Customized Training Workshops

The University of Washington Center for Technology and Disability Studies offers customized training workshops tailored to address the training needs of specific audiences. Topics include:

The fees for these workshops depend upon the type of training (distance learning or person-to-person), its duration, the number of participants, whether or not the training includes labs/hands-on experience with technology, the proposed location, etc. For more information or to receive an estimate of the fee, please contact UWCTDS at: uwctds@u.washington.edu.

Who Can Benefit

• Agencies or organizations that provide services to individuals with disabilities.
• Educational institutions (K-12 and postsecondary).
• State and federal agencies that need to implement Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• Any institution or company concerned about accessibility of information technology to employees and consumers with disabilities.

Examples of Workshops

Examples of customized training workshops that UWCTDS has conducted for state agencies, educational institutions, employers, and others include the following:

Overview of Assistive Technology (AT)

This is an excellent introduction to the field of assistive technology to learn about the different technologies currently available, who may benefit, and how to go about finding funding for devices and services. This module will provide you with a solid understanding of the issues. Topics include:

• A big picture overview of assistive technology and technology related services and issues.
• Benefits of assistive technology.
• Selecting assistive technology to meet the needs of the individual.
• Brief demonstration of the salient features for different assistive technologies that includes: aids for daily living, augmentative or alternative communication, computer access, environmental control systems, home and worksite modifications, seating and positioning, wheelchairs and mobility devices, technology for people with blindness and low vision, technology for the deaf and heard of hearing, and technology for people with reading and writing disabilities.
• How to avoid technology abandonment and ultimately what makes technology solutions work.

Who should attend: Administrators and others who recommend or approve technology purchases. Those who are considering entering the field of assistive technology, along with those who are looking for an introduction to the different technologies for a better understanding of the role that technology plays in increasing access to education, employment, and community participation, as well as those who support individuals with disabilities in different setting, e.g., librarians, general education teachers, disabled student services personnel, rehabilitation counselors, nurses, and so on.

Job Accommodations

• Assistive technology in a workplace.
• Legal mandates and their application.
• Policies that promote accessibility.
• Examples of job accommodations.
• Demonstrations of AT; case studies.

Assistive Technology for Students with Learning Disabilities

• Overview of concepts related to the reading, writing, and math technologies for people with learning disabilities.
• Discussion of the role of technology (remedial vs. compensatory).
• Training and support; features of different technologies and whom may benefit.
• Demonstrations of software/hardware solutions and hands-on experience with software including: Kurzweil 3000, WYNN, WordSmith, Write:Outloud, Naturally Speaking, Inspiration, MathPad, and a variety of keyboarding software.
• Lesson in problem-solving case studies as a way to apply newly acquired knowledge

Who should attend: General and special educators, occupational therapists who provide technology services for people with learning disabilities, librarians, disabled student services personnel, rehabilitation counselors, school psychologists, SLPs, people with learning disabilities, their family members, and advocates.

Accessible Web Design

• Why design accessible websites (internal Intranets and public websites)? Learn about:
• What is and what is not accessible.
• Policies that promote accessible web design.
• Demonstrations of accessible and inaccessible web design.
• Demonstration of talking web browsers and built-in accessibility features in commonly used web browsers.
• W3 accessibility guidelines.

Computer Access Technology

• Demonstrations and hands-on experience with technologies that allow people with disabilities to use computers, that include:
  • adaptive keyboards and mice
  • mice alternatives and other input devices (e.g., joy sticks, track pads, track balls)
  • keyboard and mouse emulation software (e.g., on-screen keyboards)
  • voice recognition software
  • speech output software
  • switch interfaces
  • screen readers
  • screen magnification software
  • arm supports
  • accessibility features included in common operating software and in word processing software, which are helpful for people with disabilities.

Who should attend: Those would like to understand how different computer access technologies function and how to select the appropriate access methods. Those who would like to try out different computer technologies in a hands-on environment. Those who support individuals with disabilities in different settings, e.g., computer lab personnel, special educators, special needs librarians, disabled student services personnel, rehabilitation counselors, SLPs, and others who would like to expand or update their knowledge in computer access technology.

Computer Access Technology for Individuals with Low Vision or Blindness

• Screen readers, screen enlargement.
• Braille output and their interface with other assistive technology applications, such as:
• Voice recognition
• Technology for people with learning disabilities
• Adaptive computer access devices, etc.

Medical Aspects of Disability

To provide professionals with a comprehensive overview of medical issues in rehabilitation.

• cover the knowledge base related to the medical aspects of a variety of disabling conditions;
• increase understanding of the functional limitations approach rehabilitation assessment;
• demonstrate the application of information about functional limitations to return-to-work and community-re-entry rehabilitation plans.

Assistive Technology Assessment

• Overview of principles of functional assessment.
• A detailed look at each step required for a comprehensive and effective selection and implementation of assistive technology solutions.
• Team collaborations and creative solutions are covered as well.

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

Section 508 sets the standard for accessibility of information technology for individuals with disabilities. This legislation includes binding, enforceable standards with regards to policy, procedure and procurement of accessible information technology. This workshop reviews all applicable legal mandates and regulations, and explains the responsibilities of covered entities for acquiring accessible hardware, software, information technology equipment, distance learning programs, telecommunications, web design, documentation, and training. Best practices and examples of policies that meet the mandates are also discussed.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

• Introduction to the Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
• Principles in AAC.
• Planning intervention for Communication Independence.
• Success in AAC: What it is and how to get there.
• Evaluation and intervention.
• Overview of devices: selecting and implementing strategies, access methods, vocabulary type and size, type of output, portability, etc.
• Hands-on experiences with AAC devices both portable and stationary.

Who should attend: Students and practicing professionals in the field of speech language pathology, SLP assistants, and those who would like to expand and update their knowledge in augmentative communication.