Can’t travel to the Regional or Local AT Trainings? Webinars offer a great way to participate in Infinitec’s free AT training from the comfort of your school or home. Professional development credit is issued for all live webinars. The date and time for each live webinar is listed after the webinar description. All participants registered will receive an archived recording unless otherwise noted.
Please contact Samantha Conklin with any questions. infinitecwebinars@ucpnet.org
Series Topics
- How AI Can Help or Hurt Solving the Disparity Gap Between Mental Health, Disability, Assistive Technology, and Minorities
- Let’s Make It Happen! Practical Strategies For AT Implementation (2 Part Series)
- Increase Your Own Productivity Using Generative AI
- Designing Awesome Experiences for Learners Using Generative AI
- Autism Out of The Box Series
- Augmentative Alternative Communication Series
- Beyond Cause & Effect – Switch Series
- Inclusive 365 Series
- Increase Your Own Productivity Using Generative AI
- School Districts Cannot Ignore Artificial Intelligence: The Only Choice Is Whether to Use It Well – An Introduction to Generative AI in K-12 Education
How AI Can Help or Hurt Solving the Disparity Gap Between Mental Health, Disability, Assistive Technology, and Minorities
Presented by Carmelys Vincent, M.A, Disability Advocacy
Description: With the advancement of AI on the horizon. Are there dangers to it? How can we mitigate such issues? While defining the disparities, challenges, and advancements- we will build a roadmap to success.
Objectives:
1. Understand key components of the history of AI and AT
2. Pros and cons of AI in bridging the gap
3. Identify three future implications of AI and bridging the gap
September 23, 2024. 3:30-4:30 CST
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4dCwFoB
Let’s Make It Happen! Practical Strategies For AT Implementation 2 Part Series
Presented by Keri Huddleston, M.A., CCC-SLP
Making AT Happen: Practical strategies to support school teams in effective implementation
Learning Outcomes:
- Participants will be able to improve school based AT service delivery through analysis of current practices and student outcomes
- Participants will be able to describe specific strategies to improve AT implementation and create an action plan to address staff, family, and students needs
Part 1: September 24, 2024 3:30 – 5:00 CST
- Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3WQeMfb
Part 1: October 1, 2024 3:30 – 5:00 CST
- Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3Ao1j6G
Increase Your Own Productivity Using Generative AI
Presented by: Christopher R. Bugaj, MA CCC-SLP is the Assistive Technology Specialist for Loudoun County Public Schools. Chris co-hosts the Talking With Tech podcast and hosted The A.T.TIPSCAST; a multi-award winning podcast. Chris is the author of the first and second editions of The New Assistive Tech: Make Learning Awesome For All, the co-author of Inclusive Learning 365: EdTech Strategies for Every Day of the Year and The Practical (and Fun) Guide to Assistive Technology in Public Schools. Chris co-authored two chapters in the book Technology Tools for Students with Autism. Chris has presented over 650 sessions including TEDx.
Description: This session will focus on harnessing the power of generative AI tools to streamline administrative tasks, enhance lesson planning, and improve overall workflow efficiency. Learn practical strategies and explore cutting-edge applications that can save you time, reduce your workload, and allow you to focus more on delivering high-quality, personalized support to your students. Discover how generative AI can be your secret weapon for professional productivity.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify key generative AI tools and applications that can enhance productivity for educators and related service providers in special education.
2. Demonstrate practical strategies for integrating generative AI into daily workflows to streamline administrative tasks and lesson planning.
3. Evaluate the impact of generative AI on personal productivity and workflow efficiency, and develop a plan to implement these tools in their professional practice.
