Scheduled at 11:30 am in Colorado I-J on Friday, November 21.
#42020Speaker(s)
- Cath Stager, Assistive Technology Specialist
- Wink Harner, Assistive Technology Consultant, The Foreign Type
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: All Levels
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
Finding effective and efficient solutions is crucial. Whether you're new to implementing AT or a seasoned professional seeking fresh insights, this presentation offers valuable, actionable strategies to optimize AT adoption in resource-constrained environments. Explore how to 'Make the Easy Button' in your own workplace through practical tips, real-world examples, & utilizing questionnaires to identify common challenges and effective AT solutions, especially in resource-constrained environments.
Abstract
In today's fast-paced world, the ability to identify and implement effective and efficient solutions is essential, particularly when working with assistive technology (AT) in resource-constrained environments. This engaging and informative presentation aims to equip participants with actionable strategies to optimize AT adoption, fostering inclusive learning experiences for all students.
Whether you're new to assistive technology (AT), an experienced professional seeking fresh perspectives or in need of ideas for collaborating with campus student support resources, this session provides a wealth of practical tips and real-world examples designed to tackle common challenges in AT implementation and adoption. Explore the benefits of building strong AT partnerships in your workplace and learn how to leverage these collaborations to create a seamless, efficient intake process.
Drawing from the experiences of AT professionals, this presentation shares techniques (like those in our resource documents) to guide you in identifying students' needs and providing appropriate AT solutions that enhance student persistence. Discover Q&A techniques that can be adapted to your unique workplace, helping you identify potential barriers and tailor solutions to the specific challenges faced by students with diverse learning needs.
By attending this presentation, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to successful AT adoption, as well as the strategies needed to overcome obstacles and foster continuous improvement. Join us as we delve into the essential components of an effective AT ecosystem and learn how to make your own 'easy button' – streamlining processes, enhancing collaboration, and promoting student success in the ever-evolving world of assistive technology.
Keypoints
- Learn practical tips and real-world examples for student AT adoption from intake to follow up.
- Discover when & how to use simple questionnaires to link common challenges to potential AT solutions.
- Identify strategies for fostering campus collaboration and enhancing AT selection outcomes.
Disability Areas
Cognitive/Learning, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Psychological, Vision
Topic Areas
Accessibility and Accommodation in the Current Political/Legal Environment, Assistive Technology, Uncategorized, Web/Media/App Access
Speaker Bio(s)
Cath Stager
Catherine "Cath" M. Stager, an Assistive Technology Specialist and accessibility expert for over 25 years, has extensive experience supporting students, faculty, and staff in higher education. Through her work at several Colorado universities, Cath has championed Universal Design, Accessibility, Assistive Technology, and Disability Rights. A founding member of the Assistive Technology Higher Education Network (ATHEN) and a key player at the Accessing Higher Ground (AHG) Conference, Cath's commitment to advancing accessibility dates back to 1998. At that time, she led the development of one of Colorado's first electronic textbooks in collaboration with an author of Chemistry the Central Science, a project that demonstrated her dedication to improving higher ed students' access to academics and to the field of Assistive Technology. As a Coordinator at the Assistive Technology Resource Center, her role as an author and in creating the first accessibility.colostate.edu website highlights the foundational importance of AT expertise and information dissemination in the policy's origins. Also being a Certified Usability Analyst, Cath shares her expert advice and offers specialized consultations to promote and improve assistive technology and accessibility.
Wink Harner
Wink Harner - Has been an active member of ATHEN for 25 years and served for nearly a decade on the ATHEN Executive Board as Member-At-Large. Wink was invited as the keynote speaker for the 2019 Texas AHEAD conference. She is the former director of disability services at Mesa Community College in Arizona, the Adaptive Technology Specialist for the DR office at Southern Oregon University. She currently works in freelance adaptive technology consulting and provides specialized alternative text conversions in math, sciences and foreign languages. She has been a professor of multiple languages for more than 25 years having completed her doctoral studies in Spanish, Portuguese, & French. Since August 2016, Wink developed and taught the adaptive technology in higher education core course for CUNY's Masters of Science in Disability Studies Program. In 2023 she developed a course in professional development for AHEAD in adaptive technology in higher education. She has presented at adaptive technology conferences for decades. For fun, Wink plays trombone in 2 symphonic wind bands and a jazz band, as well as performing as a professional storyteller with the Portland Storytellers Guild.