Thursday, October 1, 2015

SpOTLight On: The Assistive Technology Conference of New Enlgand

If you happen to be (or want to be) in the New England area at the end of November, you should consider registering for this year's Assistive Technology Conference of New England.  
Assistive Technology Conference of New England 2015 Logo
Hosted by Tech Access of RI, the Rhode Island ATAP affiliate with focus on educational supports, this year's conference has expanded to include a full day workshop option on Thursday November 19th as well as its comprehensive 24 session workshop day on Friday November 20th.  Click HERE for full listings!

I am proud to say that I have been part of the planning committee for the past two years and this year is especially awesome.  Between the expansion into a two day conference as well as the Bringing Access to Life Expo which features New England vendors, programs and agencies with special talents and abilities highlighting work and leisure, the ATCNE 2015 is sure to inspire you.  
Love Letters By Emily
Therapeutic Sailing
Purely Patrick
Kelly Charlebois, Director of Tech Access of Rhode Island, is "most excited about the diversity of the content of the program and the ability to offer full day, in-depth workshops!"

She should be because the list of presenters is awesome!  Can't make it to ATIA? Well, there will be at least three national presenters at this year's pre conference. Mike Marrotta, AT specialist at Inclusive Technology Solutions, will be presenting his Google Bootcamp.  Diana Petschauer and Alyssa Marinaccio will be addressing Apps across the Curriculum and Kelly Fonner will be discussing Successful Implementation of AAC Apps.  Professionals can also obtain continuing education credits certified by the AAC Institute.
I'm excited to go through Boot Camp this year with Mike Marotta, but I have seen both Diana's and Alyssa's presentations last year which helped me greatly develop an extensive repertoire of resources to use in daily practice.  I am sure you will be highly satisfied with anything in which you chose to participate.

As with years past, the conference will be hosted at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, located in Warwick, Rhode Island.  Accommodations and food have been excellent in the years that I have attended this conference.  You can attend either a single day or the two-day conference.  But tickets are selling out fast.  Make sure to reserve your spot and be a part of something great.  If you can't attend but want to support Tech Access and people with disabilities, check out the accessories designed in conjunction with Chubby Chico.