Schedule & Sessions

Tech Tools for Life, ATECH Conference 2024 begins at 8:30 am on Monday, May 6 with a breakfast keynote speaker and continues through on Tuesday May 7, 2024.

We are proud to feature an Exhibitor Hall, 30+ awesome sessions, networking opportunities, hands-on learning, and product demonstrations.

May 6-7, 2024
The Omni, New Haven CT

2 Days 30+Sessions

Register Today!

Day 1 | Monday, May 6

All About Independent Living

Learn about Assistive Technology for living independently and safely in your home and how Remote Supports can help.

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7:30am – 8:30am

Pre-Assembly Area

Registration & Check-In

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8:30am – 8:50am

Main Ballroom

Welcome Remarks, Introductions & Breakfast

 

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8:50am – 9:50am

Main Ballroom

Keynote Presentation

Creating A Culture of Belonging

Curtis Hill

In this thought-provoking keynote, Curtis Hill will share the importance of how DEI&B should no longer be components in cultivating fair, safe, and effective business environments — they are a must.

Curtis will present strategic DEI&B principles that maximize people, profits, and productivity.

Feeling valued and connected can feed into an employee’s sense of belonging. Belonging, in turn, correlates with greater employee well-being and higher workplace engagement. An intentional investment of attention can have meaningful ripple effects on the environment.

Keynote Speaker: Curtis Hill, A Culture of Belonging™

10:15am – 11:15am

Breakout Session 1A

Don Shirley & Jessica Daiger, Safe in Home

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10:15am – 11:15am

Church

Unleashing Potential: Elevating Independence Through Remote Supports

Embark on a transformative journey with us as we delve into the groundbreaking realm of Remote Supports and witness how this innovative service is reshaping the landscape of staffing delivery. We will explore the empowering role of technology in fostering individual independence, bridging gaps in situations where in-person staffing is challenging, and addressing staffing crises with unparalleled efficiency—all while offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional in-person staff. Join us for an insightful exploration of the future of staffing solutions and the limitless possibilities that Remote Supports can unlock.

Breakout Session 1B

Panel Part 1:

Kathryn Wood, MidState Arc, Michael Menard, Arc of Litchfield County, Tricia Gibney, Arc of Southington, Steve Morris, FAVARH, Michelle Torres, The Arc Eastern CT

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10:15am – 11:15am

Chapel

Starting a Supportive Housing Project

Learn how these agencies started their supported housing projects, including how they decided to work with the developer, how the process went, what went well and what they would have done differently. You will have an opportunity to learn from people who have gone through the process and have many of your questions answered as to where to begin designing your own supportive housing project.

Breakout Session 1c

Marisol De Jesus, James Feltz, Nigel Cooper, ATECH

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10:15am – 11:15am

York

Managing Independent Living with AT

We all know that living on our own requires a whole host of tasks, to-dos, and responsibilities. Come to this session to learn about and see demonstrations of assistive and smart home technologies that can support all aspects of independent living from cooking, to shopping, to managing appointments, to taking medications, to cleaning and more.

Breakout Session 1D

Margie Hislop & Elizabeth O’Brien, NEAT

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10:15am – 11:15am

Ballroom

Communicating with People with Disabilities in Crisis Situations

 This presentation will provide general interaction and communication strategies to use with individuals with communication disabilities during emergency and crisis situations. Also included is a review of the prevalence of sexual assault and incarceration rates for individuals with developmental disabilities. Attendees will be educated on use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and provided with customized low-tech (printable) communication boards that could be utilized in real situations. Initially, this training was designed for first responders. This version has been condensed to fit the current audience

1E Experiential Room

Laurie Dale & Michael Montgomery, Ability Beyond

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10:15am – 11:15am

Temple

Exploring Cutting-Edge Technologies with the TIP Squad

This presentation will focus on the unique TIP (Technology Innovations for People) Squad, which provides young adults opportunities to develop technology skills while building adaptive solutions to everyday barriers they and their peers face in the world. Michael, a TIP Squad member, and Laurie Dale, Senior Leader of Empowering Technology will share the next-gen tech brewing in the TIP Squad’s labs. See how we go from utilizing everyday off the shelf products to 3D printing, soldering and repurposing everyday technology to meet the needs of individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities.

