Free Regional AT Trainings for the 2019-2020 School Year
Based on needs assessment data collected by Infinitec and ISBE, this year Infinitec has organized regional training offerings around two strands.
- Autism
- AAC / Communication
· Reading / Writing (Executive Functions)
· Transition
- Significant Disabilities
Below you will find descriptive information about trainings offered in each strand along with links to flyers with additional information and registration forms for each scheduled session.
Practitioner's Conference
Call for Presentations Closed
Choose from 15 Sessions delivered by Professionals practicing in the field.
Location & Date: March 12, 2019 Joliet, IL
Registration: Must register for EACH session you plan to attend.
Click Here to download the flyer here with links to registration.
COACHING
The Power of Video as Part of Professional Learning
Facilitated by: Jim Knight
Description:
AT Decision Making
AT and the IEP
Facilitated by: Jennifer Skalitzky 
Description:
Illinois recently changed legislation pertaining to assistive technology. This presentation will provide participants with a clear, legal, definition of assistive technology, and assistive technology consideration in the IEP process. Furthermore, information will be provided as where to document assistive technology devices and services within the IEP once it is deemed appropriate for a student. Resources will be provided to assist IEP teams with compliance for AT consideration, documentation and new legislation. Finally, a continuum of light to high technology tools for reading and writing will be demonstrated.
Learner Outcomes
Participants will be able to:
Understand the law as it pertains to assistive technology and assistive technology consideration.
Know how to appropriately consider assistive technology for students.
To list 3 assistive technology tools to support reading and 3 to support writing.
Dates, Locations & 9/27/19 Ottawa, IL
Registration Link: http://bit.ly/2Z8TAFg
Augmentative and Alternative Communication in the Classroom
Facilitated by: Heather Miller
Description:
This session will provide an overview of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools and identify evidence-based strategies to encourage the use of AAC in the classroom. Participants will discuss the importance of vocabulary selection and identify target vocabulary based on student behavior and current expression of communicative functions. Participants will identify barriers to success and develop strategies to avoid these barriers in order to promote total communication in the classroom.
Learner Outcomes
Participants will be able to:
Compare and contrast AAC tools and technologies using key features.
Name three implementation strategies for use in the classroom.
Identify appropriate AAC vocabulary for use in the educational environment.
Dates, Locations: 10/11/19 DeKalb, IL
Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/yxdjae85
Legal Panel
Facilitated by: Micki Moran & Caroline Roselli
Description:
In this panel discussion, lawyers representing both the school and family perspective will be present. The event will begin with each lawyer doing a brief presentation related to their clientele's perspective. The rest of the time will be spent answering questions from the field related to assistive technology. Questions regarding Device Responsibility, Recording Devices, Transition, Staff Responsibility, Evaluation vs. Consultation, and Paperwork will be covered.
Learner Outcomes
Participants will:
Dates, Locations: 10/29/19 Tinley Park, IL
Registration Links: http://bit.ly/2k9OZQK
AT Decision Making & Coaching
AAC Assessment Series
Description:
This presentation will discuss the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) assessment process within the education environment. Participants will compare features of current mobile technology apps and dedicated speech generating devices and examine the benefits of matching the technology to the student rather than matching the student to the technology. The steps of an AAC assessment will be outlined and discussion will focus on evaluation models, tools, formats and recommendations. Participants will walk away with the knowledge necessary to make decisions that best support a student's communication needs within the classroom.
Learner Outcomes
Participants will be able to:
Identify the components of a feature match assessment and list three tools to support this process.
Compare and contrast the features of a variety of apps and speech generating devices for communication.
Identify three strategies to promote AAC usage during and after the AAC trial.
