Autism article in Wired

The Truth About Autism: Scientists Reconsider What They Think They Know

A nice article about autism in the latest issue of Wired magazine and available online. The article indicates she uses a Dynavox V Max to communicate.

Her blog is located here.

CSUN Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference

CSUN 2008 Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference: This international Assistive Technology conference runs March 10-15, 2008 at the Marriott and Renaissance hotels next to LAX airport.

The exhibits are free of charge and worth the time to talk with the vendors and see the latest Assistive Technology.

The exhibits will be open Thursday, March 13, 2008 through Saturday, March 15, 2008.

Thursday, March 13, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday, March 14, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, March 15, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Los Angeles Airport Marriott
5855 West Century Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90045
and
Renaissance Montura Hotel Los Angeles
9620 Airport Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90045

New AAC device - SpringBoard Lite

PRC has made a great upgrade to the Springboard communication device. The Springboard Lite is smaller, lighter and rugged-ized.

Contact us if are looking for assessment, training or setup of this or other Assistive Technology.

PRC Introduces SpringBoard
Lite, Smaller, More Portable Dedicated AAC Device

Press Release

Wooster, OH: Prentke Romich Company (PRC), a leading manufacturer of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices for individuals with speech disabilities, today announced the release of SpringBoard? Lite, a smaller, lighter, and easier-to-operate version of its popular SpringBoard speech output device.

Available in five bold colors, SpringBoard Lite measures just 7.3 square, weighs less than three pounds, and is priced at $2,195. Its simplified operating system makes it easy to use right out of the box, while 4-, 8-, 15-, and 32-location display options enable communication capacity to grow with the user's abilities.

Additional features designed for children and those new to AAC include:

· Brighter, high-quality TFT display screen and improved graphics;
· Interactive "Visual Scenes" pages that enhance language learning;
· Built-in player for importing WAV files and playing MP3 files in stereo;
· PRC's proprietary Unity® vocabulary software for maximum communication potential;

· A bilingual Spanish/English version for Spanish-speaking users.

For more information, go to www.prentrom.com or call (800) 262-1984

Powered by ScribeFire.

Kid Concepts, USA

Description:
A 10,000 sq. ft. indoor playground for children 10 and under. A great place for children to explore, imagine, and simply have fun! Various activities include- a rock climbing wall, a huge play structure, arts and crafts, a lighted dance floor, a toddler gym, and more!
Admission:
$10 and under. Adult free with child's admission. Nights and weekend discount. Check out their website for details.
Location:
22844 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505
Phone Number:
(310) 465-0075

Evaluating Educational Software

Often we are asked to evaluate software for a student that is educational software and not assistive technology. The difference is often misunderstood. Educational software is skill building by nature. Assistive technology compensates for a difficulty but is not designed to remediate. This is not always black and white and there are numerous grey areas, however parents, teachers and school administrators have asked how to evaluate educational software.

The most recent (11/07) TAM Technology in Action (PDF file 341 KB) newsletter provides a length narrative and several forms and checklists to evaluate educational software. This is made available by the TAM: Technology and Media Division of the CEC: Council for Exceptional Children

AT Consideration Quick Wheel

Assistive Technology Consideration Quick Wheel- This is one of the most popular tools with teachers and school administrators to assist in considering AT during the IEP process.

It has been developed by the TAM: Technology and Media Division of the CEC: Council for Exceptional Children

CATE - California Assistive Technology Exchange

CATE - Do you know about this new program in California? It provides:

AT Device Loan Program (Try Before you Buy)

AT Reutilization Program (Want Ad Postings)

AT Loan Guarantee Program (Funding Options)

Check out this new exciting program. This is a real step forward for California to catch up with many other states that have been doing this for years.

Check for location near you.

Conference Reminder - Assistive Technology Institute

Assistive Technology Institute -

4th Annual Assistive Technology Institute
Saturday, February 2
8:30 AM - 4:00 p.m. (PST)
Location : Orange County Department of Education
410 North Fairview
Santa Ana, CA 92703
Level: Parents, AT Users, Special Education teachers, General Education teachers, Program Specialists, Administrators and AT Specialists.