8:15 9:00 Registration, Continental Breakfast, Exhibits

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2007

8:15 – 9:00 Registration, Continental Breakfast, Exhibits

9:00 – 10:00 Keynote, James River Ballroom (first floor)

10:10 – 12:20 Commercial Workshops (upstairs and downstairs)

12:20 – 12:50 Box Lunches, Visit Exhibits

Box Lunches are available Upstairs and Downstairs

12:50 – 3:10 Commercial Workshops Continued

3:10 – 4:00 Exhibits and Refreshments

4:00 “King Gimp” Documentary

Commercial Workshop Schedule

10:10-11:10 Commercial Workshops

Explore the World of Inclusive Technology! Hands-on

Parlor A—Presented by: Erin Lavin, AT KidSystems, Inc.

Are you looking for unique new ways to provide effective computer experiences for your students? Then join us in a structured, interactive, hands-on session! We’ll share pointers on customizing computer experiences, combining therapy with content goals and reaching targeted objectives through the use of inclusive technology and accessible software.

Language and Access Combined: Introduction to the ECO-14 from Prentke Romich Company

Parlor B—Presented by: Chip Clarke, Assistive Technology Works, Inc.

PRC's new ECO-14 ushers in a new generation of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices by combining advanced communicating and robust computing in a single device! This sleek, large-screened, and versatile device is an AAC aid and Windows® XP based computer rolled into one-allowing powerful, independent AAC communication, plus convenient, state-of-the-art computing on the go. New features such as Vocabulary Masking, Visual Scenes, Integrated computer control, and the newly improved head pointing system will be highlighted.

Using Symbols to Address Curriculum and Standards

Parlor C—Presented by: Dana Stump, Educational Specialist, Mayer-Johnson, LLC

This session will explore the use of symbol support and technology to aid professionals in addressing complex standards and curriculum when instructing challenging and diverse populations. Demonstration will include making complex vocabulary and concepts more accessible in the areas of reading, math, science and social studies. Participants will also learn many ways to modify, adapt, and differentiate the curriculum to incorporate diverse learners. Tools to be explored include Boardmaker and Boardmaker Plus.

Neo2

Parlor D—Presented by: Angela Lamont, AlphaSmart, A Renaissance Learning Brand

The Portable Neo Laptops by AlphaSmart, original Neo and the all new Neo2 help teachers effectively implement research proven strategies for improving student’s writing. Neo and Neo2 are tools to help teachers keep students focused on writing as well as the opportunity to differentiate instruction. The one to one communication of the Neo and Neo2 help keep students’ engaged in the classroom.

Practice Equals Ownership: The Hard Work of Reading

Chesterfield Room—Presented by: Sandy Ballard and Ron Dechristoforo, West End Media

The job of a student is to practice, and for over 20 years LEXIA LEARNING SYSTEMS and MY READING COACH have helped with that tough job for beginning to adult learners. Through interactive assessment and activities, students master the essential skills of reading and language. Door prize at session!

11:20-12:20 Commercial Workshops

Reading Solutions for Students Who Read Differently

Parlor A—Presented by: Bob Keller, Don Johnston, Inc.

Start-to-Finish is a collection of books and supportive audio, computer and print media for use in reading, language arts, social studies and science curriculum. Each series is based on validated educational research and uses precise language structure to develop higher order thinking skills and improve content comprehension.

Using Technology to Engage the Struggling Student with the Curriculum

Parlor B—Presented by: David Bradburn, Cambium Learning Technologies, Inc.

The workshop will model the use of IntelliTools Classroom Suite for actual use in the classroom. Teachers will interact with the presenter to demonstrate ways to effectively engage the student using the classroom curriculum.

The Power of Thematic Instruction

Parlor C—Presented by: Dana Stump, Educational Consultant, Mayer-Johnson, LLC

This session explores the power of thematic instruction and the many benefits it presents to diverse populations. Strategies for maximizing the benefits of thematic instruction will be provided. In addition, sample thematic activities will be shared utilizing the Boardmaker Software Family to demonstrate a multitude of activities across various curricular areas, including related services. Participants will also be given the opportunity to brainstorm a theme with colleagues in an effort to leave the session with a pre-designed activity for the population of their choice.

Great Balls of Fire! There’s a Whole Lot of Talking Goin’ On

Parlor D—Presented by: Ken Whitley, Key Technologies, Inc.