December 9, 2024. 3:30-4:30 CST
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4c40b5k
Designing Awesome Experiences for Learners Using Generative AI
Presented by: Christopher R. Bugaj, MA CCC-SLP is the Assistive Technology Specialist for Loudoun County Public Schools. Chris co-hosts the Talking With Tech podcast and hosted The A.T.TIPSCAST; a multi-award winning podcast. Chris is the author of the first and second editions of The New Assistive Tech: Make Learning Awesome For All, the co-author of Inclusive Learning 365: EdTech Strategies for Every Day of the Year and The Practical (and Fun) Guide to Assistive Technology in Public Schools. Chris co-authored two chapters in the book Technology Tools for Students with Autism. Chris has presented over 650 sessions including TEDx.
Description: Discover innovative ways to utilize generative AI to design personalized, inclusive, and dynamic learning environments. Explore practical applications and strategies to leverage AI for differentiated instruction, adaptive learning, and creative content generation, ensuring that all students can thrive. Learn how generative AI can be a powerful ally in your teaching toolkit, empowering you to craft exceptional educational experiences centered around Universal Design for Learning.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Discover innovative methods to utilize generative AI for designing personalized, inclusive, and dynamic learning environments centered around Universal Design for Learning.
2. Explore practical applications and strategies for leveraging AI to support differentiated instruction, adaptive learning, and creative content generation.
3. Implement generative AI tools and techniques to create exceptional educational experiences that ensure all students can thrive.
December 16, 2024. 3:30-4:30 CST
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4fcqj0V
Autism Out of the Box Series
Presented by: Kim Clairy OTR/L is a Brenau University graduate with a BS/MS in occupational therapy. Kim has been invited to share her expertise on autism for over 100 organizations in 7 countries. She is a frequent contributor to autism related projects and podcasts and has contributed to numerous publications on autism. Additionally, Kim is a private consultant and self-advocate who broke through barriers as she defied a healthcare system that said, “your autism is severe; you need to live in a nursing home.” Her difficult experiences forged a passion for educating others on autism. Through hands-on learning Kim uses personal experiences and professional expertise to educate on many facets of autism across the lifespan.
My Sensory Life
Description: Life is a sensory experience. How the brain processes sensory information impacts engagement in all life areas and influences how safe one feels in their mind, body, environment, and interactions. Imagine life where faces look like animals, sounds cause excruciating pain, food textures change in different lighting, your body has no boundaries, and movements are unpredictable. Experiences like these are reality for those with sensory processing disorder (SPD). In this session attendees learn about sensory processing challenges from an inside perspective. With the help of her husband, an autistic occupational therapist shares her inner experiences while educating about sensory processing, and how SPD can manifest within the 8 senses.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Define the 3 categories of sensory processing disorder
2. List the 8 senses and describe at least 2 ways sensory processing challenges can manifest in each
3. Identify at least 3 signs that can point to an underlying sensory processing problem
November 5, 2024. 3:30-5:00 CST
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3XcvSUT
Thriving with Autism
Description: Instead of thriving, many autistics are merely trying to survive. For this to change, people must develop a deeper empathetic lens to look through. During this talk, an autistic occupational therapist shares her inner world through poetry and stories about daily life experiences to shed light on autism processing differences, dispel myths about challenging behaviors, reveal helpful strategies for difficult situations, uncover unique strengths, and empower the audience to embrace autism’s beautiful ways of experiencing the world. Ways to apply evidenced based strategies through an autistic lens to address sensory, emotional, cognitive, social, and communication challenges is also shared. Additionally, the speaker’s husband serves as a “reasonable accommodation” during the presentation allowing attendees to see first-hand positive ways to help those with autism. This talk is about teamwork and thriving with autism!
