FOR ALL GRANTEES: CILs, DD Councils, P&As, UCEDDs, TBI State Partnerships, and PNS-CCE
SPACE IS LIMITED, SO APPLY NOW at:
https://forms.gle/GoXrPBCBz84mj2JF6
APPLICATIONS DUE: December 20, 2023, 5:00 PM ET
LAUNCH MEETING: January 24, 2024, 1:00-2:30 PM ET
As AoD grantees (directly or indirectly) support individuals with disabilities to obtain and retain competitive, integrated employment (CIE), they are often faced with unprecedented challenges in supporting people with disabilities to access vital off-the-shelf assistive technology that is needed for daily living or CIE. Once this hurdle is cleared, and technology is purchased, the challenge often remains on how to best integrate these technologies.
If your grantee organization is experiencing some challenges with the lack of tools and knowledge, to support the integration of smart devices as assistive technology for people with disabilities, then this RISE Peer e-Learning Community 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. Over the last dozen years, AT has come to include smart devices marketed to the masses.
Join us as we review new teaching 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.
Session Structure:
Virtual Classes: Five 1.5-hour sessions, with 1 hour of content and 30 minutes of Q&A during the 4th Wednesday of every month from January 2024 to May 2024.
Session Dates:
- Session 1: Jan 24, 2024
- Session 2: Feb 28, 2024
- Session 3: Mar 27, 2024
- Session 4: Apr 24, 2024
- Session 5: May 22, 2024
Time: Wednesdays 1:00-2:30PM/ET /// 10:00-11:30AM/PT
Co-Facilitators: Jennifer White, CEO & Andrew McQuaide, Trainer / Able Opportunities, Inc.
Hands On Training: Bring your Galaxy Tablet or iPad for lessons on set up and skill training.
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:
- Touch Screen Tablets
- Self-Advocacy and other uses for Film on Your Touch Screen Tablet
- Community Mapping
- Apps, Apps, and More Apps
- Smart Homes
Interested grantees should complete the application form. Registration is required by 5:00 PM ET on December 20, 2023. SPACE IS LIMITED, SO APPLY NOW!
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.
Andrew McQuaide is a brother to Emily and Daniel, both with I/DD. He brought the wisdom of lived experience into his professional career, starting as a Direct Support Professional, through to becoming the Director of Services at Perspectives Corporation and Skills for Rhode Island’s Future, supporting each organizations’ commitment to advancing employment and inclusion for all Rhode Islanders with I/DD. Andrew helped facilitate the State of Rhode Island entering into its landmark settlement agreement with the United States Department of Justice responding to violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and was appointed by Governor Lincoln Chafee to serve as the State’s Consent Decree Coordinator. As a thought leader in the field of disability justice, Andrew now consults for a variety of organizations serving people with I/DD and co-hosts the podcast “Disability News You Can Use”. He also serves as an elected representative on the Chariho Regional School District School Committee.
