ATIA 2024 - Session Highlights
In January, our staff had the privilege of attending the ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association) conference. Now, brimming with enthusiasm and insights gleaned from our favorite sessions, we are eager to share some highlights and key takeaways with our community. These sessions offered invaluable perspectives and actionable strategies that we believe will greatly benefit individuals navigating the diverse landscape of assistive technology.
Combining DIY and purchased AT for Possible Workplace Solutions was a session which showcased many simple, cost-effective strategies for seamlessly integrating AT, whether DIY or purchased, into the real-life environments of disabled individuals. There are too many to recount here but let us know if you want to know more!
Modeling is Inclusion: Don’t leave me out of the conversation! Linda Burkhart and Ali Steers had some great thoughts that really struck a chord –
AAC users have an access to language disability, not necessarily a language disability.
Too much correctness can derail developmental progress.
AAC should be taught in an immersive-like environment
“Compliance is not how you learn language."
“Model one more thing than you did yesterday."
“Model to connect, not to direct or control."
Lean In: Motivating Your Learners With High-Interest Visual Supports - This session had great information on supporting learner interests and creating engaging visual supports, such as the innovative video card demonstration featuring practical modeling scenarios like packing a backpack. The session also emphasized the importance of easily customizing visual supports to individual interests, such as within token economies, transitional symbols, and feelings rating scales to increase engagement and communication.
The Tremendous Trio –AT, Black Light, & the Expressive Arts - Dr. Laz had many ideas for adapted instruments and used blacklight and movement to get kids motivated to participate. We participated in a drum circle using lots of typical instruments, brainstorming ways to adapt them for use for children with motor impairments.
Using Mobility Equipment to Support Student Participation – This session emphasized that for our students with complex physical needs, giving them access to self-directed movement is key to increasing independence, academic participation and social opportunities. They emphasized RESNA’s Position on the Application of Power Mobility Devices for Pediatric Users and the fact that mobility is NOT the “thing” (goal)– but the way for the child to do the thing, get the thing, see the thing. By pairing mobility goals with language, socialization, and academic goals you get more out of your therapy, and the kids gain independence and motivation to do therapy. Some of the mobility options she showed in case studies included Go Baby Go adapted cars, Crocodile gait trainer, Rabbit Up Mobile Stander, and Ultralight wheelchair options with add on power.
Google apps everyone should know about – Richard Cave highlighted some great apps built into the google environment that can easily be enabled. We’ve put them all in a collection so you can easily see what’s available: https://wakelet.com/wake/I3L7b7sINO3gPAikc2VxC.
If you find these session highlights intriguing, we invite you to reach out to us at tnatproject@gmail.com to learn more about the array of learning opportunities available. We're here to provide information and guidance tailored to your assistive technology interests and needs. Don't hesitate to get in touch and continue your journey of discovery and growth!