Learning Outcomes:
1. Explain at least 2 sensory, communication, emotion, social, and cognitive processing differences autistics can experience and how these differences impact daily life functioning across multiple settings
2. Implement strategies to provide supportive environments for autistic individuals
3. Describe ways that autism processing differences can be seen as strengths
November 12, 2024. 3:30-5:00 CST
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3Z8UH6A
Sensational Coping
Description: Instead of thriving, many autistics are merely trying to survive. For this to change, people must develop a deeper empathetic lens to look through. During this talk, an autistic occupational therapist shares her inner world through poetry and stories about daily life experiences to shed light on autism processing differences, dispel myths about challenging behaviors, reveal helpful strategies for difficult situations, uncover unique strengths, and empower the audience to embrace autism’s beautiful ways of experiencing the world. Ways to apply evidenced based strategies through an autistic lens to address sensory, emotional, cognitive, social, and communication challenges is also shared. Additionally, the speaker’s husband serves as a “reasonable accommodation” during the presentation allowing attendees to see first-hand positive ways tSensory processing disorder (SPD) and autism are not synonymous; however it is estimated up to 90% of autistic individuals struggle with SPD. Those with autism have neurological differences which affect how they take in, process, and express information. This makes it essential to use an autism lens when supporting these individuals who also have SPD. During this session attendees learn ways to evaluate whether problems within the classroom result from sensory or a different challenge associated with autism. Evidenced based strategies for supporting autistic individuals with SPD using an autism lens are also explored.o help those with autism. This talk is about teamwork and thriving with autism!
Sensational Coping
Description: Instead of thriving, many autistics are merely trying to survive. For this to change, people must develop a deeper empathetic lens to look through. During this talk, an autistic occupational therapist shares her inner world through poetry and stories about daily life experiences to shed light on autism processing differences, dispel myths about challenging behaviors, reveal helpful strategies for difficult situations, uncover unique strengths, and empower the audience to embrace autism’s beautiful ways of experiencing the world. Ways to apply evidenced based strategies through an autistic lens to address sensory, emotional, cognitive, social, and communication challenges is also shared. Additionally, the speaker’s husband serves as a “reasonable accommodation” during the presentation allowing attendees to see first-hand positive ways tSensory processing disorder (SPD) and autism are not synonymous; however it is estimated up to 90% of autistic individuals struggle with SPD. Those with autism have neurological differences which affect how they take in, process, and express information. This makes it essential to use an autism lens when supporting these individuals who also have SPD. During this session attendees learn ways to evaluate whether problems within the classroom result from sensory or a different challenge associated with autism. Evidenced based strategies for supporting autistic individuals with SPD using an autism lens are also explored.o help those with autism. This talk is about teamwork and thriving with autism!
1. Summarize the importance of using an autism lens when supporting sensory challenges in autism
2. Explain 1 way to analyze a situation to assess whether sensory or another challenge is the root cause of a problem for an autistic student struggling in the classroom.
3. List 3 ways to make sensory supports accessible for the autistic student.
December 11, 2024. 3:30-5:00 CST
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3Z8UH6A
Sensing Myself: Strategies for discovering sensory needs
Discovering sensory needs is a journey. Often, this journey is extremely hard and frightening for those with sensory processing difficulties. Awareness of sensory needs is important for regulation and participation in life. Interoception, or sensing your internal experiences, and discovering sensory needs are complementary skills for developing sensory-regulation proficiency. During this session attendees learn strategies for using interoception and sensory “experiments” to help guide autistic individuals on their journey to discovering sensory needs and creating regulation supports.
Learning Outcomes
1. Define what is interoception
2. Explain interoception’s role in discovering sensory needs
3. Describe 3 ways to use interoception to help autistic students discover sensory needs
December 18, 2024. 3:30-5:00 CST
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3Tf82GE
Augmentative Alternative Communication Series
Presented by Sarah Gregory, MS, CCC-SLP
Involving peers in AAC learning can be an effective strategy, however, we must carefully craft the dynamics that we create within our classrooms. We will explore how peers can play an authentic role in AAC learning without creating a power dynamic between students.
AAC and Peer Supports
Participants will be able to distinguish between helpful and harmful peer support strategies
Participants will be able to describe two methods to support peer interactions with AAC learners
Participants will be able to identify two books or resources that can be used to discuss different communication modalities including AAC
November 7, 2024 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM CST
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/47VQHZo
AAC All Day in PreK
Participants will examine how classroom environments and routines can be structured to support language development for all learners, including those using AAC systems. Tools and resources for integrating AAC systems, adapting play experiences and learning tools that encourage communication will be highlighted and demonstrated. Participants will leave this session with ready-to-apply strategies that they can implement in learning environments immediately!
