ABLE Tech staff are proud to offer the FREE Fall 2022 Assistive Technology (AT) Workshop Series. The next installment is October 6. You’ll learn the steps for providing AT to students in schools. This workshop is designed for educators, related service providers, and administrators needing a wide range of AT knowledge, providing standards-based training, hands-on practice, and dynamic coaching for the novice up to the expert.

If you have questions about these workshops or are interested in learning more, please contact Dr. Joshua Hawkins at joshua.hawkins@okstate.edu.

Executive function skills help all of us pay attention, get organized, and plan.  We all use these skills to get things done. Poor executive function skills often explain why some students have difficulty in school.   

Emotions can also impact executive function skills. The good news is these skills can be taught! There’s also a variety of assistive technology solutions to assist students with disabilities in using these skills successfully. 

If your student has executive function issues that interfere with school services and the school is confused about how to address this need, the Special Education Resolution Center (SERC) can offer a facilitated IEP to help the family and school have a deeper discussion. 

Read this article from understood.org to find out more about executive functioning skills. 

For more information about SERC, visit their website or call 888-267-0028 (toll-free).

If you’re an educator, parent, advocate, or student, this event is for you! The Oklahoma Transition Council presents the 17th Annual Oklahoma Transition Institute (OTI) from November 1-2, 2022. This year attendees will come together to make an IMPACT by IMproving Productivity and Championing Transition! This will be the first-ever hybrid event and participants can attend in person (limited tickets available) at the Metro Tech Business Conference Center, 1900 Springlake Dr. in Oklahoma City, or virtually through the Whova App. 

The Rocketbook Cloud Cards are 3” x 5” reusable index cards that can be used for a variety of purposes. To use the Rocketbook Cloud Cards, write using Pilot FriXion pens and markers provided to handwrite flash cards, reminders, speech notes, and more. Once notes are made, allow 15 seconds for Pilot FriXion ink to dry for it to bond to the Cloud Card’s specialized paper. Then, to reuse, simply wipe the Cloud Cards clean with a damp cloth, and they are ready to use again. Use the free Rocketbook app available for iOS and Android to scan and send to a variety of cloud services, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, and others for content to be stored and organized. The app also offers a study mode with quiz like features.?

The Blackboard by Boogie Board (Letter-Size) with stylus is a reusable notebook that can be used for a variety of purposes. The Blackboard can be used as a memory aid to make lists and take notes in class and meetings. It can be used as a lite/low-tech communication device to write down messages to communicate. It can be used to mark-up documents by slipping a document under the semi-transparent writing tablet, or use it to sketch out ideas. Push the button to clear markings or use the exact-erase feature on the writing tablet and stylus eraser to erase exact areas. The Blackboard reusable notebook in letter size comes with an 8.5”x 11” semi-transparent writing tablet, the Blackboard pen stylus with an eraser, 4 easy-to-swap templates, and a magnetic pen holder. A lock can also be enabled on the writing tablet with the erase-lock button, so notes are not accidentally erased. Notes and drawings on the board can be scanned, saved, and organized using the Blackboard by Boogie Board app for iOS and Android.

The Beginner Word Builder provides a hands-on way to practice spelling, reading, and identifying words. The Beginning Word Builder includes 9 removable rings, with 1 dry erase ring, 60 double-sided word and picture cards, and a 1 Write ‘n’ Wipe activity card. To use, place an activity card on the top of the device, turn to the correct vowel sound, and find the correct beginning and ending sound. Beginning readers, individuals with dyslexia, Autism, or ADHD can benefit from using the Beginner Word Builder. The Beginner Word Builder helps individuals break down the sounds to read and spell words and identify consonant and vowel sounds. It provides tactile support via the spinning rods and visual support with the picture cards, a red ring for vowel sounds, and blue rings for consonant sounds. Using the Beginner Word Builder provides engaging learning that increases concentration.

**CHOKING HAZARD -- Small parts. Not for children under 3 years old.

The FingerFocus Highlighter provides tactile and visual support to individuals as they read text. It can be used at school, home, or work. Simply grab one of the adjustable rings, slide the colored wand of your choice into the slot in the ring, and get ready to read! The FingerFocus Highlighter can be used while reading printed text, such as text on a worksheet or textbook, or while reading on-screen text on a tablet or computer. Beginning readers, individuals with dyslexia, Autism, or ADHD can benefit from using the FingerFocus Highlighter. This tool helps readers break apart difficult words, follow-along as text is being read aloud, and focus on reading from one word to another. The different colored overlays reduce visual stress and tiredness, improve concentration, and make reading fun! Due to the adjustable ring, the FingerFocus Highlighter can be used by readers of all ages. The FingerFocus Highlighter is portable, too.

**CHOKING HAZARD -- Small parts. Not for children under 3 years old.?

Do you have gently-used DME such as crutches, a wheelchair, or a blood pressure monitor that is ready for a new home? Oklahoma ABLE Tech can refurbish, repair, and re-home those items to Oklahomans in need!

Drop your unused items off at our Medical Equipment Drive at the Shoppes at Northpark Mall in Oklahoma City on October 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Learn more on the event webpage.

Free drop off

Donations are tax deductible

Directly impact the lives of others

HH, a 4-year-old from Tulsa County, receives therapy services through Pathways Therapy Center. He has a sensory processing disorder and borrowed a companion cat to see if the soft fur and built-in sensors that respond to motion and touch could be beneficial. HH’s trial led to a successful outcome as he was able to use the cat to calm down and sleep better through the night.

The cat, along with other assistive technology devices, is available to borrow from Pathways’ short-term loan program provided by Oklahoma ABLE Tech. Learn more about Pathways Therapy Center and other ABLE Tech Core Program Partnerships on the ABLE Tech partnerships webpage!