Assistive Technology and AAC are such rapidly evolving fields it’s important to stay current and review new products, features, and the evidence base to find what works well. As we come to the end of the school year, let’s help each other out by sharing our AT/AAC success stories. Perhaps you discovered a tool or product feature that made a significant difference for a student? Did you read something or attend professional development that made a significant impact on your practice? Maybe your team developed a process that improved service delivery? Do you have an IEP team implementing like rock stars? Let’s come together, share our wins, and learn from each other! Come to share, come to listen, all are welcome!

Save the date for the Spring 2024 Team Coordinator’s Meeting. Team Coordinators are invited to join in-person on the CU Anschutz Campus (Nighthorse Campbell Native Health Building) or virtually via Zoom.

Join us for this SWAAAC webinar for participants of prior workshops focused on supporting Gestalt Language Processors who use Augmentative Alternative Communication.  We will revisit key components and facilitate conversations related to your work applying workshop principles.  Let’s talk about implementation strategies, successes, challenges, and lingering questions.  If you’ve not attended past workshops, feel free to join and listen in to the discussions and Q&A.

During our time together we will all…

1) Share and assess one successful strategy you've implemented since the last training; highlighting its effectiveness and exploring additional ideas for next steps. 

2) Identify and discuss a specific area of support needed to enhance services for Gestalt Language Processors. 

3) Collaboratively exchange knowledge, providing recommendations to address specific Gestalt Language Processing questions, and share insights on case-related information. 

The SWAAAC Loan Library has a wide variety of assistive technology tools to support communication and literacy for students with Complex Communication Needs (CCNs) in Colorado public schools. This webinar will explore some of the newest devices and resources to hit the shelves of the loan library. We will cover a variety of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, as well as resources that support the development of literacy skills and promote active and meaningful participation.

When digital resources are created with accessibility and design in mind, they become available to more people, including assistive technology users, people with disabilities, and more. This interactive training will explore current best practices in creating documents using Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Adobe Acrobat Pro. Participants will have opportunities to practice implementing the concepts discussed and will leave with a handout that serves to describe and provide examples of key accessibility and design considerations. While this training will focus specifically on document accessibility, similar concepts apply to all other types of digital content, including web applications, email communications, slide decks, and more.

As the world has embraced virtual learning and 1 to 1 technology devices, it has forced us to make technology accessible for all. This session will examine multiple sets of interfaces/hardware options used to make iPads switch accessible, specifically taking a closer look at 4 popular options. Then in Part 2, participants will be shown the step by step process to access and navigate the built-in iOS switch accessibility features: including the step by step process to program an iPad for Single Switch (cause effect), Two Switch Step Scanning, utilizing Standard Recipes, creating Custom Gestures, and even creating Custom Recipes for 3+ Switch access. Participants will walk away with the ability to make just about any app switch accessible!

Presented by Megan Mussano, MS, CCC-SLP/L

Carson Covey is an AAC user and disability advocate. He will discuss his journey with AAC and how it impacted his education. 

Unfortunately, we need to cancel the November 15th SWAAAC Webinar, What’s Happening with AI and Assistive Technology. We are hopeful it will be rescheduled for Spring 2024.

We apologize for any inconvenience. Stay tuned!

Over the last few years it seems the terms, “Gestalt Language Processing” (GLP) and “Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) have been increasingly discussed among professionals. Though the research surrounding these topics has been around for decades, why does it seem Gestalt Language Processing has flown under the radar for many years? How does this information affect my practice as a related service provider or educator, and how can I support this language processing style? This 4-hour workshop will explore the Literature of Gestalt Language Processing, Analytic Language Processing, and how evaluation and implementation for Augmentative Alternative Communication may look different for each. Ideas and video content will be shared demonstrating different approaches and considerations for making AAC more inclusive for those who are Gestalt Language Processors.

The SWAAAC Assistive Technology (AT) Loan Library has a huge variety of switches and switch interfaces available for loan by public school and early intervention providers in Colorado. The Student, Environment, Task, Tool (SETT) Framework outlines a feature matching process that can guide assistive technology providers in determining which products might meet their students’ needs based on their features. This webinar will compare input, output, processing, and other features of many of the switches and switch interfaces available in the SWAAAC AT Loan Library, with a focus on switches and interfaces that support access to technology such as computers, tablets, smartphones, and AAC.