Participants will be able to identify 3 components of a Universally Designed Early Childhood Classroom
Participants will be able to utilize 3 strategies to implement AAC supports with preschool learners throughout the day
Participants will be able to identify 3 tools or resources for supporting language development in the inclusive early childhood classroom
November 14, 2024 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM CST
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3zSc5Cr
AAC in General Education
Learn strategies to support AAC learning in general education classrooms in elementary, middle and high school settings. We will explore practical and easy-to-implement strategies to include all learners. Strategies include descriptive teaching, literacy strategies, visual supports and making academic content fun and engaging.
Participants will be able to list two instructional strategies that support the descriptive teaching model
Participants will be able to distinguish between helpful and harmful peer support strategies
Participants will be able to describe two methods to support peer and curriculum interactions with AAC learners
December 5, 2024 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM CST
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4dIpCdA
AAC Support: Collaborating with Teachers and Caregivers
Supporting AAC learning requires a team and collaboration is key. This session will explore strategies to coach and collaborate with teachers and caregivers to maximize AAC use across environments. We will discuss strategies to build relationships, solve problems and work with others in a way that is enjoyable and efficient.
Participants will be able to identify two barriers to effective communication
Participants will be able to list two tools to support communication between team members
Participants will be able to describe two types of questions to ask team members
December 19, 2024 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM CST
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4gSlomv
Beyond Cause & Effect – Switch Series
Presented by Christopher Marotta & Loreto Dumitrescu
Description: Switch access is an assistive technology that allows individuals with motor disabilities to interact with computers, tablets, and other electronic devices using one or more switches. Switch access can be used for a variety of purposes, including communication, gaming, art and music, and schoolwork. In this one-hour workshop, participants will gain an overview of switch access and its benefits for individuals with motor disabilities. Participants will also learn about different switch types, their functions, and how to select the most appropriate switch for a specific user. Finally, participants will explore various applications of switch access in the school environment, including communication, gaming, and academic activities.
Beyond Cause and Effect – Part 1 Switch Access Overview
This workshop will benefit educators, therapists, and parents of children with motor disabilities. Participants will leave the workshop with a better understanding of switch access and how it can be used to improve the lives of individuals with motor disabilities.
Objectives:
1. Verbalize the key concepts of switch access and its benefits for individuals with motor disabilities.
2. Identify different switch types, their functions, and how to select the most appropriate switch for a specific user.
3. Identify various applications of switch access in the school environment, including communication, gaming, and academic activities.
October 30, 2024 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM CST
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3AS47ct
Beyond Cause and Effect Series – Part 2 Switch Access to Support Reading Tasks in Education
Description:
This workshop will explore the use of switch access to engage with reading tasks in the classroom. Participants will learn about different switch types, how to use switches to control reading software, and how to create accessible digital books. The workshop will also provide hands-on opportunities to practice using switch access for reading.
Objectives:
Participants will be able to identify one method of creating accessible digital books.
Participants will identify two methods of utilizing switches to control reading software.
November 6, 2024 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM CST
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4d9goqz
Beyond Cause and Effect – Part 3 Switch Access to Support Writing Tasks in Education
Description:
This workshop will explore the use of switch access to engage with writing tasks in the classroom. Participants will learn about different ways to use switches to control writing software, and how to navigate an onscreen keyboard for typing. The workshop will also provide hands-on opportunities to practice using switch access for writing.
Objectives:
Participants will be able to identify at least two methods of producing writing utilizing switches and switch interfaces.
Participants will be able to demonstrate proficiency in navigating an onscreen keyboard for typing.
November 13, 2024 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM CST
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3zmYzGF
Beyond Cause and Effect – Part 4 Switch Access to Support Math and STEAM Tasks in Education
Description:
This workshop will explore the use of switch access to engage in math and STEAM activities in the classroom. Participants will learn how to use switches to control math and STEAM software, and how to create accessible math and STEAM activities. The workshop will also provide hands-on opportunities to practice using switch access for math and STEAM activities.