11:15am – 12:00pm Visit with Exhibitors

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Lunch

 Mike Marotta, Inclusive Technology Solutions,

Room: Ballroom

AT SmackDown

Sharing is everything right? Wouldn’t it be nice if a group of people could just sit down and share different technology tools that can be used to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities? If you answered ‘yes,’ then this session is for you! Join us for this interactive Tech Smackdown.

In this session, participants will share with each other different technology tools that can be used with and/or by individuals with disabilities. This is a session for practitioners led by practitioners. Come join us for a fast-paced and exciting experience for sharing your knowledge and learning with others. Bring your devices with you to share because this session is all about YOU!! The time flies by so come ready to learn. The facilitators will compile a list of shared tools for future reference.

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Breakout Session 2A

Kathryn Wood, MidState Arc,Michelle Torres, The Arc Eastern CT, Lisa Francis, Arc of Litchfield County, Hilary Paden, Arc of Litchfield County

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1:00pm - 2:00pm

Chapel

Panel Part 2: Supported Housing with Assistive Technology and Remote Supports

The second panel discussing supported housing will review how their projects incorporate assistive technology and remote supports to make independent living possible for the individuals living in their supported housing situations. They will discuss the types of technologies and remote supports used, how they benefit the individuals using these solutions, and how all of this really works in practice. Come prepared to ask questions and get answers!

Breakout Session 2B

Mike Marotta, Inclusive Technology Solutions

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1:00pm - 2:00pm

Ballroom

“IEP” in the Workplace: Using AT to Promote Inclusive Employment Practices

Let’s discuss your “IEP” in the Workplace! The goal of this workshop is to demonstrate the power of Assistive Technology to accommodate all individuals and provide opportunities for employment success while promoting Inclusive Employment Practices. This session will focus on how to utilize the Principles of Universal Design to promote an inclusive employment environment. Real world Assistive Technology examples will be shared to highlight ways to create a more inclusive workplace environment for individuals with disabilities. These accommodation solutions will be no-tech, low tech and high tech and across all areas of disability.

Breakout Session 2C

Rafi Guroian, Apple’s Senior Systems Engineer

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1:00pm - 2:00pm

George

Apple Accessibility: Speech, Hearing and Mobility Technologies

Apple has been an innovator in making their products accessible and useful for all since the 1970s, and their focus on Accessible Technology continues to drive the technology industry’s focus and direction. In this session you will learn directly from Apple how they stand by their principles – that the best technology works for everyone. This, the first of two hands-on workshops, will provide a brief overview of Apple’s approach to accessible technology across their entire product line, including the new Vision Pro. Then, the workshop will dive into a hands-on exploration of the newest Speech, Hearing, and Mobility technologies built into Apple devices without the need for third party software or peripherals. Apple will have iPads on hand for those who need a device during the session, but you are encouraged to bring your own iPhone, iPad, Mac, and/or Apple Watch so that you can learn on a device familiar to you. If you plan to use your own device, please make sure it’s running the latest OS possible (ideally iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS Sonoma, or watchOS 10).

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1:00pm - 2:00pm

Church

Information To Follow

Breakout Session 2D

2E Experiential Room

Matt Berkowitz, Floreo & Bogdan Zamfir, SCSU

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1:00pm - 2:00pm

Temple

Explore the World of Virtual Reality

We invite you to come learn about how immersive/experiential learning in virtual reality is helping to equip individuals with real-world social, communication, emotional regulation, safety, and adaptive life skills they can apply in their everyday lives. Whether it’s crossing the street safely, taking public bus transportation, encounters with police officers, shopping at the grocery store, or social interaction with peers, see how Floreo is enabling people to practice in VR to help them grow in real life.

