Oklahoma ABLE Tech February 2020 Edition

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Special Education Services

February 2020

abletech

New ABLE Tech Assistive Technology Funding Workshop

Assistive Tech

A plethora of grants abound for purchasing tools for students with disabilities, yet lack of funds is often cited as a significant barrier to providing AT in the classroom. To help educators learn how to take advantage of funding opportunities, ABLE Tech has added a new workshop to the AT Support Team Training lineup. “Funding Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities” will be held on June 5 at The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital in Bethany.

This free half-day training is designed for Oklahoma public school administrators, special educators, and related service providers. Participants will learn how to plan and budget for AT, match students to funding options and practice writing grant applications. There are no pre-requisites for this workshop. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be offered for OTs, PTs, and SLPs.

Funding Workshop Details


Assistive Technology Feature

Brush Knife Cleaner

Cleaning sharp knives and cutlery can be a hazardous task, but with the BladeBrush Knife and Cutlery Cleaner, students with disabilities can perform these tasks more safely. The unique wrap-around design cleans both sides of a utensil at once while keeping fingers away from any sharp edges. The tough bristles quickly remove food debris and the textured grip helps prevent hands from slipping.

This innovative cleaning brush can be beneficial for individuals with low vision, unsteady hands, or a condition that limits hand and finger dexterity or mobility. Search the inventory and borrow devices! ABLE Tech Device Loan Program ABLE Tech Device Loan Program

BladeBrush Knife and Cutlery Cleaner in ABLE Tech inventory


New ABLE Tech Program Announced #Oklahoma4Ramps

Oklahoma Ramp

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation has awarded ABLE Tech a $75,000 grant to provide temporary ramps and associated access equipment to individuals with disabilities. ABLE Tech is one of only 4 Assistive Technology Act Programs to receive these High Impact Innovative Assistive Technology (HIIAT) Quality of Life funds this year.

Under the new #Oklahoma4Ramps project, the ABLE Tech Device Reutilization Program will purchase 35 portable/temporary ramps, 12 threshold ramps, and 12 accessible walkways for a loan to Oklahomans living with paralysis across the state. If access equipment will be needed long-term, ABLE Tech will assist the client with locating resources for a permanent solution while they are using the loaner equipment. 

Reuse Program webpage with the application


Transition-Related News

DRS Career Opportunity Expo

expo

High school juniors and seniors with disabilities, educators, and families are invited to attend Career Opportunity Expo 2020 Ready, Set, Hired!

The event will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Feb. 11th at the Shepherd Center in Oklahoma City. The agenda includes mock interviews, job skills training, and resume writing workshops, plus live music from the Oklahoma School for the Blind Jazz Band.

Career Opportunity Expo Agenda webpage

Participant registration.


Project SEARCH Open House

Project Search

Project SEARCH is hosting an event this month to increase awareness of the program which assists students with disabilities to learn skills that will help them get jobs after leaving high school.

Project SEARCH Open House will be held Feb. 20th, 6-7 p.m. at the Cox Convention Center, Meeting Room 9, in Oklahoma City.

Transition-aged students, educators, and family members are invited to attend. Project SEARCH provides education and training to young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with the goal of securing competitive employment.

For information, contact Sheila Hawkins, SEARCH Instructor/Coordinator

 Email: Sheila.Hawkins@metrotech.com

 Phone: 405.227.5154.

 


$1000 Scholarship for High School Students with Visual Impairment

The Oklahoma Foundation for the Education of Blind Children and Youth is accepting applications for the V. R. Carter Memorial Scholarship. Graduating seniors with visual impairments who plan to attend a two/four-year college/university or vocational school are invited to apply.

The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding visually impaired high school student in recognition of extraordinary leadership, scholarship, enterprise and service to others.

Applications will be accepted through March 2, and the scholarship recipient will be notified by May 22.

For information, contact Ruth O’Dell

Email: ruthodell59@att.net 

Phone: 918 869-9176


  

Linda Jaco, Oklahoma ABLE Tech Director        Kimberly Berry, Assistive Technology Teacher

Able
OSU

Oklahoma ABLE Tech

Oklahoma State University

1514 W. Hall of Fame

Stillwater, OK 74078

Phone: 800.257.1705

Email: abletech@okstate.edu