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It’s officially back-to-school season! This month, our AT Specialist has selected a range of devices that are perfect for students of all ages to use in and out of the classroom.
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Weighted Whiteboard – The weighted bean bottom of the whiteboard is helpful for kids with sensory needs. The added weight may help students remember to stay in their seats as they practice their work. After an active summer, having to reacclimate to classroom rules can be hard. Students can write directly on the whiteboard and use the space to work out math problems, or they can place their worksheet on the lap pad and use the whiteboard as an alternate writing surface.
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Boogie Board – This reusable writing tool does not require power. You can erase the board easily, and lock it to prevent accidental erasing. The Boogie Board can be used with one of the included templates, such as graphing or lined paper, or you can insert your own into the device. Some models allow you to capture your work using the Blackboard app. We have multiple sizes and flashcards available.
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MX Keys Mini Wireless Keyboard – This Bluetooth-powered mini wireless keyboard can connect to a laptop, desk monitor, or iPad. The keys have indents on them for added comfort and are backlit with automatically adjusting lighting.
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Casa Desk Pop Up Kit – This foldaway desk kit comes with a laptop stand, keyboard, and large touchpad. It also has Bluetooth compatibility and can be used with Windows, MacOS, iPadOS, and ChromeOS. Using the stand to raise the laptop’s height can encourage better posture and is ergonomic. Perfect for going to and from a classroom, dorm, or the library!
As we prepare for the new school year, we want to remind you about Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s helpful resources for teachers, administrators, and service providers working with school-aged children.
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AT Services and Professional Development for PK-12: Throughout the school year, you can access Assistive Technology (AT) and Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) documents, the Online AT Curriculum, and video and webinar playlists. These resources help you learn about and use best practices.
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AT Support Team Workshops: Each year, ABLE Tech holds workshops on the AT Assessment process, funding opportunities, and other important activities related to AT selection, acquisition, and use. Sign up now for Part 1 of the AT Assessment Workshop series.
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AT Consultations and Assessment Resources for Educators: ABLE Tech provides forms, resources, and AT Consultations to help educators and service providers offer assistive technology to students with disabilities. The Consultation Intake Form and AT Assessment Process resources are available all year.
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Accessible Educational Materials: A Beginner’s Guide to Implementing AEM and other resources are available to help with accessing, acquiring, and training on AEM.
If you have questions or need help, contact Dr. Joshua Hawkins.
The Oklahoma State Department of Education and the Oklahoma Department of Health partner to provide the SoonerStart Early Intervention Program. Oklahoma ABLE Tech partners with SoonerStart to provide assistive technology (AT) to infants and toddlers, ages birth to three, with disabilities. Oklahoma ABLE Tech provides AT to SoonerStart teams through assessment kits. SoonerStart uses these kits when working with families. The goal is to increase access to and acquisition of AT that may benefit children with disabilities in the SoonerStart program.
Payne County Success Story
James receives SoonerStart services in Payne County (District 3). After a device demonstration from Deanna Cook, James’ SoonerStart provider, James and his caregiver trialed a Chewy Tube. Chewy Tubes and Chewlery are oral motor devices that provide sensory input and emotional regulation.
Before using a chewy necklace, James frequently bit himself and his caregiver when he was frustrated, causing marks, broken skin, and sometimes bleeding. Since using his chewy necklace, James does not harm himself or others. He now has a tool that helps him achieve self-regulation quickly and safely.
The team’s goal is to continue to support James in his communication development and sensory regulation to decrease the frequency of frustration. The success of the Chewy Tube demonstration prompted James’ caregivers to purchase Chewlery for everyday use.
Fourth Quarter and Annual Team Winners
The District 11 SoonerStart team (Oklahoma County) is the Fourth Quarter Recognition Award winner! They will receive $650 in new AT for their AT demonstration kit.
The District 3 SoonerStart team (Kay, Osage, Noble, Pawnee, Payne, Creek, and Lincoln Counties) is the Annual Recognition Award winner! They will be awarded $1,000 in new AT for their demonstration kit.
To learn more about SoonerStart and AT for Early Intervention, visit our collaboration webpage!
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The Device Loan Program is ready for you to submit device loan requests for the school year. Please submit your device loan requests and indicate in the notes section if you would like us to wait until a specific date to send out the device once school has started. While we cannot guarantee the device will be available on the date provided due to waitlists, we will do our best to have the device sent to you by the requested date. Here are a few reminders regarding short-term loan requests:
- If you are requesting for a minor, please do not put their name on the account or application. An adult’s name is required on the account and application.
