NEAT Center at Oak Hill Schedules Assistive Technology Training Series for Educators of Students with Special Needs and Disabilities

Apps and iDevice Tools Open Doors for Students with Vision, Hearing, Motor Skills and Other Disability Challenges

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The New England Assistive Technology (NEAT) Resource and Education Center at Oak Hill in Hartford, Connecticut is hosting a series of professional development workshops to train educators on assistive technology tools that reach students with special needs and disabilities as well as all learners.

“App-tastic Reading and Writing Tools for the iPad”

Training focuses on iDevices, such as Apple’s iPad, that break down barriers to accessing information technology for students with vision, hearing, motor skills and other disability challenges.

A strong October schedule includes App-tastic and iEXPLORE workshops that train teachers and students on iDevices and apps designed for people with disabilities, special needs, low vision or blindness. The Apps-related workshops are supported by a free half-day session with Apple Inc. called “Reaching all Learners” and the 5^th Annual “Tools for Schools” full-day program that teaches educators how to modify assistive technology solutions.

NEAT’s Professional Development training schedule and registration information for the school year can be accessed at neatmarketplace.org/professional.

Apps-related workshops and webinars teach iPad navigation skills and use for reading, writing, language, communication, literacy enhancement, comprehension, organization and presentation. “App-tastic Reading and Writing Tools for the iPad” will be held October 9, 2012, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the NEAT Center at Oak Hill. Registration fee includes CEUs and lunch: $90 members/ $110 non-members. Additional App-tastic workshops and webinars are scheduled through April 2013. To register, visit neatmarketplace.org/professional or call Nicole Feeney, NEAT: 860-243-2869.

Apple’s workshop “Reaching All Learners” teaches how to use iDevice solutions and apps to maximize communication, independence, participation and productivity of students with special needs and disabilities. The half-day session focuses on the iPad and is particularly helpful for curriculum development and special education teachers. The program is Wednesday, October 17, 9 a.m. to noon at the NEAT Center at Oak Hill. The session is free, but seats are limited. Register on Apple’s website: https://edseminars.apple.com/event/FQ2q1-paVGY or call Nicole Feeney, NEAT: 860-243-2869.

The 5^th Annual NEAT Tools for Schools event offers a hands-on computer lab with the latest assistive technologies. The full-day workshop shows how to use various materials to easily create and modify assistive technology to adapt an iPad, computer, switches, workstations, educational environments and independent living aids. It is designed for administrators, special and regular educators, occupational and physical therapists, related service professionals, students with disabilities and their families. Dr. Therese Willkomm, Director of New Hampshire’s State Assistive Technology Program with the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire, is the keynote presenter. The workshop is Tuesday, October 23, 2012, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the NEAT Center at Oak Hill. $25 registration includes light breakfast, CEUs and materials. Lunch is available onsite for purchase. To register, visit neatmarketplace.org/professional.

The iEXPLORE workshop series provides hands-on training for educators and individuals with low vision or blindness. To register, visit neatmarketplace.org/professional or call Steve Famiglietti at 860-286-3100.

• Workshop 1: Orientation to the iPhone/iPad: October 16, 2012, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the NEAT Center at Oak Hill. $90 fee includes CEUs and lunch.
• Workshop 2: Email, Text Messaging and Browsing the Web: October 30, 2012, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the NEAT Center at Oak Hill. $90 fee includes CEUs and lunch.
• Workshop 3: Entertainment on the iPhone/iPad: Using the App Store and iTunes: November 13, 2012, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the NEAT Center at Oak Hill. $90 fee includes CEUs and lunch.

Oak Hill enhances independence and quality of life for people with disabilities, including visual impairments, by setting the standard in providing innovative solutions, program excellence, services and advocacy. Companies interested in supporting Oak Hill’s mission are encouraged to contact Oak Hill’s Development Office at 860-769-3834. For more information, visit ciboakhill.org.