Have a whole lot to say…but don’t need the capabilities, cost, or nuisance of a dynamic display device? This presentation will examine four current, quality, and very capable recording communication devices that are packed with features and meet many nonspeaking person’s needs. The Talara-32, Macaw 5, Bluebird II w/ Picture Master Language Software, and ChatBox 40-XT will be discussed and demonstrated.

An Overview of Texthelp’s Read & Write GOLD Literacy Support Software

Chesterfield Room—Presented by: Peter Ramsdell, Texthelp Systems, Inc.

Do you have students who are falling behind due to reading and writing difficulties? Are they spending too much time decoding every word and then losing the meaning of the sentence? Do their writing assignments even meet the minimum words required? Are they using the web for research, but are unable to organize what they find? Are their struggles with reading and writing lowering their self-esteem? Please come to this session to learn how Read & Write GOLD will help your struggling students become better students who enjoy reading and writing and improve their self-esteem in the process.

Creating a SMART Elementary Classroom to Engage, Excite, & Enlighten your Students

Parlor E—Presented by: Kimberleigh Hanft, Smart Technologies

Discover how the SMART Board Interactive Whiteboard, AirLiner Wireless Slate, and the Senteo Student Response System are being used to seamlessly integrate technology into classrooms around the world. Learn about the many features of SMART Notebook software and the new Lesson Activity Toolkit. A demonstration of SMART Notebook lessons & activities for K-12 across all subject areas will be featured.

Star Reporter: A Research Based K-12 Program for Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities

Parlor F—Presented by: Mary Sagstetter and Phil Schlenker, AbleNet, Inc.

Discover the power of a multi-year theme-based K-12 program developed specifically for students with moderate to severe disabilities. Observe how the Star Reporter program can support educators to focus on individual instruction, collaborate with related services providers, and successfully integrate assistive technology to support student growth and achievement.

12:20-12:50 Box Lunches, Attend Sessions and Visit Exhibits, Box Lunches are available Upstairs and Downstairs

12:50-1:50 Commercial Workshops

Incite Learning Series – Front Loading the Curriculum

Parlor A—Presented by: Bob Keller, Don Johnston, Inc.

The Incite! Learning Series is a collection of original short films and a thought-provoking instruction model to engage every student in the critical thinking and feeling process. This research-based program was developed around the science of how students learn best using the theory of "anchored instruction" and "front-loading" standards-based curriculum.

An Overview of the DynaVox V and InterAACT Language Philosophy

Parlor B—Presented by: Carolyn Bain, DynaVox Technologies

The presentation will be an overview of the new DynaVox V & Vmax devices and the InterAACT software. We will use case studies to show the ideology and process using this new framework. We will also discuss basic questions and concerns about AAC evaluations and setups with new clients.

Using Symbols to Address Curriculum and Standards (Repeat)

Parlor C—Presented by: Dana Stump, Educational Specialist, Mayer-Johnson, LLC

Simply Creating Simple Special Needs Activities

Parlor D—Presented by: Ken Whitley, Key Technologies, Inc.

Students with special needs often benefit from custom designed computer activities which feature familiar graphics, videos and voices. Unfortunately, earlier “authoring programs” required a significant learning curve, creation effort, and programming time on the part of the teacher or parent. Many of these programs were left unused or underused due to their sheer complexity. However, there now exists a series of easy to learn and easy to use activity creation programs that both teachers and families find of great value. This presentation will examine SwitchIt! Maker 2 (cause and effect), ChooseIt! Maker 2 (choice-making), Jigsaw Maker 2 (jigsaws) and My Own Bookshelf (onscreen books). Each of these programs is either a “really simple” (3 of them) or “fairly simple” (1 of them) program to learn and use. Each is a talking program that can provide custom activities for many special needs students.

An Overview of Texthelp’s Read & Write GOLD Literacy Support Software (Repeat)

Chesterfield Room—Presented by: Peter Ramsdell, Texthelp Systems, Inc.

Creating a SMART Secondary Classroom to Engage, Excite, & Enlighten your Students

Parlor E—Presented by: Kimberleigh Hanft, Smart Technologies

MEville to WEville: An Early Literacy and Communication Program

Parlor F—Presented by: Mary Sagstetter and Phil Schlenker, AbleNet, Inc.

