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AT Webinars Winter/Spring 2025

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

Getting Started with Generative AI: Practical Ways AI Can Help Teachers & Student

Presented by: Bruce Alter

This session introduces educators to the practical uses of generative AI in the classroom. It covers different AI models/tools available for teachers and demonstrates how AI can be used as an example generator for lessons, improve communication with parents, provide feedback on student’s writing samples, and create differentiated lesson plans. Special attention will be given to using AI with special education and 504 students, as well as understanding when students are ready to use generative AI effectively.

Learning Objectives:
1. Participants will learn how to apply generative AI tools to support lesson planning, feedback to students, and parent communication.

2. Participants will consider methods to assess the readiness of general education, special education, and 504 students to use generative AI in their learning process.

Thursday, January 16, 2025 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Registration link: https://bit.ly/47G8TGu

Rethinking Writing Instruction in the Age of AI

Presented by: Dr. Randy Laist

The emergence of generative AI provides a critical opportunity to ask basic questions about what writing is and about how and even why to teach it. This interactive webinar digs into these questions, emphasizing the value of writing as a tool for doing the important human work that chatbots will never be able to do of reflecting, imagining, and empathizing. Developing ideas articulated in his 2024 book, Rethinking Writing Instruction in the Age of AI, Dr. Randy Laist describes detailed examples of assignments and activities designed to demonstrate to students the value of writing, as well as the value of their own humanity.

Following this webinar, participants will be able to:
1. Apply strategies for developing “chatbot-resistant” writing assignments.
2. Design engaging writing assignments and activities that foreground students’ unique perspectives as human beings.
3. Evaluate strategies for using generative AI tools in the writing classroom.

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4iMaJup

Adapted Physical Education and the Importance of Adaptations

Presented by: Christopher Marotta; Joseph Slaninka

We will begin by highlighting the importance of adaptation and the role of adapted physical education (APE). We will begin by discussing the use of a student centered approach, review the development of individualized education programs (IEPs) and strategies for assessing goals. We will discuss examples of inclusive games and discuss their benefits. We will explore the use of assistive technology and strategies to facilitate participation and demo the process in creating an adapted device. We will describe how these adaptations and strategies are used in an after school adapted wheelchair basketball program. By the end, participants should have a greater awareness of the importance of APE in promoting independence and encouraging physical activity for individuals with disabilities.

Learning Outcomes
1. As a result of this activity, participants will be able to define adaptive physical education and its importance in promoting physical activity among individuals with disabilities.
2. As a result of this activity, participants will identify inclusive games and activities for adaptive physical education that promote social interaction, balance and coordination, and cardiovascular endurance.
3. As a result of this activity, participants will identify ways to incorporate the use of assistive technology in adaptive physical education, including the types of assistive technology available and their benefits, and how to implement them in physical education.

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3DxfW9f

Rethinking Writing Across the Curriculum in the Age of AI

Presented by: Dr. Randy Laist

Writing Across the Curriculum can be an effective strategy for both enhancing writing skills and facilitating mastery-level comprehension of course content. Conventionally, however, WAC assignments tend to focus on objective and fact-based styles of writing that are easy to chatbot-plagiarize. Developing ideas articulated in his 2024 book, Rethinking Writing Instruction in the Age of AI, Dr. Randy Laist highlights creative ways that content-area teachers can design writing activities that engage students on a deep emotional level, encourage them to develop original ideas and new connections, and invite them to celebrate the joy of being human.

Following this webinar, participants will be able to:
1. Apply strategies for developing “chatbot-resistant” writing assignments in content-area classes.
2. Design engaging WAC writing assignments and activities that foreground students’ unique perspectives as human beings.
3. Evaluate strategies for using generative AI tools in a WAC context.

Thursday, January 30, 2025 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/49OKYpa

Empowering AT with AI: Strategies to Enhance AT and Special Education Processes (7-Part Webinar Series)

Presented by: Dr. Aaron Marsters

Description: This virtual series will span over the dates listed below. See description for topic focus for each session. Please plan to attend ALL live sessions listed.