- The person applying is responsible and liable for the device. Ensure that the items are returned by their due date.
- Please keep the shipping materials and papers sent with the device loan to return the device(s) to ABLE Tech by the due date. We include a return shipping label in the box for you to use.
- If the device you want to request shows 0 available, all those items are currently out on loan. Please continue to submit a loan request, and you will be added to the waitlist.
- If you are requesting an iPad, please list the names of the apps you want in the notes section of the application.
- If you are requesting an iPad or a communication device with a keyguard, please specify the keyguard details in the notes section (i.e., app(s)/language system(s) and grid size).
- Typically, only one high-tech communication device is sent at a time due to device cost and longer waitlists. You can submit a request for up to three items at one time. We will put you on the waitlist for the other high-tech communication device requested.
- You may be contacted for more information regarding the loan request, so please answer calls and emails promptly. Not doing so may result in your request being cancelled.
If you have questions regarding the Short-Term Loan Program, please check our program webpage or contact the Short-Term Loan Program at abt.deviceloan@okstate.edu or via phone at 405-744-8342.
In June 2024, the Supreme Court overturned a past decision known as the Chevron doctrine, which allowed federal agencies to interpret the laws they administer. Most of the time, federal regulations mirror what the statutes (laws) state; however, in some cases, the regulations go beyond the statutes. This recent ruling may have an impact on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in that the federal regulations have historically been what is followed in special education case law, rather than the statutes. Now, it is unclear how far the federal agencies may go in interpreting the meaning of the statutes. At this time, it is uncertain how this may ultimately impact certain provisions in the IDEA where the regulations go beyond the statutes. To learn more, take a look at the SCOTUS blog for additional context.
SERC’s mission is to help school districts and parents resolve disputes at the earliest stage possible. Learn more on the SERC website.
Carrie needed a blood pressure monitor to accurately measure her daily blood pressure per her doctor’s orders. With the help of the funds donated by the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation (OkAT) from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation (OCCF) and its Access to Healthcare iFund grant program, the Oklahoma ABLE Tech Reutilization Program was able to provide Carrie with needed equipment. Carrie wrote, “I am grateful for your assistance with the blood pressure cuff and helping to prolong my life.”
Are you looking for ways to find funding to purchase assistive technology or DME? Reach out to Natalie Rohwer, the Financial Loan Program Manager, and her team for financial loans and other statewide resources.
The Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council (ORC) would like to announce that the 2024 Oklahoma Transition Institute (OTI) is set for November 6-7, 2024, in Oklahoma City, OK. The Oklahoma Transition Council (OTC) is seeking presenters for the event and encourages the submission of proposals from professionals and advocates who wish to share knowledge and strategies for improving the transition process for youth with disabilities.
The OTI will cover a variety of topics critical to successful transitions, including:
- Opportunity Gaps and Barriers
- Competitive Integrated Employment
- Family and Youth Engagement
- Interagency Collaboration and Transition Planning
- Post-Secondary Education
- Independent Living
The OTC encourages proposals that provide innovative approaches, evidence-based practices, and collaborative solutions to these critical areas. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to meaningful discussions and share your expertise with a dedicated audience.
Proposal submission guidelines are listed in the OTI Call for Presenters on Google Forms.
If you are interested in presenting a topic in a workshop setting as part of this conference, please submit your proposal by 11:59 PM CT on August 31, 2024.
For more information, please contact Yolanda Scott at yolandascott@cowib.org. We look forward to receiving your proposals and thank you for your commitment to enhancing transition outcomes for youth with disabilities.
ORC’s mission is to facilitate consumer education and empowerment, to assure services are of high quality and lead to the employment of individuals with disabilities within Oklahoma. To learn more about ORC, visit their website.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech is looking for a talented individual to join our team as the Program Manager for Assistive Technology in Education.
The Program Manager will oversee the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) contract, assist consumers via phone/email, participate in public events, and conduct Oklahoma ABLE Tech training events. They will collaborate with stakeholders, ensure accurate data collection per the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), support assistive technology acquisition, manage accessible educational materials, and coordinate state-wide disability transition efforts.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Special Education, or related field.
- Four years of experience in the field of disabilities and/or assistive technology and/or related services.
- Driver’s License
- Directly related work experience, including experience working with statewide advisory groups or commissions.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Education, Special Education, Occupational, Physical, and/or Speech Therapy.
- Seven years of experience in the field of disabilities and assistive technology and related service.
- Two years of supervisory experience.
See the whole Program Manager job listing and apply on the OSU jobs site.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech
Oklahoma State University
1514 W. Hall of Fame
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 800.257.1705
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