PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP

Using the iPod Touch as an Assistive Technology Tool

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The iPhone and iPod touch open up a whole new world of opportunities for the field of assistive technology and education. These devices feature brilliant graphics, great audio, a multi-touch interface and over 100,000 third party applications. The number of applications designed specifically for assistive technology use on the iPod touch and iPhone is rapidly growing and many of the non-AT applications can also be extremely useful for people with disabilities. This hands-on workshop will provide participants information on a wide variety of apps. We will provide iPod touches for use during the session to offer a full hands-on experience.

Next we will review applications for communication, for sign language, for planning/organization, for story telling, for reading/writing and much more. The goal of the exploration is to connect students, and their needs, with the right tools.  This will include modeling and demonstration and you will be able to try many of these applications on the supplied iPod touches. The iPods will be loaded with over 100 applications of relevance to special education and assistive technology.

During the workshop you will learn how the iPhone/iPod can make a difference to people with various disabilities such as traumatic brain injuries, autism, down syndrome, fluency disorders, dyslexia, mild CP, ALS, and others.

The overall goal of this workshop is to provide participants with an in-depth, hands-on experience with iPhone and iPod touch assistive technology and to demonstrate the best options currently available for the new platform.  

• Identify benefits and limitations of mobile technologies for persons with special needs
• Know how to use built-in features of the iPhone/iPod to provide appropriate accommodations
• Learn what applications are available through hands-on experience with some of the most promising AT and educational applications

PRESENTER

This pre-conference will be presented by Mark Coppin, ATP.  Mark has 23 years of experience working in various capacities at Anne Carlsen Center, Jamestown, N.D. as Director of Assistive Technology, he coordinates the provision of assistive technology services for the Center. He is also a member of the outreach technology team, which provides evaluations and consultation services throughout North Dakota. Mark is a certified ATP (Assistive Technology Practitioner), and in 2009, Coppin was chosen as an Apple Distinguished educator. 

AGENDA - all sessions at Ramada Plaza Suites

8:00am - 8:30am              Registration

8:30 am -12 Noon            Workshop

12 Noon -1:00 pm            Lunch

1:00 pm - 4:30pm         Workshop