A.T. & Aug. Com. Conference
AT and Aug Com ’08: Pursuing New Possibilities Recap
More than 180 participants from a variety of disciplines, including special education teachers, paraprofessionals, SLPs, OTs, PTs, general education teachers, parents and AT consumers, met at The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center in Roanoke, VA for the 11th annual AT and Aug Com Conference: Pursuing New Possibilities on June 19-20th. The goal of our conference was to provide participants with high quality, up-to-date, best practice strategies in the areas of AT and augmentative communication. Networking opportunities were enjoyed with folks attending from many regions of Virginia.
The conference kicked off on Thursday, June 19th with an inspiring, educational keynote presentation from Judith Sweeney from Onion Mountain Technology, Inc. Judi is the creator of the LoTTIE Kits, a series of low and mid tech tool kits for informal assessment and evaluation. Judi led the audience in ways to “visualize literacy” by making choices well beyond the words you put on paper. The afternoon was spent again with Judi with principles of visual literacy and learning how to use them in popular programs. Dan Herlihy, from Connective Technology Solutions, Inc. returned this year to deliver his afternoon session on using USB Flash drives, Ipods, and SD media cards in the classroom. Dan also assisted on day two of the conference with the AT and Aug Com Camp for students who use augmentative communication or are pursuing the possibilities. We hosted 11 campers this year with the theme “Reach For The Stars.” The experience was inspiring for the campers, the camp directors and helpers.
The evening of day one was devoted to a Preview of Exhibits Gala Reception where our vendors and sponsors showcased their products while participants enjoyed appetizers while networking. We thank all of our vendors for their contribution to the conference with special recognition for Chip Clarke of Assistive Technology Works (ATW), Inc and Street and Company who donated our grand door prizes. ATW donated a Springboard Lite™ and Street and Company donated a Smartboard 680™. Recipients were thrilled with their winnings! Educational sessions continued throughout the day on Friday.