.

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B4 -- Strategies and Resources to Access AIM

By Kevin Hollinger

This session will explore Accessible Instructional Material, "(AIM)" access in the educational setting. This foundational session will include a brief overview of AIM, how to secure AIM, how to access or use AIM, and strategies for utilizing AIM in the educational, recreational and community settings. The following assistive technologies may be reviewed and/or demonstrated: Victor Soft software; ReadHear software; Victor Stratus and Vibe; Victor Stream; BookPort; BookNote; iPad apps; and a Wolfner Digital Player.

B5 – Hands on with AAC Devices

By Michelle Wheeler

This session will provide a hands on lab experience with both static and dynamic display devices. Small groups will work with devices learning about the language systems available in the devices as well as how to complete some programming. Some of the devices included in this presentation will be devices made by Dynavox, Prentke Romich, tobii/ATI, Apps on the Ipad as well as Mayer Johnson's Boardmaker and many static display devices. Come and learn about AAC.

B6--Science Access Technology Solutions for the Blind

By Dr. Cary Supalo

Participants will be introduced to the Talking LabQuest solution. This handheld device provides independent access for students in secondary and post-secondary education science laboratory classes to scientific data collection. Talking LabQuest will be discussed as to how to incorporate this new cutting edge tool for the blind into standard science laboratory curricula.

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Tuesday, April 3, 8:30 – 9:30 am

Concurrent Sessions

C1 -- OCR - Digital Information Access for People with Disabilities

By Kelli Douglas

The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), will share information about OCR and the laws enforced by OCR, particularly the legal obligations that post-secondary institutions and recipients of Federal financial assistance have to ensure persons with disabilities are not discriminated against and have access to the programs, activities, and services offered by those entities. OCR will also discuss the practical considerations a College or University should take into account when providing information and assistive technology to students with disabilities.

C2 -- Using Fun iPad Apps to Target Spoken Language Needs

By Eric Sailers

With more than 150,000 iPad apps currently on the market, there are several fun apps that serve a purpose beyond free time. Apps like Cookie Doodle, Toca Boca Hair Salon, and Clicky Sticky can be implemented for various language learning opportunities. Professionals can facilitate the use of a fun app so children are practicing their spoken language needs. For example, children who demonstrate difficulties with basic concepts (in, on, under, etc.), an app like Clicky Sticky is implemented by a professional who models and elicits the language concepts. In this session, participants will learn about fun apps that serve a purpose to target spoken language needs including basic concepts, verbs, adjectives, plurals, and more. App slides, live demonstrations, and videos will show how the apps can be implemented effectively.

C3 -- On the "FAST" track, Access and Function Needs Assessment

By Pat Chambers

People with Access and Functional Needs have the right to all services available during disasters and emergencies. However, they may need assistance to access all of those services. This session will inform attendees of changes occurring in recent years regarding serving those with access and functional needs and will describe how Missouri will assist these individuals with the FAST (Functional Assessment Support Team) concept.

C4 -- Dragon Naturally Speaking, JAWS & J-Say - Triple Play

By Denny Huff

J-Say Pro 9 brings together Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional version 11.5, from Nuance, and JAWS For Windows version 12, from Freedom Scientific. Although the product integrates these two applications, it also presents the User with an easy to understand interface enabling interaction with the computer using natural language and easy to remember and understand vocabulary.
As the product has evolved the range of people who are benefiting from the technology has increased. From people who simply want to be more productive and use their voice as an additional means of computer input and control, to individuals who have complex combinations of needs, and who find it difficult if not impossible to make use of computer technology using traditionally accepted methods of input access and control.
Even more remarkably many people interacting with this technology do not have a visual impairment simply finding it difficult or uncomfortable to use the computer screen and so find the Dragon Naturally Speaking and J-Say Pro approach more suited to their needs.
Dragon Naturally Speaking and J-Say Pro provides access to applications which reflect the three most common things which people need to do with computers on a day-to-day basis.

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C5 -- Implementing AAC in the Schools: A Framework for Success

By Dr. Kristy Kindwall

The implementation of AAC in a School District for students who are nonverbal can be complex. The session describes a systematic communication process for teams to follow that guides conversations, decisions, and data collection to create a communication plan to meet student needs to functionally communicate across settings.

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C6 -- The Benefits of Classroom Audio

By Tony Zeikle

This session will discuss the importance and benefits of classroom audio specifically for special education students in the integrated classroom. Since hearing is the primary channel for learning, if you improve a student's ability to hear, you improve their ability to learn. This is particularly true for those students who have challenges hearing or are easily distracted in a classroom setting. Discussion will expand into how technology advances are making this technology practical for teachers and students and how it can be integrated with the visual technology of the classroom.