2:30pm – 3:30pm

Breakout Session 3A

Rafi Guroian, Apple’s Senior Systems Engineer

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2:30pm - 3:30pm

George

Apple Accessibility: Vision and Cognitive Technologies

Apple has been an innovator in making their products accessible and useful for all since the 1970s, and their focus on Accessible Technology continues to drive the technology industry’s focus and direction. In this session you will learn directly from Apple how they stand by their principles – that the best technology works for everyone. This, the second of two hands-on workshops, will provide a brief overview of Apple’s approach to accessible technology across their entire product line, including the new Vision Pro. Then, the workshop will dive into a hands-on exploration of the newest Vision and Cognitive technologies built into Apple devices without the need for third party software or peripherals. Apple will have iPads on hand for those who need a device during the session, but you are encouraged to bring your own iPhone, iPad, Mac, and/or Apple Watch so that you can learn on a device familiar to you. If you plan to use your own device, please make sure it’s running the latest OS possible (ideally iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS Sonoma, or watchOS 10).

Breakout Session 3B

Pam Fields, Amy Rubin Mindell, Michael Gibney, MidState Arc

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2:30pm - 3:30pm

York

Independent Living With ARMS

(ATECH Remote Monitoring Services)

Come to this session to learn all about ARMS – the ATECH Remote Monitoring System and Service that allows agencies and families to provide remote support with their own staff. We will review what remote supports are, show you how remote supports look in action, share what technology components and options are available, and discuss how you receive and respond to alert notifications. We hope you’ll bring your questions about remote supports and be ready to learn about the ARMS system.

Breakout Session 3C

Maggie Wurm & Kristen Gilfeather, NEAT

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2:30pm - 3:30pm

Church

Unlock the Power of Being Smart in Your Own Home

Get ready to be Wicked Smaht! By joining this fun and engaging presentation where you will learn all about the basics of Smart Home Technology. We will dive into this constantly evolving world and show you where to begin and how to lay the groundwork for a successful smart home set up. We will decode the different brands you find on today’s market, breakdown the various smart home products and help you understand the trending new language. Learn how to make a complex task simple, use automations to your advantage, and understand some of the nuances of smart technology. Leave this presentation with a plan for setting up smart tech to support safe, independent living at home.

Breakout Session 3D

Mike Marotta, Inclusive Technology Solutions

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2:30pm - 3:30pm

Ballroom

AT in Your Pocket: Using Your Smartphone for Effective Transition to College

So you are heading off to college and need to make sure you have technology to support your academic success. Wait….you already own the most important tool – your smartphone! Have your phone handy as we explore ways to utilize tools already built into your phone to support individuals in the areas of reading, writing and executive function. Plus we will get into the settings and turn on some of those built in accessibility features which will allow us to customize the user experience even further – all without purchasing any apps!

3E Experiential Room

Staff from Access Independence, NESIT, Ability Beyond

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2:30pm - 3:30pm

Temple

Explore 3D printing as AT

What is all the buzz about 3D printing you ask? Come to this experiential session to learn about 3D printing and see 3D printing in action. Our local 3D printing enthusiasts will be on board with their 3D printers to show you how all of this works! They will show you how to create your own assistive technology solutions found online or learn to design or modify your own solutions – all to solve an access issue or mitigate a barrier to independence.

3:30pm – 5:00pm

Cocktail & Networking Reception

Sponsored by Hancock Pharmacy & Mule

Ballroom

Day 2 | Tuesday, May 7

AT for Life, Education, Work & Community

Learn about AT for all areas of life, including AT for School, AT for Work, for Independent Living and Community Access.

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7:30am – 8:30am

Pre-Assembly Area

Registration & Check-In

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8:30am – 9:00am

Ballroom

Welcome Remarks, Introductions & Breakfast

Pam Fields and Arlene Lugo 

9:00am – 10:00am

Panel Discussion

Breakout Session 1A

Dana Begin, DMHAS, Trever Rogers, DDS, Laura Haley, BRS

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9:00am – 10:00am

Chapel

What’s available? Employment Supports and AT

Hear from this panel of experts in employment and assistive technology solutions about what’s available in CT in terms of solutions and services. Panelists from CT’s State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), Department of Developmental Services (DDS), and the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) will share information and answer your questions on employment and AT.

