Coming Events:

It’s time to join SIG SPED for:

MACUL 2012 Conferenc: Empowering Innovation

 

Pre•Conference Wednesday, March 7, 2012 will be held at DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI

• Give Aways at Each Session

8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. iPad in the Special Needs Classroom

Presenter: Mark Coppin, Anne Carlsen Center, Jamestown, N.D., Assistive Technology Director, Apple Distinguished Educator, 2009 :

The iPad and iPod Touch open up a world of opportunities in the field of assistive technology (AT) with their brilliant graphics, great audio, multi-touch interface and third party apps. Applications designed specifically for special learners’ use on the iPad and iPod are rapidly growing and many of the non-AT applications can also be extremely useful to people with disabilities. This session will start with basic device operation and built-in applications including accessibility features. Participants will review apps for communication, sign language, planning/organization, storytelling, reading/writing and more. Come and learn how these devices can make a difference to so many people. BYOD. See SIG SPED website for additional information.

1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Creating Accessible ePub Documents for the iPad

Presenter: Mark Coppin, Anne Carlsen Center, Jamestown, N.D., Assistive Technology Director, Apple Distinguished Educator, 2009 :

This session covers creating accessible books and documents for the iPad. Participants will be guided through the step-by-step process for authoring their own ePub documents and discuss strategies and practices for making materials accessible.  In addition participants will explore apps available for the iPod touch and iPad used to create visual stories. Visual stories can increase independence for non-readers, and provide personalized, portable literacy experiences.  Attendees will also learn about features to consider when purchasing these apps. BYOD. See SIG SPED website for additional information.

 

1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. iPad: Supporting All Learners

Presenter: Joanna Montgomery,  Education Development Executive, Apple, Inc

In this presentation we will acquaint participants with the use of iPodTouch, iPhones and iPads within the educational environment to support the success of all students. Distinguishing features of these mobile devices will be highlighted and accessibility features demonstrated. Apps that address reading, writing, math and/or other content areas will be presented along with apps that facilitate communication for students with special learning needs. These devices are readily available, and in fact, many students already own at least one of the devices. Resources for teachers to learn more about solutions available to their students will be shared as well. We will have devices on hand, making this a great beginner's session

Sign up for ANNUAL SIG SPED MEETING and Hors D'oeuvres!

Thursday, March 8 • 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (meeting begins at 5:30 p.m.)
Bull’s Head Tavern, 188 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

 Where else can you go to network with other professionals, learn about which sessions not to miss and share what you'd like to see happen with our special interest group for Assistive Technology, Universal Design for Learning, and Accessible Instructional Materials?  All that and great hors d'oeuvres too – what a bargain!
 

                         

ABOUT SIGSPED

SIGSpEd is the Special Interest Group for all educators that addresses assistive technology issues. The mission of SIG SpEd is to provide assistive technology resources, support and training to educators as they strive to meet students’ diverse learning needs. We believe that assistive technology enables students with a wide range of abilities, learning styles and means of expression to actively engage in the curriculum.