Empowerment Through Technology
- event_note
- access_time -
- place Rhode Island College
The event will consist of two sessions: a morning presentation that will spotlight a variety of smart technologies to support independence and an afternoon interactive workshop where participants will build custom assistive technology buttons and switches. Registrants can join us for one or both sessions, but the afternoon workshop will be limited to 50 attendees.
Session 1: Supporting Independence Wherever You Are
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The morning presentation will highlight a variety of technologies to support individuals with disabilities across the lifespan, promoting independence and accessibility within the home. The session will include hands-on demonstrations of SmartThings and artificial intelligence, showing ways you can control your environment, including smart TVs, appliances and other smart devices.
Session 2: Switch it Up – DIY Assistive Technology
1:30 to 4 p.m.
Join this hands-on workshop where participants will build custom assistive technology switches. Participants will gain practical skills while exploring different adaptive switch designs. These tools can be life-changing, helping to increase accessibility and independence for individuals with disabilities.
About the presenter:
Laurie Dale has pioneered the use of assistive technology to improve the everyday lives of the people served by her organization and is responsible for integrating new innovations that revolutionize the way Ability Beyond supports people with disabilities. Her goal: Let folks do it for themselves. Laurie works to create new bridges between technology and the individuals supported by the organization, identifying and determining what will best allow them to increase their independence. This includes the creation of the TIP (Technology Innovations for People) Squad, which offers unique peer-to-peer mentoring and training in the technology field. Laurie has worked in the field of technology for 27 years and has been working with people with varying disabilities for over 37 years. Laurie has seen firsthand how technology can change a person’s life – by putting it back in their own hands.
Reasonable accommodation/language request:
If you need a reasonable accommodation (e.g., ASL interpreter), materials in an alternate format (e.g. large print) or information in a language other than English to fully participate in this event, please indicate your request on the registration form.