This workshop will benefit educators, therapists, and parents of children with motor disabilities.
Objectives:
Participants will be able to identify at least three methods of utilizing switches to control math and STEAM software.
Participants will be able to develop at least two implementation ideas for switch-based activities in the classroom.
November 20, 2024 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM CST
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4dgpuSm
Inclusive 365 Series
Presented by: Mike Marotta, Chris Bugaj, Karen Janowski, & Beth Poss
Join the authors of Inclusive 365 as we explore practical strategies you can immediately integrate into your learning environments to promote inclusive practices. This includes developing an inclusive mindset, changing our educational vocabulary to reflect our mindset, and adopting the use of inclusive strategies in our work with both learners and educators.
Inclusive 365: Let’s Talk Research/Studying, Executive Function and SEL
Focusing on the CITES Framework areas of Teaching, Learning and Assessment the group will experience inclusive technology strategies, applications and resources in the areas of reading and writing. Participants will be able to apply this new learning immediately through a Wonderfully Inclusive Scavenger Hunt (WISH) and learn new ways to ensure inclusive learning.
Learning Outcomes:
Participants will identify three barriers to inclusive learning implementation
Participants will identify three strategies that can overcome barriers to inclusive education practices by increasing learner engagement, decreasing dependence on adults and empowering learners to personalize their learning.
Participants will identify three readily available tools that align with inclusive strategies and promote an inclusive learning environment
November 21, 2024 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM CST
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3yN5SHy
Inclusive 365: Let’s Talk Cross Content Areas + Professional Learning
Focusing on the CITES Framework areas of Teaching, Learning and Assessment the group will experience inclusive technology strategies, applications and resources in the areas of Cross Content and Professional Learning. Participants will be able to apply this new learning immediately through a Wonderfully Inclusive Scavenger Hunt (WISH) and learn new ways to ensure inclusive learning.
Participants will also have opportunities to share what resonated with them during the webinar series and discuss their results of strategy and tool implementation.
December 4, 2024 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM CST
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/474ZY15
Increase Your Own Productivity Using Generative AI
Presented By Chris Bugaj
Description: This session will focus on harnessing the power of generative AI tools to streamline administrative tasks, enhance lesson planning, and improve overall workflow efficiency. Learn practical strategies and explore cutting-edge applications that can save you time, reduce your workload, and allow you to focus more on delivering high-quality, personalized support to your students. Discover how generative AI can be your secret weapon for professional productivity.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify key generative AI tools and applications that can enhance productivity for educators and related service providers in special education.
2. Demonstrate practical strategies for integrating generative AI into daily workflows to streamline administrative tasks and lesson planning.
3. Evaluate the impact of generative AI on personal productivity and workflow efficiency, and develop a plan to implement these tools in their professional practice.
December 9, 2024 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM CST
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4c40b5k
School Districts Cannot Ignore Artificial Intelligence: The Only Choice Is Whether to Use It Well – An Introduction to Generative AI in K-12 Education
Presented by: Bruce Alter
“I’ve worked as a pediatric physical therapist in special education since 1988, but before I was a PT, I was a geek. I started using computers with children with disabilities back in the Apple II era. As technology evolved, I became increasingly focused on providing assistive technology support for students with special needs.”
This presentation provides an essential introduction to generative AI and its implications for K-12 education. It will explore policy considerations for school districts, including the short-, medium-, and long-term impact of AI integration. The session will also feature practical demonstrations of how generative AI is currently used with special education students, highlighting its potential to transform education for students with disabilities.
1. Participants will be able to identify key policy considerations for integrating generative AI in K-12 education in both general and special education. 2. Participants will learn how generative AI can be applied in special education to enhance personalized learning and educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
December 12, 2024 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM CST
Register: https://bit.ly/4eAoqK7