GENERAL NEWS: Web Conference

Web Conference 4-part Series: Learning Disabilities and Adaptive Technology
The dates for the series will be October 5, 12, 19 and 26
Registration is $150: Register at:
<http://easi.cc/forms/ldconf.htm>

Part 1 Learning Disabilities - Adolescents and Adults
Presenter: Noel Gregg, Ph.D. Director & Distinguished Research Professor
University of Georgia
Regents Center for Learning Disorders
This first presentation in a series of four focusing on learning disabilities will present an
overview of learning disabilities and the adolescent /adult population. Several individual
profiles will be used to investigate defining individual attributes, assessment issues, and effective learning strategies. The similarities and differences observed with learning disabilities related to instructional, testing, and work strategies will be emphasized. The need for understanding the heterogeneity across the population will be highlighted.

Part 2: K-12 through Transition: One Size Does Not Fit All
Presenter: Pene Chambers, Director, Information Systems
Department of Special Education
Kennedy Krieger Institute
Technology affords flexibility and can accommodate unique and diverse individual
needs and interests without compromising goals and objectives. Use what you have
better. You will learn where and why to access books and text from the web as well as what to do with the text to make it more accessible and usable. You will learn about ways to alter standard applications, including Microsoft Word and PowerPoint and use technology in non-expected ways. Included will be information about altering and using standard word processing programs including how and why to create templates and create forms. You will also learn how and why to use PowerPoint as an organizer and to make non-linear presentations.
Other strategies and less normal application combinations will be included.

Part 3: LD and AT in Post-secondary Education
Presenter: Carolyn Phillips, Manager,
Georgia Department of Labor/VR Tools for Life Program Vocational Rehabilitation
Program Customized Employment gives power back to individuals, families, employers
and community stakeholders. Participants will be exposed to unique profiles of individuals with learning disabilities who have benefited from the concept of customized employment because it fosters flexibility, individuality, unique strengths and desires and a partnership with the natural community. This presentation will show that working across local, state, federal and
international domains advances the opportunities for persons with disabilities to increase their access and participation in employment and daily life. This presentation will also address key concepts with customized employment: self determination, zero exclusion criteria, interest based assessment, individualized job development, integrated and linked employment, choice-based
options for, and user friendly access to, assistive technology

Part 4: The Matrix: Incorporating Universal Design for Learning in a Post-secondary
setting for Student with Learning Disabilities
Presenter: Christopher M. Lee, Ph.D.
Director, AMAC, University System of Georgia
This presentation will explore how disability services are evolving within the post-secondary environment. The scope of disability services has changed as a result of access to alternative media and more effective ways of linking accommodations, modifications, and AT to individual student profiles. With better informed staff and more innovative options students should be receiving better services. If so, then why are retention and graduation rates for students with
disabilities so low? Are students utilizing these innovative services? This presentation
will offer participants insight on how students in post-secondary settings are accessing and using assistive technology services, how post-secondary systems are incorporating universal design for learning models, and will highlight innovative systems that are linking and expanding to others outside of network partners and creating a service-driven Matrix.

Note, in September there is another 4-part fee-based Web conference series on making Podcasts and Vodcasts accessible and also 2 free Web conferences:
<http://easi.cc/clinic.htm>

Also, EASI's online, month-long, instructor-led courses have been significantly enhanced and revised. In September the course is Barrier-free Information Technology, and this course will count towards the Certificate in Accessible Information Technology:
<http://easi.cc/workshop.htm>