Join us for this webinar to learn more about Vicki and Nicole's AAC partner training program and their experiences training staff in a school for students with significant special needs and complex communication challenges. Training sessions include AAC partner strategy instruction, practice and discussion and development of a plan for embedding AAC models throughout the academic day.

The Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering (CIDE) is proud to present the second annual Colorado Assistive Technology Expo — a FREE one-day, in-person event featuring over 35 Assistive Technology (AT) vendors to provide opportunities for networking, collaboration, and hands-on learning. Come experience new tools, products, and features to increase independence for all.

Learn more on our Colorado Assistive Technology Expo webpage.

A participant-driven event, intended to provide opportunities for networking, collaboration, and sharing ideas based on experience. The day is generally structured with a morning planning session, in which participants propose session topics and organize the session schedule based on interests. This is followed by participant-led sessions focused on specific topics, in which all participants are encouraged to participate, share ideas and experiences, ask questions, and capitalize on the knowledge of the group.

This event will happen simultaneously with the Colorado Assistive Technology Expo at The Conference Center at Adams 12. Long breaks will be provided between Unconference sessions, to allow participants the opportunity to attend the Colorado Assistive Technology Expo as well. 

Join us for this webinar to learn more about the loan library! In an effort to support the assessment and implementation of Assistive Technology (AT) devices and/or services in Colorado public schools, the SWAAAC and Tech for Tykes programs maintain a Loan Library of equipment and resources available through Colorado district Team Coordinators and AT Consultants. Communication devices, switches, adapted curriculum, assessment tools, reference books, assistive listening devices, adapted arts and so much more… high-tech to low-tech, let’s talk about how to access and use the AT Loan Library!

Join us for this training presented by Jim Sandstrum, M.A.
ATTEND VIRTUALLY

The practical application of assistive technology can be challenging in the fast paced, classroom environment. Getting materials prepped, technology setup and the student oriented to the task often takes longer than the time available resulting in missed learning opportunities and more work for the student to complete outside the classroom. Nobody likes extra work outside of the classroom. 

With a little planning and some advanced tools, it is possible to speed up the application of AT. This session will focus on just that, tools which can be deployed quickly in the classroom with a little bit of forethought and training. Particular focus will be placed on common classroom activities such as reading passages, taking notes and completing worksheets. 

It’s highly encouraged to bring a Chromebook so that you can work hands-on throughout the presentation! Be sure you has admin permissions to download needed applications. 

Join us for this webinar presented by Michelle Thomas, M.Ed and Robyn Kellogg, MS, OTR.

All students deserve to be able to participate in the “fun stuff” like music, art, gym, assemblies, classroom parties, and field days. This webinar will explore why we need to provide meaningful, active participation to students, what barriers may be preventing their access, and how to support student participation in the special classes, special days, and special activities that inspire joy and excitement. Participants will discover AT devices available in the SWAAAC Loan Library that can help make the fun more accessible, as well as additional resources.

Join us for this webinar series presented by Kelly Fonner.

Data collection is often a looming task in the provision of services to individuals who use assistive technology and for service providers to track the effectiveness of their projects. What do you measure? Why do you collect data? How do you frame the data collection process and question so that what is being collected is essential and makes sense? 

During this webinar series, join Kelly Fonner to learn effective and efficient strategies to collect data in the provision of services to your AT clients. We will be using the “How do you know it? How do you show it? (P.Reed, G.Bowser, J.Korsten)  book as a resource throughout the series. We will explore how data collection is structured in assistive technology, examples of measurement tools and strategies, and the importance of why you measure data and outcomes. Understand the important ways in which we can collect information in assistive technology which helps make informed decisions on product selection and/or strategies for implementation of products.

Kelly will share with you real life case studies from individuals on her caseload during assessment and implementation. Build your short and long term data collection strategies and a variety of methods of compiling information and tracking services and AT tool provision. Examples will be plentiful throughout the series, including collecting data from video, reviewing collected artifacts, surveying and creating effective matrices for evaluation.

