DETAC Announces New Results in Systems Excellence (RISE) Peer e-Learning Community: Assistive Technology & Employment
As AoD grantees (directly or indirectly) support individuals with disabilities to obtain and retain competitive, integrated employment (CIE), they are faced with unprecedented challenges in supporting people with disabilities to access the vital assistive technology that is needed for daily living or CIE. Some individuals who desperately need the supports in the form of assistive technology cannot obtain what is needed due to funding limitations, lack of resources or their provider’s inability to fund such supports. Grantees are presented with the dilemma in the lack of resources, funding, and partnerships that support individuals with disabilities to utilize the emergent technology needed to excel in activities of everyday life.
If your grantee organization is experiencing some challenges with the lack of resources, knowledge, or partnerships to support the advancement of assistive technology for people with disabilities in your state, then this RISE Peer e-Learning Community in Assistive Technology and Employment is for you!
The spirit of the ADA and the Assistive Technology Act is equity, fair and impartial access for people with disabilities. Assistive Technology (AT) can impact a person’s well-being by improving their ability to connect with others, access their community, work, and live more independently. AT includes any piece of equipment, or product, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Join us as we review both traditional and new tools/resources, gain a broader perspective, brainstorm strategies to leverage collaborative partners, integrate smart screen technology on a larger scale, and plan for successful implementation of AT structures within your organization to advance competitive, integrated employment for people with disabilities.
SPACE IS LIMITED, SO APPLY NOW at
 https://forms.gle/YA8e3UoUGPK5b6p88 Â
 Â
APPLICATIONS DUE February 11th, 2022
LAUNCH MEETING: February 24, 2022, 3:00-4:30/EST
Session Structure
Virtual Classes: 10 sessions
Dates: February 24th thru May 5th, 2022 (no session March 24th)
Time: Thursdays 3:00-4:30 ET / 12-3:30 PT
Co-Facilitators: Jennifer White/Able Opportunities & AT3 Center
Session Links: Zoom Meeting links will be provided once grantees have been accepted into the e-Learning Community (accommodations provided based upon request). The links will be sent from the DETACs Gmail Account, AoDEmploymentTA@Gmail.com.
Topics include:
- Assistive Technology Overview, From Traditional Devices to Home Systems, Smart Screens & Apps
- Developing Your Program’s AT Needs, Capabilities and Growth
- Understanding Your AT Program, Strengthening External Partnerships, and Internal Experts
- Structures to Identify Needs, Services, and Plans for Individuals
- Technology Furthering Employment Outcomes for People with a Range of Disabilities
- Building Resource/Training Libraries, External Resources & Practical Internal Builds
- Projects & Plans with Collaborative Partners
- Tools for the Virtual World
About the Presenters:
Jennifer White is a seasoned educator and consultant. After a career as a high school special education transition teacher, she opened Able Opportunities, Inc., a national consulting company with a mission to level the playing field for youth and adults with disabilities. In 2006 she created the Work Independence Network (WIN) Program, a replicable business model for hiring and retaining employees with intellectual disabilities. In 2014, she launched the Work Autonomy App, a person-centered accommodation tool that is creating an increase in independence and a decrease in coaching need. As a Subject Matter Expert, she designs and facilities collaborative projects with corporations, federal, state and county agencies, schools, families, and vocational rehabilitation providers, specializing in innovative school to work programs, employer engagement through business-minded strategies, and assistive technology tools leading to successful placement in paid employment.
Marty Exline is with the Assistive Technology (AT) Act Technical Assistance and Training (AT3) Center. The Center is the training and technical assistance provider to the 56 state and territory Assistive Technology (AT) Act programs. Previously, Marty served as the Director of Missouri Assistive Technology (MoAT). Prior to serving as Director, he was MoAT’s Policy and Funding Coordinator, focusing on Medicaid and long-term care issues for assistive technology acquisition. Marty has over 35 years of working in the disabilities field, including with a center for independent living providing training on ADA compliance for corporations  and local governments. He served as director of a nonprofit foundation providing recreational opportunities for children and adults with disabilities in Kansas. Marty has an MPA from the University of Kansas and a BS in Public Affairs from Emporia State University.
Dave Scherer is with the Assistive Technology (AT) Act Technical Assistance and Training (AT3) Center. The Center is the training and technical assistance provider to the 56 state and territory Assistive Technology (AT) Act programs. Previously, Dave served as the Director of the South Dakota Assistive Technology Act Program, DakotaLink. Dave has over 40 years’ experience as a Human Services Professional including: development of policy and procedure, improvement of internal and external communications, development of funding resources, hiring, and supervising direct care personal, screening client referrals, and providing mental health and drug and alcohol counseling services to at-risk youth in residential and educational settings. Dave has a BS with a double major in Sociology and Psychology from Black Hills State University and participated in post graduate studies at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University, New York, New York.