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Tuesday, 10:00 – 11:00 am

Concurrent Sessions

D1 -- Computer Accessibility with TAP for Internet

By Brenda Whitlock

What can your computer do that can help make it more accessible for you? What devices and/or software can be loaded to make it accessible? This is an introductory session for people wanting to know about standard computer adaptations. Many types of equipment available through the TAP for Internet program will be demonstrated including alternative keyboards, pointing devices, text-to-speech software, voice recognition software, magnification software and a screen reader.

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D2 -- Built-in Accessibility Tools for MAC and iPad

By Barry Sevett

A demonstration of new Apple hardware and software, with emphasis on use of built-in accessibility features for special needs students.

D3 -- What the Cloud Means for AT in Education

By Shawna Tysse

This session will explore how Cloud-based technologies can positively impact Education and society as a whole. Many aspects of computing have moved into the Cloud and new devices, such as smartphones and tablets, have revolutionized the way we work and learn. One result has been the unintended growth in the digital divide between those with learning disabilities and low literacy levels and those without.

D4 -- Enhancing Access: Effective Apps for Low Vision Individuals

By David Baker

Lost in the wave of attention that iDevices have been given, is their use and value for individuals with low vision. An every growing number of apps for magnification, identification, navigation and print access have made iDevices an increasingly effective and useful tool for individuals with low vision. This session will identify and discuss the array of apps available.

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D5 -- Interactive Learning: Making the Least Dangerous Assumptions

By Cari Jesse

Communication allows us to interact with the world around us. However, many students with severe physical, speech and/or cognitive disabilities often demonstrate significant delays in language and social development. Deficits in these areas can make it difficult for these students to learn new things, develop close social relationships and prepare for life. This workshop will highlight practical tips for supporting meaningful learning and social skills development for students with significant disabilities. Participants will leave the session with a toolkit of resources and materials. Both low and high-tech strategies will be discussed.

D6 -- Going to College? Are You Ready?

By Barb Hammer

Students with disabilities experience major changes as they transition from high school to college. Some accommodations provided in high school will not be available. They will be treated as adults, and the role of their parents will diminish. They’ll need to learn to advocate for themselves. They may be faced with the challenges of a new living environment and all that entails. Their routine will radically change. This session will offer useful suggestions on all of these issues and more for students and parents as they begin to navigate the world of higher education.

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Tuesday, 11:20 am – 12:20 pm

Concurrent Sessions

E1 -- Digital Phone Service, VoIP and Adapted Telephones

By Gary Moore

This session will explore how digital phone service can affect the performance of amplified and captioned telephones. Users may have difficulties depending on the type of service they have. Participants will learn about VoIP, analog and digital phone service and a variety of related devices.

E2 -- Built-in Accessibility Tools for MAC and iPad

By Barry Sevett

A demonstration of new Apple hardware and software, with emphasis on use of built-in accessibility features for special needs students.

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E3 -- Is your community ADA compliant-or Even Trying?

By Jim DeJong

The Great Plains will review the changes to the ADA brought about by the revised regulations for Title 2 and 3 entities. Compliance requirements will be explained and explored. A participatory tool will be utilized and explained for participants. This tool will allow participants to evaluate their community (town, city, school etc.) for compliance efforts and assist in creating a Statewide database. Techniques and strategies for creating local compliance activities will be shared in this highly interactive session.

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E4 -- What Did He Say? Effective Note Taking with Assistive Technology

By David Baker

To effectively take notes in class, students must be active listeners to new and often unfamiliar information, transcribe that information quickly enough to keep pace with the lecture and decide how to organize the material to reflect the relationship stated by the speaker. Is it any wonder students struggle to take good notes in class? The Livescribe Pen and Noteability are but two examples of new and exciting assistive technologies that are making it easier for students to capture, retain and study their notes.

E5 -- How to get kids really talking: Implementation Ideas for AAC

By Gretchen Bright

This presentation focuses on strategies to teach and promote the use of an augmentative communication system to get students to independently initiate spontaneous, novel utterances rather than simply repeating pre-stored sentences when prompted. The strategies presented will cover a range of communication ages and abilities, including those at the level of emerging language and literacy. The teaching strategies presented are appropriate for a wide variety of devices and programs. This presentation is appropriate for anyone working with a student using a communication device.

E6 -- Your eBook cloud, their iPads, Laptops, Smartphones

By Marci Butler

Your students are no longer tethered to one computer. They have iPads, tablet PCs, Androids, and smartphones, and they need an easy way to read their books on their devices. This is why we made Bookstream. It's the easiest way to manage and share your eBooks, and it's all online. There is no software to install or maintain and no devices to sync. Set-up takes less than 30 minutes. Simply upload your eBook files to Bookstream and share with your students.

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