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9:00am – 10:00am

George

Information to Follow

Breakout Session 1B

Breakout Session 1c

Jamie Martin, NEAT

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9:00am – 10:00am

York

10 Simple (& Free) iPad Strategies to Help with Reading and Writing 

Since its inception, the iPad has increasingly become one of the best devices to help people who have difficulty with reading and writing. There are plenty of third-party apps that offer literacy support to those who need it, but there are also many tools and settings that are built into the iPad’s operating system (iPadOS) that can make reading and writing easier. This session will focus on ten strategies that utilize those tools and settings, including Speak on Touch, Live Text, Safari Reader View, Typing Feedback, and Scribble (with Apple Pencil).

Breakout Session 1D

Eneko Sese, IRIS Bond

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9:00am – 10:00am

Church

EYE Choose Hiru & iPad iOS 17: The Revolution of Eye Accessibility is Here

Communication is a non-negotiable right. We should all have the tools to express how we are, how we feel, to learn, to relate and to make ourselves understood. How can we rule the world with our eyes utilizing Assistive Technologies? Hiru, together with the new version of iPadOS, iPadOS 17, brings a real revolution for accessibility, especially for eye gaze users. Now, it’s easier than ever to use an iPad with the eyes, and this opens huge possibilities to everyone. In this presentation we’ll see how to leverage Apple accessibility tools to create the best user experience for each individual with the IRISBOND Hiru eye-tracker. Hiru is the first multiplatform eye-tracker in the world that works in Windows and iPadOS, indistinguishably, meaning it is adaptable for all operating systems. We’ll explore what’s new with the new version iPadOS17, tips for fast success, and recommended apps with eye gaze in mind.

1E Experiential Room

NESIT, UCP, Staff from Access

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9:00am – 10:00am

Temple

Explore 3D Printing as AT Independence

What is all the buzz about 3D printing you ask? Come to this experiential session to learn about 3D printing and see 3D printing in action. Our local 3D printing enthusiasts will be on board with their 3D printers to show you how all of this works! They will show you how to create your own assistive technology solutions found online or learn to design or modify your own solutions – all to solve an access issue or mitigate a barrier to independence.

10:00am – 12:00pm

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10:00am – 10:30am

Visit with Exhibitors

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10:30am – 11:00am

Ballroom

Overview of AT Services in CT

Arlene Lugo, CT Tech Act Project

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11:00am – 12:00pm

Ballroom

Day 2 Keynote

The “Quadfather’s” Thoughts on Assistive Technology

Todd Stabelfeldt

Todd will share his experiences over three decades using assistive technologies. An expert in technologies for the spinal cord-injured, Todd has contributed to New Mobility magazine. As a gifted computer technologist, he also participates in usability testing efforts for technology companies. He has been a featured keynote speaker at various events including Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference and the GeekWire Summit. Todd resides in the Puget Sound area of Washington with his wife Karen and is an entrepreneur: founder and CEO of C4 Consulting. Learn more about Todd and his many accomplishments: https://toddstabelfeldt.com/

12:00pm-1:00pm Lunch

Visit With Exhibitors

Room: Ballroom

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Breakout Session 2A

Ann Bedard, Nicole Deary, EASTCONN

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1:00pm - 2:00pm

York

Best Practices in iPad AAC

This session focuses on the essential implementation strategies of high-tech speech-generating devices, specifically iPads. Device settings such as Guided Access, auto-lock, and brightness will be reviewed. We will discuss roles and responsibilities of team members including parent, SLP, 1-to-1 paraprofessional, and everyone who interacts with the individual with complex communication needs, even peers. The pitfalls of prompting will be explained. Demonstrations of Aided-Language Input (modeling) will be given. The slides can be used as a template, taken back to teams and customized with details specific to an individual’s AAC app, interests, and behavior.

Breakout Session 2B

Lauren Tucker, SCSU

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1:00pm - 2:00pm

Ballroom

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Promote Inclusion 

This interactive session will demonstrate artificial intelligence (AI) tools to promote inclusion and accessibility in schools. The presenter will share examples of AI uses in classrooms to improve access and engagement for all students. View AI as a solution to support inclusion, universal design for learning, and instruction. Attendees will take away at least one tool or strategy to implement within the classroom.

