5th Annual Summer Institute in Assistive Technology

May 28 - 30, 2008

Assistive Technology for People with Cognitive Limitations
Presenter: Barney Fleming, PhD, ATP, Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center - Northwest at the University of Washington
Course Description: This course will present a variety of topics related to the use of assistive technology by people with cognitive limitations . We will introduce a model of human information processing which includes the various components involved in cognition. We will then discuss a variety of cognitive limitations, examples of cognitive deficits often associated with specific medical conditions or disabilities, and a framework for the identification and evaluation of appropriate assistive technology. This course will provide an overview of products that can assist with calendar management, personal contacts, general memory and organizations aids, daily scheduling, projects and to-do lists, financial matters, managing medication, keeping track of belongings, and way-finding. We will discuss advances in the field of assistive technology for people with cognitive limitations and conclude with an overview of emerging principles for the design of accessible and usable web content for people with cognitive disabilities.

Home Modifications - Getting Bids That Meet Your Needs
Presenter: Clarence Ray, Gateway Community and Technical College
Course Description: A home modification may make the difference between a person being able to become employed or living in a home that doesn't really meet his or her needs. When that home modification becomes necessary, it is crucial to ensure that consumers, rehabilitation professionals and contractors are all on the same page. Sometimes, people who are not used to dealing with construction professionals can be intimidated about the process and are unsure of what they need to tell a contractor to make sure that the contractor will provide the modifications. This presentation will teach the participant how to communicate with a contractor so that the contractor clearly understands your needs and can provide a bid for the home modifications required

Miscrosoft Vista & Office Accessibility Tools and Tips
Presenter: Debbie Thompson, EnTech at Spalding University
Course Description: This presentation will focus on the current accessibility functions built within the Microsoft XP operating system. Users will have the opportunity to have “hands on” experiences with the various features. Also discussed will be the accessibility features added to the Microsoft VISTA operating system. Participants will also become exposed to current assistive technology equipment/products which provide possible computer access solutions for individuals with various disabilities.

Postsecondary Institution Panel - Available Services
Presenters: Jake Karnes, University of Kentucky;Teresa Beluscio, Eastern Kentucky University; Dr Dolores Kiesler, Brescia University; Colleen Kane, Gateway Community and Technical College; Terri Marin, Jefferson Community and Technical College; Kathy Pendleton, University of Louisville.
Course Description: Representatives from institutions of higher education from around Kentucky will come together to discuss their school's disability services programs and supports that utilize assistive technology. This is an excellent opportunity for resource sharing.

Employee Panel
Presenter:
Course Description: Several individuals from around Kentucky will gather to share their experiences using a variety of assistive technology at work. The panelists will discuss the technology they use and how it helps them, their experience in implementing the technology at work, and any problems or issues that they have encountered while implementing and using technology. This is a great opportunity to see how AT can help people be successful at work.

Build Your Own AT!
Presenter: John Hancock, Kentucky AgrAbility
Course Description: Sometimes when we consider an assistive technology solution, we think that it must be something that somebody else makes. Assistive technology encompasses a wide range of solutions, many of which can be made by you! We will discuss some of the basics of assistive technology with the main focus of hands-on opportunities to create items that can be used to meet assistive technology needs. Come to this session prepared to interact and work!