AbleNet University Live Webinars

Live Webinars
Consideration: Resources to find AT Answers
April 29, 2021 | 11:00 AM CST | 60 minutes
One of the first things I hear from teams when they are preparing to consider AT is "Let's do a SETT!" Or, teams may reach out saying, "We did a SETT and don't know where to go." This is where coaching, collaboration, and consideration can be strengthened by understanding what questions to ask. There are so many models of consideration in the world of assistive technology. Some function better in schools, others better for more medically directed situations. By understanding different models you won't simply be "doing" one model, but be understanding of what the student needs and how AT can help. This session will focus on different models of consideration, important questions to ask, and when to apply this knowledge. 
Cost: Free
Presenter: Sayard Bass, M.S. CCC-SLP/L-ATP
Level: Beginner
The Hardware to the Software: Everything you need to know to make an iPad Switch Accessible.  Part 1
May 4, 2021 | 10:00 AM CST | 60 minutes
As our world has gone to virtual learning, 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, participants will be shown the step by step process to access and navigate the built in switch accessibility features in iOS 14.
Cost: Free
Presenter: Megan Mussano M.S. CCC-SLP/L, ATP
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
The Hardware to the Software: Everything you need to know to make an iPad Switch Accessible.  Part 2
May 11, 2021 | 10:00 AM CST | 60 minutes
As our world has gone to virtual learning, it has forced us to make technology accessible for all.  This session will quickly review various sets of interfaces/hardware options used to make iPads switch accessible.  Then, participants will be shown 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!
Cost: Free
Presenter: Megan Mussano M.S. CCC-SLP/L, ATP
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
A Deeper Dive into DIY AT for the New Normal
June 15, 2021 | 11:00 AM CST | 60 minutes
Join Rachell and Barb for a more in-depth discussion of resources and ideas presented in "DIY AT for the New Normal" (available on AbleNet University YouTube channel). This SLP and OT duo will share creative and innovative DIY AT ideas for school, private, and telehealth services. They'll also share ideas for using familiar resources such as Jamboard and Google Slides in a variety of ways! Join them for detailed explanations and examples of how to use these resources in your treatment sessions!
Cost: Free
Presenters: Rachell Johnson, M.C.D. CCC-SLP AT Team Lead and Barb Kelii, MA OTR/L, TCTechGal, Independent AT Consultant Services 
Level: Beginner
Fun Activities Using Music with Zoom Technology
August 18, 2021 | 2:00 PM CST | 45 minutes
This presentation features remote class activities highlighting the use of music with Zoom technology. The activities are tailored to students with special needs including the types of devices to consider
Cost: Free
Presenter: Mary Hager, MA, OTR/L, FAOTA 
Level: Beginner
Paraeducator Role: Instructional Support for Learners with Significant Disabilities
September 9, 2021 | 11:00 AM CST | 60 minutes
Participants will gain skills in how to assist with student-specific instructional interventions and maximize learning opportunities for students experiencing significant cognitive, communication and motor needs. The session will illustrate how to use appropriate level of prompts and cues and to gradually fade the prompts to teach and reinforce academic and functional learning objectives.

This webinar designed for paraeducators should be appealing to teachers who guide and supervise paraeducators routinely as well as to district special education trainers in their design and delivery of professional development.
Cost: Free
Presenter: Padmaja Sarathy, MA, Author & Educational Consultant
Level: Beginner
Engaging and Interactive Literacy Journey for Learners with Severe and Multiple Disabilities
October 13, 2021 | 11:00 AM CST | 60 minutes

In this highly practical webinar session focusing on English Language Arts (ELA)-Reading activities, participants will gain skills in planning and delivering academic content to students with cognitive, communication, motor, and behavior challenges through a variety of literacy-rich activities to advance learning outcomes. Through depicting multi-sensory, hands- activities embedded in high interest scenarios, the session will demonstrate:

  • Expand vocabulary skills (linking literacy with personal life experiences)
  • Develop comprehension skills to identify main theme, characters, events, and conflicts in stories.
  • Increase concept knowledge.

Participants will increase their knowledge of how to apply universal design for learning principles (UDL) to ensure accessibility and foster active learner participation, adjust the task complexity level aided with diverse teaching tools, and assistive technology supports matched to individual students’ strengths and needs.

Cost: Free
Presenter: Padmaja Sarathy, MA, Author & Educational Consultant
Level: Beginner
Making Math Relevant and Meaningful: Hands-on Activities to Engage Learners with Severe and Multiple Disabilities
November 4, 2021 | 11:00 AM CST | 60 minutes

In this highly practical webinar session focusing on Mathematics instructional activities, participants will gain skills in planning and delivering academic content integrated with functional activities to advance the learning outcomes for students with severe cognitive, communication and motor and behavior challenges. Through depicting several multi-sensory, hands- activities, the session will demonstrate how to address key concepts in Math content area using high interest scenarios:

  • To use numbers in a variety of forms to solve problems in daily life.
  • To increase awareness of amount, size, time concepts and the use of measurement tools.
  • To use money in real-life situations and to solve problems using combination of coins and bills.

Participants will increase their knowledge of support tools including how to apply universal design for learning principles (UDL) as well as to adapt the task complexity level in the Math content area to enhance active student participation and response and facilitate progress.

Cost: Free
Presenter: Padmaja Sarathy, MA, Author & Educational Consultant
Level: Beginner