Dates, Locations: Tinley Park, IL
Full Days:
10/16/19 - AAC Overview (8:30 – 3:00)
11/6/19 - AAC Assessment (8:30 – 3:00)
Webinar Follow-Up Dates:
11/19/19 - Customizing Trials (8:00-9:30)
1/15/20 - Data Collection in Trials (8:00-9:30)
2/20/20 - Funding and Report Writing (8:00-9:30)
To Registration Contact: hmiller@ucpnet.org or call 708-444-8460 x 243
AT Assessment Series
Facilitated by Samantha Conklin
Description:
Learner Outcomes
Participants will be able to:
Dates & Location: Begins 11/8/19 Chicago, IL
Autism
Evidence Based Practice that Supports Students with Autism
Facilitated by Kris Bretl, M.Ed., BCBA
Course Descrition:
This workshop will discuss autism characteristics and challenges for school professionals and how to choose and use the evidence-based practices that are established, within school settings. These evidence-based strategies that address social communication, behavior, and classroom/academic supports for students with autism will be explored, considered and practiced. The two projects that have identified evidence-based strategies for the autism spectrum disorder, The National Standards Project from the National Autism Center and National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder will be used as reference and support. Participants will be considering the best practices from these projects and how they relate to supporting our students with autism within the classroom and school environment.
Learner Outcomes
Participants will be able to:
Identify characteristics that are used to classify autism as described in the DSM-V and the Illinois School Code,
Identify how these characteristics may provide challenges for students within the school environment.
Recognize and select evidence-based strategies that have been categorized as support for social-communication deficits and academic needs within a school setting.
Identify evidence-based strategies that can be matched to function when selecting interventions.
Dates, Locations: 11/6/19 Danville, IL
Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/yybot8za
Executive Function
The Skills Executive Functioning when "Alexa" Can Do It ALL!
Faclitated by Paige Buckingham
Course Description:
In a time when "Alexa" can set your alarm, remind you to brush your teeth, play a song and even help with homework, is executive functioning still important? YES!! This training will focus on the specific skills that make up executive functioning, how to teach these skills using low and high tech assistive technology, and how to write IEP goals that are focused on skills. We will also have fun along the way learning to teach students to become their own personal assistant.
Learner Outcomes
Participants will be able to:
Identify specific skills that make up executive functioning.
Share different ways to teach executive functioning skills.
Write IEP goals focused on skill deficits, not task completion goals.
Use assistive technology tools (low tech to high tech) to support executive functioning skill development.
Dates, Locations: 11/15/19 Carterville, IL & 5/27/20 Carterville, IL
Click here to download the registration flyer. $5.00 processing fee for ASHA CEUs.
Registration Links:
11/15/19 - https://tinyurl.com/y3e8hmx5
3/27/19 - https://tinyurl.com/u6dk3nf
AT Have it Your Way with Google Chrome - Supports for Executive Functioning
Facilitated by Tim Kennedy
Description:
According to WebMD.com Executive Function is a set of mental skills that help you get things done. When students struggle in an area of executive functioning school work, self-esteem, and relationships can suffer. Google Chrome Web Browser offers students easy, accessible anywhere tools for support. In addition, participants will be introduced to the SETT model when gathering information for technology selection.
Learner Outcomes
Participants will be able to:
List areas of executive functioning.
List common Google Chrome Web Browser tools to support executive functioning skills.
Use the SETT model to gather information and determine technology tools to support executive functioning.
Dates & Location: 9/17/19 Norris City, IL
Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/yy7hk6c6
Transition
Student Driven IEP
Facilitated by Dr. Laura Owens
Description:
This presentation covers student led IEPs, their benefits, importance and impact along with strategies for implementation. Additionally, clips from an IEP featuring a student planning for his high school and transition are included.
Learner Outcomes:
Participants will be able to:
Explain why implementing student-led IEPs is an important evidenced based practice
Identify common difficulties to implementing student-led IEPs and how to overcome
Construct an action plan for how to implement the process of preparing students for student-led IEPs
Dates & Location: Blended Learning - Online
Zoom links for the online meetings will be shared after participants register.
• Dec. 12th 3:00pm - 4:30pm
• Jan. 23rd 3:00pm - 4:30pm
• Feb. 20th 3:00pm - 4:30pm
• May 7th 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Registration Link: http://bit.ly/37tqx0q
Illinois Assistive Technology Program Open House
Description: TOUR THEIR OFFICE AND SEE HOW TECHNOLOGY HAS CHANGED THROUGHOUT THE YEARS
Date: March 31, 2020
Time: 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Location: 1020 South Spring Street Springfield, IL