  • Session 1: Wednesday, February 5, 2025 (11:00 AM-12:30 PM CST)
  • Session 2: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 (11:00 AM-12:30 PM CST)
  • Session 3: Thursday, February 20, 2025 (11:00 AM-12:30 PM CST)
  • Session 4: Thursday, February 27, 2025 (11:00 AM-12:30 PM CST)
  • Session 5: Thursday, March 6, 2025 (11:00 AM-12:30 PM CST)
  • Session 6: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 (11:00 AM-12:30 PM CST)
  • Session 7: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 (11:00 AM-12:30 PM CST)

This seven-part training series, ‘Empowering AT with AI: Strategies to Enhance AT and Special Education Processes,’ equips educators with practical tools and strategies to integrate AI-Language Models (LLMs) chatbots into assistive technology and special education workflows. By focusing on specific tasks like developing IDEA-compliant IEP components, enhancing AT consideration and implementation, tracking student progress, and planning transitions, educators can learn to use AI effectively to support student-centered AT approaches, streamline documentation, and improve decision-making. This training emphasizes the importance of ethical practices, equity, and the educator’s role in ensuring accuracy, personalizing outputs, and aligning AI-generated content with legal and professional standards for sustainable and impactful integration. Through hands-on activities, real-world examples, and collaborative discussions, participants will gain the knowledge and skills to leverage AI as a valuable tool to enhance AT and special education processes.  

Session 1: Foundations of AI-Language Models in AT Support and Ensuring Ethical Use

Objective: Build foundational knowledge of AI-Language Models (LLMs), their applications in AT and IEP tasks, and how to use them ethically and responsibly.

Focus: Introduce AI concepts, ethical considerations (e.g., bias mitigation), and prompt writing strategies specific to AT support. Participants will explore practical examples of AI assisting educators (focus on AT and IDEA) while maintaining oversight and compliance.

Session 2: Using AI LLMs for IDEA Compliance in IEPs

Objective: Equip educators to draft and refine IDEA-compliant IEP components using AI tools.

Focus: Participants will create and refine prompts for generating Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP), SMART goals, accommodations, and AT considerations. Activities will emphasize aligning AI outputs with IDEA’s legal and ethical standards.

Session 3: Enhancing AT Consideration, Assessment, and Documentation with AI LLMs

Objective: Teach participants how to integrate AI with existing AT frameworks to enhance AT considerations, assessments, and evaluations.

Focus: Participants will practice generating prompts for identifying student AT needs, matching tools to functional needs, and writing clear, detailed documentation. We will discuss and implement strategies to ensure AT decisions are inclusive, unbiased, and student-centered.

Session 4: Developing and Implementing AT Plans with AI Assistance

Objective: Guide participants in using AI to design and implement individualized AT implementation plans for students.

Focus: Participants will practice developing prompts to create step-by-step AT plans, including tool and strategy customization, staff and family training, and classroom integration. Emphasis will be placed on practical strategies to align AT plans with IEP goals and student progress monitoring.

Session 5: Monitoring and Evaluating AT Progress with AI Support

Objective: Show participants how AI can help develop, track, and evaluate AT effectiveness.

Focus: Participants will create prompts to generate data collection templates, analyze progress, and adjust AT plans based on evidence. Activities will illustrate how AI can support meaningful adjustments and ensure alignment with IEP goals.

Session 6: AT Transitions and Differentiation with AI Support

Objective: Help participants use AI tools to create effective AT transition plans and apply differentiation strategies for students with diverse needs.

Focus: This session covers two key areas:

    1. Transitions: Participants will create prompts to identify resources, supports, and accommodations that ensure successful AT transitions between settings. The session emphasizes maintaining AT continuity and addressing individual student needs.
    2. Differentiation: Participants will explore how AI generates tailored instructional strategies, accommodations, and modifications to meet varied learning profiles. Activities will focus on practical applications in inclusive classrooms and specialized settings.

Session 7: Putting the Pieces Together: Sharing, Troubleshooting, and Reflecting

Objective: Provide a collaborative space to share experiences, troubleshoot challenges, and reflect on AI’s role in AT and IEP processes.

Focus: Participants will review their learning, share feedback, and develop action plans for sustainable AI integration. Real-world case studies will be discussed, highlighting successes and lessons learned.