Breakout Session 2C

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1:00pm - 2:00pm

George

Information to Follow

Breakout Session 2C

Breakout Session 2D

Danielle Dutcher, NEAT

Stephanie Marquez, NEAT

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1:00pm - 2:00pm

Church

Community & Connection: Advancing Accessibility for Our Aging Population

Join us to learn about AT tools, tips, and tricks to help our aging population find connection and community. We’ll cover features of different products including tablets, smart speakers and watches and different FREE resources to help bridge the gap and provide technological tools and training

2E Experiential Room

Matt Berkowitz, Floreo & Bogdan Zamfir, SCSU

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1:00pm - 2:00pm

Temple

Explore the World of Virtual Reality

We invite you to come learn about how immersive/experiential learning in virtual reality is helping to equip individuals with real-world social, communication, emotional regulation, safety, and adaptive life skills they can apply in their everyday lives. Whether it’s crossing the street safely, taking public bus transportation, encounters with police officers, shopping at the grocery store, or social interaction with peers, see how Floreo is enabling people to practice in VR to help them grow in real life.

2:00pm – 2:30pm

VISIT WITH EXHIBITORS

2:30pm – 3:30pm

Breakout Session 3A

Lynn Toolan & Stacey Fulton, EASTCONN

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2:30pm - 3:30pm

Church

AT Solutions and Strategies for Individuals with Disabilities in the Workplace

This presentation will highlight various case studies and solutions for individuals with disabilities in the workplace. The emphasis will highlight assistive technology solutions to increase such areas as: ergonomics, productivity, accessibility, organization and memory.

Breakout Session 3B

Raechaell Corbett, Easterseals Mobility Center & Christian Quandt, Advanced Wheels

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2:30pm - 3:30pm

George

Driver Assessments and Modified Vehicles

Participants will learn what a Certified Driving Rehab Specialist is, about ADED (Association for Driver Rehab Specialists), and all about a clinical and behind the wheel assessment. Come find out what adaptive equipment is currently available to allow continued independence with driving, such as a hand control and a left foot gas pedal. Learn about the process in CT to be able to legally drive with adaptive equipment, and about Mobility Equipment Dealers. Participants will leave this session understanding the importance of a clinical driver assessment to be able determine equipment needs, and they will gain a general knowledge of what vehicles can be modified. Come to this session ready to gain knowledge about adaptive driving, who typically utilizes adaptive equipment, and about safety standards in the mobility industry.

Breakout Session 3C

Nicole Natalie & EJ Piccirillo, CREC

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2:30pm - 3:30pm

York

Practical Strategies for Supporting AAC

Are you working with a nonspeaking individual? Do you know a person using AAC inconsistently or in ineffective ways? You might be wondering where to begin, or where to go from here. In this session, participants will begin to explore one of the most research-based practices in alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) – aided language stimulation or modeling. Participants will be able to define aided language stimulation, locate resources to help them get started, and will receive practical techniques to begin this journey with their AAC users. By the end of this session, participants will be empowered to start using aided language stimulation techniques with their students and teams the next day!

Breakout Session 3D

Nicole Nardi-Werner, NEAT

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2:30pm - 3:30pm

Ballroom

Battle of the Systems: Apple vs. Android Accessibility Features for Independent Living

Vision, Mobility, Hearing, Speech, and Cognition, Oh My! Both Apple and Android offer a variety of accessibility features and settings to allow individuals to take back their independence right from the palm of their hand. Compare and contrast each systems’ accessibility features, review how to set up and use a variety of features, and how to use these features to increase independence at home, work, and in the community.

3E Experiential Room

James Feltz, ATECH, Nigel Cooper, ATECH, Shannon Taber, UCP

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2:30pm - 3:30pm

Temple

What’s Cooking with AT?

Come to experience assistive technology and smart home options for cooking safely and independently. Join us for demonstrations and hands-on time with a range of kitchen tools, smart pans, smart ovens, and important safety options to make cooking on your own safer and smarter.

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