Presented at 9:15am in Westminster III on Wednesday, November 20, 2019.
#29449Speaker(s)
- Rachel Kruzel, Assistive Technology Specialist, University of St. Thomas
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: Beginner
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
The fields of assistive technology and accessibility are in perpetual states of change. Companies are making constant updates to their products. Staying on top of updates is essential for any assistive technology or EIT professional. This session will focus on assistive technology and accessibility updates and changes from major technology compan
Abstract
On any given day, multiple technology companies central to the assistive technology and accessibility field are sending out updates to their products. As a result of user feedback, the rapidly changing needs of our users and our field, as well as to stay relevant and current in the market, technology companies are streaming updates to us at a near constant rate. For any user, support staff, or implementer, this means needing to continually stay abreast of these tools and their functionalities to support our field and the work we do.This presentation will feature and demonstrate the most recent updates from the major assistive technology and accessibility companies that are supporting these fields in higher education. The latest developments from Texthelp, Sonocent, Google, Microsoft, as well as accessibility companies will be showcased. Both for-cost and free and low cost programs will be shown throughout the session.
Keypoints
- Assistive technology and accessibility companies are continually releasing updates to support the field.
- Being knowledgeable in these updates and changes supports users, the institution and institutional efforts.
- Updates and changes are released at a continual rate and keep up on technological developments.
Disability Areas
All Areas
Topic Areas
Assistive Technology, Uncategorized
Speaker Bio(s)
Rachel Kruzel
Rachel Kruzel, ATP, is the Assistive Technology & Accommodations Specialist at the University of St. Thomas. in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and is a RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Practitioner (ATP). She has over 9 years of experience working with assistive technology, digital, electronic, and web accessibility, and academic accommodations implementation. Rachel has presented both regionally and nationally on a variety of topics about assistive technology, as well as accessibility, transition, assistive technology tools such as the QIAT-PS and specific software program demonstrations and trainings, She also consults with colleges, universities, organizations, parents, and students around these subject areas through trainings, workshops, external reviews, and direct consumer or office support.