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4gIJ7VT

Successful Communication using Auditory Scanning- Setup through Implementation Series

Series presented by: Michele Bishop & Karen Kangas

  • Session 1: Wednesday, February 5, 2025 (3:30 – 4:30pm CST)
  • Session 2: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 (3:30 – 4:30pm CST)
  • Session 3: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 (3:30 – 4:30pm CST)
  • Session 4: Wednesday, March 5, 2025 (3:30 – 4:30pm CST)
  • Session 5: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 (3:30 – 4:30pm CST)
  • Session 6: Wednesday, March 26, 2025 (3:30 – 4:30pm CST)

Session 1: Setup and Design of the AAC Device to Support Scanning
Presented by: Michele Bishop

Objective: This session will explain and discuss the different device settings, what they mean, and why or why NOT to turn on certain settings. Additionally, we will discuss principles for customizing the layout for your student using scanning to access their device. The ultimate goal is to create an environment within the device that is optimal and supportive for your student’s success.

1. Learner will be able to apply the Dynamic Triangle to pre-stored page sets and vocabulary sets, and design new arrays that utilize this principle.
2. Learner will be able to customize settings and be able to create custom auditory cues that support the scan patterns that have been set.

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3E1HN1Q

Session 2: Underlying Issues (not always considered) for the process of teaching Access with Students who will use Auditory Scanning
Presented by: Karen Kangas

Objective: Too often, in the use of Assistive Technology (with AAC) within the classroom, access is focused on initially, and “assessed” first. This initial step of assessment doesn’t readily take into consideration specific student’s and generally well known child development, and the subsequent life experiences children utilize in learning. Access needs to be experienced, and taught within meaningful activity. How can we support this process of learning and experiencing access, within activity for children, and then how do we apply it to the use of AT and the successful support of independent communication. This workshop will explore the underlying issues that must be considered, and dispel some current “myths” of how access develops and is used.

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/40ChcRE

Session 3: Teaching the Skills of Scanning to Children
Presented by: Michele Bishop

Objective: Scanning doesn’t just happen when you plug in switches. There are skills within scanning that must be thoughtfully and supportively taught, before we can expect our children to successfully retrieve language and demonstrate their knowledge. This session will focus on what the student needs to learn and strategies and fun and relevant activities that can support the learning of the skills within scanning outside of the primary AAC device and the need for low-tech supports.

1. Learner will recognize and identify sub-skills within scanning.
2. Learner will be able to create activities that support the development of scanning sub-skills.

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4g6inNG

Session 4: Innovative Approaches to Teaching with Scanning and AAC Devices
Presented by: Michele Bishop

Objective: This session focuses on effective teaching strategies for students using scanning and AAC devices. Participants will learn how to integrate device usage and language organization while maintaining educational progress. Activities are designed to provide a less pressured learning environment, promoting skill development without constant testing. The course emphasizes the importance of merging students’ scanning skills with the setup and design of AAC devices, offering creative activities that support ongoing educational and language development.

1. Learners will recognize when they are teaching vs testing.
2. Learners will be able to create activities that support language retrieval and educational curriculum through the access method of scanning.

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3PIlalB

Session 5: Cognitive Mapping, Task Engagement, and Motor Learning supports for Students and their access to AAC and Auditory Scanning
Presented by: Karen Kangas

Objective: All children utilize “cognitive mapping” when learning. However, this very natural process is often overlooked and not well understood in students with complex bodies. It is an underlying skill used to assist children in true “navigation” and this learning journey which is required when learning to manage information and specifically assist in the motor control of reading. This includes the development of a visual, mental picture, critical for students using scanning, too. How do we help support that development? What types of motor learning also support extended task engagement? Learning to use an AAC device with auditory scanning requires time, and intense focus. We need to support our students within their learning sessions with increased knowledge of how their bodies need help with engagement.

1. The participant will be able to define “cognitive mapping.”
2. The participant will be able to identify at least two specific characteristics of body posture needed to support task engagement.
3. The participant will be able to define “task engagement.”

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4h0huHX

Session 6: Final Considerations and Strategies for Success with Auditory Scanning and your Student/s
Presented by: Karen Kangas & Michele Bishop

Objective: Both Michele and Karen will share additional thoughts, strategies, trouble shooting, they’ve learned and additional children’s stories which may further exemplify all the concepts they’ve shared through the last 5 hours.