Come with a particular situation in mind to build a data collection process for, and/or data from a collection process that you’ve already done to share with other attendees. Finally, and most importantly, be prepared to get plenty of ideas on how to add data collection in a practical way to your already busy day. 

Join us for this webinar presented by Maureen Melonis, MNS, CCC-SLP/L.

As the field of assistive technology changes from an expert model to a collaborative one, AT team leaders are called upon to share information with colleagues who may be new to assessing and implementing AT for students with disabilities. Whether one on one or in a group professional development setting, there are strategies to helping the process go more smoothly and the content be more deeply integrated by the adult learner. This session will cover tips and tricks to make the most of your time together.

Join us for this webinar presented by Cathy Bodine, PhD, CCC-SLP.

Have you ever thought of writing a grant to fund assistive technology (AT) as part of a larger universal design initiative, to grow a district library of AT, or to promote inclusion and/or accessibility in a classroom or school? It can be an overwhelming task. Where to start? This session will explore the basics of small grant writing and how to get started. Learn how to develop a fundable idea, create a plan of action to begin writing your own grant, understand the grant review process, and more. Whether you’ve tried your hand at grant writing before, or are a complete beginner, this session will give you the knowledge and resources you need to help fund AT projects in your district.

Join us for this webinar presented by Eric Curts.

Chromebooks really are the computer "For Everyone" as they have powerful accessibility tools to support any learner. In this session we will explore the built-in text-to-speech tools (select to speak), alternative input tools (dictation, on-screen keyboard, digital handwriting), readability tools (magnifier, zoom, high contrast), and navigation tools (automatic clicks, sticky keys, and mouse cursor adjustments).

Join us for this webinar presented by Chris Bugaj and Rachel Madel.

Talking With Tech is a free, weekly podcast about augmentative/alternative communication. Listeners from around the world have sent in questions about how to consider, select, and implement AAC with students and families. In this interactive session, authentic questions will be posted in a multimedia slide deck and displayed to the participants. Presenters Chris Bugaj and Rachel Madel will facilitate the experience while also providing evidence-based strategies. Together, participants will brainstorm solutions to the questions and these solutions will be documented in a shared resource and via audio recording. The audio recording will be released on the podcast to help everyone in the community benefit and learn from the crowd-sourced solutions.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe three tools used to effectively implement AAC.

2. Describe three strategies used to effectively implement AAC.

3. Describe a system for evaluating which tools and strategies might be considered evidence-based.

Join us for this webinar presented by Mo Buti, MA.

Whether you are virtual or in-person, now more than ever we need to capture our student's attention and sustain it. There are so many apps and cloud resources out there, where do you even start? We will explore some of my favorite apps, extensions, and cloud technology and how they can support your students’ educational, social, organizational, and behavioral needs. This will be a fast-paced and fun session! Participants will walk away with ideas on how to maximize the power of these tools, where to locate them, and what issues they can address in the classroom. These are definitely wild and free! 

Learning objectives:

• Participants will be able to locate 3 extensions to enhance their presentation of instruction for their students 

• Participants will be able to locate 3 apps that can be used to support students with disabilities 

• Participants will be able to create a classroom screen, animate and link resources

The Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering (CIDE) is proud to present the Colorado Assistive Technology Expo — a FREE one-day event featuring over 30 Assistive Technology (AT) vendors to provide opportunities for networking, collaboration, and hands-on learning. Come experience new tools and design features to increase independence for all. This in-person event will include vendor booths, device demonstrations, breakout sessions and presentations from vendors, clinicians, and researchers. Those who cannot attend in-person have the option to attend select break-out sessions and presentations virtually via Zoom.

Join us for this webinar presented by Ben Satterfield, Ed.D.

This session presents findings of a Delphi Study of Mastery of Assistive Technology. Participants will be invited to do a self-evaluation of their personal mastery of a particular AT solution followed by a discussion of this approach to measuring AT Mastery and its applicability to K-12 settings.