ATIA 2024 - Vendor Hall Highlights
In January, our staff attended the ATIA (assistive technology industry association) conference, where they delved into the expansive vendor hall in search of innovative assistive technology solutions. Now, we are eager to disseminate our discoveries! We aim to offer highlights of just some of the latest advancements and notable offerings showcased at the event. We will be looking at adding some of this technology into the TN AT Project’s lending library so keep an eye out if any of these items seem useful for students you work with!
Official Guidance - The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) has recently released a groundbreaking guidance document on Assistive Technology (AT), marking a significant milestone by explicitly connecting the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Assistive Technology Act (AT Act). Furthermore, the document incorporates an easy-to-read myth-busting component, articulately addressing long-standing misconceptions within the Assistive Technology community, affirming positions advocated by practitioners in the field over the years.
TarHeel Reader update - In Summer 2024, Monarch Reader will be revealed, a revamped and enhanced platform, in collaboration with Building Wings, creators of resources like Readtopia, Newstopia, and ReadtopiaGO. Also, keep an eye on buldingbridges-ela.com for students who are crossing the bridge from emergent to conventional literacy instruction as some comprehensive materials should be coming out soon.
New category of AAC technology- While a subset of our team was already acquainted with this information, but it was great to see broader dissemination! Noteworthy technologies such as VoiceItt and Project Relate exemplify voice-to-text software solutions for those with highly unintelligible speech.
New way to access graphs, charts, and visual representations, as well as 3D objects - The Tactonom Reader revolutionizes accessibility for the blind and severely visually impaired by providing a unique fusion of tactile feedback and speech explanation, empowering users to independently engage with and comprehend complex graphical learning content. This system uses a camera to recognize tactile interaction with a 3D object and offer audio description of specific components being touched. Additional data and objects can be incorporated into the system, chosen by user’s discretion.
Tone of voice and easy programming for AAC system – The most recent updates of the Avaz AAC software includes the ability to include tone of voice to your message. This includes the ability to question, show anger, or be sarcastic, along with others. There is also the option to use artificial intelligence to generate a page of vocabulary for a specific topic with just a simple prompt. The text version of Avaz also has the ability to use the conversation happening around you and expand a 1-2 word utterance to a full sentence with minimal selections.
Last Resort Funding for Coughdrop AAC – Forbes AAC is ensuring that every individual has a voice, offering a comprehensive program that includes last-resort options if insurance denies coverage. In cases where appeals and alternative funding are exhausted, Forbes AAC guarantees access to communication devices for students, prioritizing inclusivity and communication for all.
Free robust AAC app for multiple platforms - Weave Chat Weave Chat AAC
Guidance system for visually impaired- Biped is a simple over-the-shoulders collar designed with multiple cameras for real –time monitoring of terrain, offering audio feedback produced through AI determination of intersecting objects.
Tongue switch- Mouth Pad offers the tongue-guided control for a blue-tooth mouse pad. This mouse pad is situated as a retainer worn in the mouth.
Dexterity – TiPy- was a single-handed keyboard. It offered a keyboard on both the back and front side, offering left or right-handed options for utilization.
Wireless Assistive listening solutions – Simeon Audio demonstrated a sound system which integrates a soft, foam cube, housing a wireless microphone, which can be thrown across a room to a student. An internal leveling apparatus automatically turns off the microphone until a person holds the cube upright to speak.
Arithmetype www.ArithmeType.com is a universal math keyboard that enables students to complete math assignments when writing is challenging. A sister site, Teaching Typing www.supportautismtyping.org, tells the story of how additional physical supports (such as arm/wrist supports and sensory supports) can help kids with sensory and motor issues learn to type.
We invite you to reach out to us at tnatproject@gmail.com to learn more about the array of learning opportunities available through ATIA. 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!