1. The participant will be able to choose a student they are currently working with and identify a current and specific new teaching strategy they would like to add to their support of that student and their use of AAC.
2. The participant will be able to define “auditory scanning” and describe at least two of its characteristics.
3. The participant will be able to explain to a colleague the importance of “mobility” and its direct relationship to independent communication.

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4h0huHX

Rethinking Assistive Technology Evaluations

Presented by: Erin Ballman; Erin Ross

In this presentation, we’ll explore how adhering to the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) guidelines can lead to more effective and inclusive educational practices without the necessity of traditional Assistive Technology (AT) evaluations. By understanding and implementing the principles outlined by OSEP, we can optimize resources, promote student autonomy, and foster a supportive learning environment for all learners. Each presenter will offer rationale and effective alternatives to a formal evaluation process.

1. Participants will explain how AT evaluations are not necessary by backing up their claims using the AT Practitioner’s Guidelines, OSEP and National EdTech.
2. Participants will be able to document AT considerations in the IEP.

Friday, February 21, 2025 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/426pdQ2

AT Capacity Building: A Top-Down, Bottom-Up Approach

Presented by: Kirsten Kohlmeyer is the Director of Assistive Technology at Redwood Day School, providing intervention and education across school, community-based, and virtual environments. An occupational therapist with extensive experience across physical rehabilitation, assistive technology, and special education, Kirsten is passionate about empowering students and parents with the tools and advocacy skills they need to excel in academic, vocational, and avocational pursuits. She draws on her special education experiences as a parent, service provider, consultant, and advocate when working with educational teams. Kirsten has published in textbooks, blogs, AT publications, and peer-reviewed journals and has presented nationally on various topics. She holds a post-professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, M.S. in Rehabilitation Services Administration, and a B.S. in Occupational Therapy.

Building assistive technology (AT) capacity is about building systems; it’s not just a buzzword for adding “stuff “or staff. Building AT capacity is essential for inclusion, accessibility, enhanced functionality, independence, and equal opportunities for all students. This interactive session will give attendees tangible takeaways to build AT capacity by increasing AT awareness, buy-in, utilization, and integration across virtual and in-person learning environments. The presentation scope and sequence will provide a roadmap and examples of how to conduct an environmental survey, cultivate team culture to connect educational silos and develop sustainable systems for staff training and support. Lessons learned and ongoing quality improvement initiatives will also be shared.

After attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • identify three strategies to monitor the AT capacity-building process
  • articulate four resources necessary to build AT capacity
  • describe three components for staff AT training relevant to their work setting

Monday, April 14, 2025 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3XcE7B9

AT & Social Emotional Learning Series

Presented by: Paul J Auger MA, M.Ed., ATP

Session 1: Hidden SEL

Many educators are discussing the importance of Social Emotional Learning (SEL). While they recognize its value and express a desire to incorporate it into their professional practice, many also convey the challenge of finding time amidst their already demanding schedules and workloads. This workshop assists teachers in identifying elements within their existing lesson plans that naturally incorporate social-emotional education, referred to by the presenter as “accidental Social Emotional Learning,” Participants will gain an understanding of what SEL entails and how to pinpoint sections of their lesson plans that offer opportunities for students to engage with one or more of the five core competencies defined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). Educators are encouraged to bring at least one lesson plan they intend to implement in the upcoming week or two. They will analyze their lesson plans in collaborative teams to uncover the potential for fostering student growth in these competencies.

By the end of this workshop, educators will be able to:

Identify and describe CASEL’s five core competencies

Articulate the benefits of integrating SEL into academic subjects rather than treating it as a separate topic

Examine a pre-existing lesson plan to identify opportunities for Social Emotional Learning

Incorporate Social Emotional Learning objectives into their grading rubric

Monday, April 28, 2025 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3Qzwlxa

Session 2: Assistive Technology and Social-Emotional Learning (AT & SEL Series Part 2)

Students of all ability levels are utilizing technology in today’s classrooms. While some technologies cater to personal preferences, others are essential for certain students to access the curriculum effectively. Many educators view assistive technology primarily as a tool for students with disabilities to complete tasks or achieve specific goals. However, the role of assistive technology goes far beyond mere task-oriented objectives. It also allows students to express their identities, connect socially, manage their environments, make independent choices, foster meaningful relationships, and engage in responsible and sometimes irresponsible decision-making.

