Finding your voice through Technology

Discover how technology can help you share your needs, make your voice heard, and feel more in control. This training will connect you with helpful resources and show you how to support others in using technology to communicate. Join us and learn how technology can create more independence and confidence—for you and those you support.

Morning Session (10 AM-12 PM):

Title: “Making AAC Work: Practical Strategies and Resource Navigation

Presenters: Stacy Springer, MS, OTR/L, ATP, Program Director AT&AEM Center at OCALI and Megan Trowbridge, Ed.D, Program Director, Autism Center at OCALI

Time: 10:00am – 12pm

• Syllabus of topics to be covered
  • practice do’s and don’ts including myths and facts about AT and AAC, definitions of AT and AAC, dispelling myths regarding AAC does not impede the use or progression of natural verbal speech, understanding the whole AT process of how to support individuals with AAC including collecting data, feature-matching, trials, implementation, and documentation. Resources from both the Autism Center and AT&AEM Center will be included such as: Autism Internet Modules, Assistive Technology Internet Modules, AT domains document, SIFTS, grab & go resources, OCALI lending library, AT Resource Guide, and much more.

1-hour Lunch Break on your own (12 PM-1 PM)

North Central Ohio Educational Services Center is situated near various restaurants. You are also welcome to bring your lunch to enjoy at the facility.

Afternoon Session (1 PM-2 PM):

Title: Gaining Access Through Technology

Presenter: Jordyn Zimmerman

Time: 1pm-2pm

• Syllabus of topics to be covered
  • Through storytelling and visuals, this 45-minute live keynote will discuss Jordyn Zimmerman’s lived experience as a nonspeaking autistic child, educator, and advocate. By way of policy and sharing, they will discuss how beliefs contribute to low expectations, challenges with accessing effective communication, and supporting others in the community. Time will be allotted for whole group questions through a fireside chat format.

CPDUs will be reward after each session for the following:

• Morning session:
  • 2 Hours for County Board members
  • 2 Hours for EI Developmental Specialist/Supervisor
  • 2 Hours for Investigative agents
  • 2 Hours for Service and Support Administration
  • 2 Hours for Superintendents
• Afternoon session:
  • 1 Hour for County Board members
  • 1 Hour for EI Developmental Specialist/Supervisor
  • 1 Hour for Investigative agents
  • 1 Hour for Service and Support Administration
  • 1 Hour for Superintendents