Explore the first researched-based program specifically developed for students with moderate to severe disabilities who have difficulties learning to read and write through traditional instructional methods. Learn how focusing on the critical literacy learning areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening will lead to literacy success for your students. Discover a tool that allows for the inclusion of all of your students in the literacy lessons. Demonstrations of “Lessons in Action” will be shared.

2:10-3:10 Commercial Workshops Continued

SOLO and RTI

Parlor A—Presented by: Bob Keller, Don Johnston, Inc.

SOLO, from Don Johnston Incorporated, is a software tool set that builds learning skills in reading, writing, planning, organizing, revising and editing for students in grades 3 to 12... SOLO is the only software solution your students need to improve skills in content area reading, research projects and essay writing. Research shows by meeting state and national standards the key to success involves leveraging individual strengths while supporting every student as they build skills for long-term achievement. SOLO builds skills independently by helping students practice research-based reading and writing strategies in curriculum coursework.

Solutions for Low Vision and Blindness

Parlor B—Presented by: Jerry Marindin, Freedom Scientific

We will discuss how Freedom Scientifics’ Low Vision Solutions and Blindness products are valuable resources in education. Freedom Scientific’s low vision products include the TOPAZ™ desktop video magnifier, the OPAL™ ultra-portable video magnifier, the SARA™ scanning and reading appliance, and MAGic® screen magnification software. Blindness products include Braille displays, notetakers, and JAWS®, the world’s most popular screen reader. We invite you to learn more about our total solution!

Version 6.0 Boardmaker Software Family Comes to Life

Parlor C—Presented by: Dana Stump, Educational Specialist, Mayer-Johnson, LLC

This session is designed to overview the latest software release of Boardmaker, Boardmaker Plus, and Boardmaker with Speaking Dynamically Pro. The Top 10 new features of the program will be shared including Dashed Borders, Freeform Buttons, Movable Buttons, Symbolate, Alignment and Resizing tools, and the MJ Sound Library. Activities created using these features will also be shared. Participants will leave the session with an understanding of the newest features, to help maximize use of the program.

What is Accessible Instructional Materials – Virginia, (AIM-VA)?

Parlor D—Presented by: John Eisenberg, VDOE and Joyce Sharp, GMU

The purpose of AIM-VA is to help increase the availability and timely delivery of printed instructional materials in accessible formats to blind or other persons with print disabilities in elementary and secondary schools as mandated in the NIMAS standards. Please come and learn about this new resource and how to acquire accessible books for your students!

Gadgets and Gizmos--AKA: Assistive Technology Gadgets

Parlor E—Presented by: Joann Ervin, VATS Virginia Assistive Technology Systems Southeast

Learn about some of the many gadgets and gizmos (low and high tech) that can assist people with disabilities to live as independently as possible. A variety of resources will be provided. Find out how VATS (Virginia Assistive Technology Systems) can assist you, your students and their families.

Using Technology to Engage the Struggling Student with the Curriculum

Parlor F—Presented by: David Bradburn, Cambium Learning Technologies, Inc.

The workshop will model the use of Kurzweil 3000 for actual use in the classroom. Teachers will interact with the presenter to demonstrate ways to effectively engage the student using the classroom curriculum.

VBrick Education: Knowledge Through Video

Parlor G—Presented by: Mike Shaner and Andy Pitts, Street & Co. Audio Visual

TEACH students live or on-demand, helping them LEARN faster and retain more. INFORM your institution of new initiatives and EMPOWER your students, faculty, and staff. MONITOR world events live and REACT in the classroom. BROADCAST school events around the world and SHARE them with alumni, parents, and students. COLLABORATE with professors and PARTICIPATE in distance learning.

Refreshments

4:00 HBO Documentary

“King Gimp”

Parlor D—Introduced by: Dan Keplinger

Filmed over a thirteen-year period, this Academy Award-winning documentary chronicles Dan Keplinger’s life from his years in a special school to his college graduation. This is a frank, uplifting epic of triumph over adversity. This showing is open to conference and non-conference participants.

Thank you for attending. We hope to see you again tomorrow!

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2007

7:45 – 8:30 Registration, Continental Breakfast, Exhibits

8:30 – 11:30 Concurrent Workshops 1, 2, 3, and 4

11:30 – 12:30 Lunch, James River Ballroom

12:30 – 3:30 Concurrent Workshops 5, 6, 7, and 4 continued