Monday, May 5, 2025 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4gXmkVo

Embracing Minds of All Kinds Series

Presented by: Amanda Morin is a neurodivergent neurodiversity activist, an award-winning author of six books, early childhood specialist, and nationally known speaker, deeply committed to fostering accessible and inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals. She leverages her expertise in learning and child development, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), special education, advocacy, and mental health to distill complex data into easily digestible information for parents, educators, and employers who want to advance the mission of creating inclusive content, programs, and strategies to make the world accessible to all.

Session 1 Behavior as Communication: Supporting Executive Function to Foster Positive Behavior

How we understand and respond to behavior shapes the support we provide to our students. In this session, we’ll dive into the connection between behavior and executive function, exploring how this understanding can transform classroom practices. Discover the functions of behavior through a lens that emphasizes context over compliance and learn strategies to teach replacement behaviors that build students’ skills and resilience. This session will equip you with tools and insights to reframe behavior as communication, ensuring every student feels supported and understood.
Key topics include:

  1. Applying the EATS acronym to identify the drivers of student behavior while recognizing the role of executive function.
  2. Evaluating the impact of traditional behavior management systems on neurodivergent students and rethinking practices to foster inclusive, supportive classrooms.
  3. Embracing proactive, compassionate approaches to help students express themselves effectively and thrive.
  4. Harnessing the power of co-regulation to create neurodiversity-affirming environments that prioritize emotional regulation and social-emotional skill development.

March 20, 2025 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3XhwE3B

Session 2 Beyond Behavior charts: Building UDL-Friendly Classrooms to Support Diverse Learners

How can we move beyond traditional behavior management practices and focus on fostering executive function skills in neurodivergent students? This session challenges conventional systems like behavior charts, which often emphasize compliance at the expense of skill-building and introduces a paradigm shift toward understanding behavior as an expression of underlying executive function needs. Explore alternative strategies that prioritize compassion, curiosity, and proactive support, helping students develop essential skills like emotional regulation, flexible thinking, and self-monitoring.

Learn about the critical role of co-regulation in building students’ capacity to manage emotions and navigate social interactions while respecting and affirming their unique neurodivergent experiences. This session offers practical tools, and mindset shifts for educators to support executive function development in a way that is equitable, empowering, and neurodiversity-affirming, creating inclusive classrooms where every student can thrive.

April 10, 2025 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4bdVEP2

Session 3 Action Planning For Implementing Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices

This hands-on session empowers educators to create inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming classrooms by focusing on practical strategies that support executive function and reduce the need for students to mask their differences. Participants will engage in grade-level-specific planning to build environments that embrace all learners through:

  1. Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Applying flexible teaching practices to meet diverse needs.
  2. Accommodations for All: Implementing strategies that proactively support executive function challenges.
  3. Collaborative Teaching Approaches: Strengthening co-teaching methods to foster inclusivity.
    Through interactive discussions, participants will explore real-world classroom scenarios, sharing and refining strategies to address common challenges. The session will culminate in the creation of personalized action plans, enabling educators to immediately apply neurodiversity-affirming practices in their classrooms and foster environments where all students can thrive authentically.

April 24, 2025 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4gWDoLj

Introduction to 3D Printing Keyguards

Presented by: Brigid Peterson

Brigid Peterson is the Assistive Technology Coordinator for Elmhurst School District 205. She is a former special education teacher and administrator who loves figuring out how to get kids access to the school environment, curriculum, and their peers! When she’s not at school she’s either reading a book or driving her kids’ around!

Learn how to get started 3D printing your own AAC keyguards! This webinar will walk you through the process of designing and printing a keyguard to meet your individual student’s needs! You’ll learn about all the program and resources you’ll need to start 3D printing and some ideas to get keyguards printed even if you don’t have your own printer! Once you get started, you won’t be able to stop!

  1. Become familiar with Volkswitch website and how it supports 3D printing keyguards
  2. Identify resources needed to begin printing your own keyguards

March 11, 2025 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3Cd0KxN