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Hi to all …

 

Planning for the Inclusive Learning Technologies Conference 2010 on Queensland’s Gold Coast next May is seriously kicking into gear now with only one more month until the Call for Papers closes.

 

Even though the conference is still nine months away, we need to finalise the program soon. We welcome all contributions – with September 30th as the final deadline for presentation proposals. Simply submit your paper online at http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/conference/2010/submitpapers  

As an added bonus for presenting – we are offering one complimentary three-day conference registration (valued at $595) for each presentation accepted for the final program.

 

To help with planning the session content, a bit of background on the focus of our program might help. We aim to present sessions on practical applications and effective strategies for integration of technologies in the classroom, community and higher education settings. We also like to extend our delegates beyond the basics of the assistive technologies available to them to support their students/clients. Further, we acknowledge a growing interest in the area of evidence-based practice and practical research findings supporting introduction of these inclusive technologies in the classroom and beyond.

 

For an idea of the types of presentations selected in the past, the 2008 Conference program can be viewed at http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/article/29502/popup  

More information about the 2010 conference can be found on the Conference website at http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/conference

 

Have a think about your possible contribution to the program and we very much look forward to receiving your proposal(s) if you are keen to join us!

 

Cheers

 

Barbara

 

-----------------------------------------

 

Barbara Landsberg

Inclusive Learning Technologies Conference 2010 Committee

SPECTRONICS

conference@spectronicsinoz.com  

http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/conference


Version 2 of Nanogames accessible computer games is now in private beta testing. All 20 games are designed to be widely accessible with all games supporting Single Switch Scanning (keypress or mouseclick), Step scanning (two keys) and playing by 3,4, 5 keys or mouse. The speed of the games can be adjusted through a very wide range allowing players with even severe disabilities to still play the action games. The number of lives, time-limits and many other factors can be easily adjusted for each game. Low vision is supported with large characters and adjustable contrast, brightness and hue. The main limitation is the games are not self-voicing so cannot be played by players relying on voiced commands and feedback. If you are interested in testing the games and providing feedback please register at: http://www.nanogames.com/betaregister.htm

A picture of Grant Reid looking like he is ready for business

Hello ATANZ people, my name is Grant Reid and I'd like to help you with technology. I extend an open invitation to contact me if technology problems have you stumped, or you want to bounce an idea off someone.

I love technology and it is my passion to use it to make a difference to people. One month ago I began researching fields that I might like to be involved in and assistive technology was a field that really clicked. Meeting many of you at the 2009 ATANZ conference has cemented my desire to be involved.

My strengths are in software development (17 years+), usability, and product design. I also have a background in electronics and microprocessors, and have many years experience solving technical complex issues in a global setting. Have a look at my linkedin profile if you are interested: http://www.linkedin.com/in/grantreid

If you want to get hold of me you can email me at grantreidnz@gmail.com or add comments to this blog. Whatever works for you.

I intend posting interesting info and articles here on a semi-regular basis. Cheers!


Hi all,

I just wanted a share a really good new resource that I was sent a couple of weeks back. It’s one of the best resources I’ve seen around the integration of speech generating devices into the classroom.

Written by Laura Yoder and Kathy Staugler this handout offers excellent suggestions for helping with the introduction and ongoing support of a speech generating device - starting with the physical environment and then providing a framework for discussing roles and responsibilities. It takes you through a classroom inventory and explains some great strategies along the way.

If you are interested you can download it from the Spectronics website

Cheers

Jane

-----------------------------------------

Jane Farrall

AAC Support Services Manager

Speech Pathologist

SPECTRONICS

janef@spectronicsinoz.com

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Hi there,
This friday is the first Trust meeting for the new Trustees;
-Glen Dixon
-Michael Northcott
-Dean Sutherland
 
Tricia, Sue and I are looking forward to having input from differing perspectives. 

We have a number of items on our agenda including
  • Feedback regarding the conference
  • Progress to date on the competency pathway for Accredited Assesors
  • Ministry of Health funded training courses.

If there are any issues that you would like the Trustees to discuss feel free to contact any of us.

Will keep you posted!


At school I was among people have a communication device with the pictures, which they used their communication devices very well. I was using a lightwriter, which I need to know how spell but I found it difficult, but I cope with it. 

When I started at TalkLink Trust, I asked Ann about the communication devices with pictures. She told me the pictures are the icons and they are using the Minspeak. I was thinking about the Minspeak for me and I asked Ann and she gave an old Pathfinder to me to try.

I taught myself the Minspeak by pressing buttons to see what they do and use it all the time. In year, I started remembered where words were and I used the icons tutor less but I use it time to time. Now on my Vantage light, I am faster because it has fewer icons. When I am writing on the computer, I can read my sentences to me that I wrote. I do not need to think how spell my word, which I want to use. I think my sentences are getting better, since I have my communication device.

Now, I am working on my grammar so my sentences can make sense.

For tips and tricks about Minspeak go to Mindshare

Here's one

<OUTPUT-MARKER>ß,combine,ctrl,alt.ßdelete.

 

On the Vantage light, you can do 3 fingers salute. Follow above the command

 
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