Date: Monday, January 30, 2012
Category: General

Over 50 people attended the AT Research Symposium on January 25, co-hosted by the RESNA and ATIA Research Committees. Jerry Weisman, President of RESNA, and David Dikter, CEO of ATIA, welcomed everyone to the all day pre-conference event, which featured sessions on research ethics, managing intellectual property, research design, collaboration and partnerships, and a town hall meeting for manufacturers and researchers to discuss critical issues.  Special thanks to Rich Simpson, chair of RESNA’s Research Committee, for his leadership;  and thanks to  RESNA members Roger O. Smith, Patti Bahr, James R. Stachowiak, Heidi Koester, Dianne Goodwin, David McNaughton, and Jon Pearlman who contributed their talents and knowledge by serving as speakers.

Please note that symposium handouts are available to paid registrants only, and can be requested by e-mailing ATIA at conference@atia.org. 

RESNA’s booth at ATIA 2012 Orlando had a constant stream of people interested in the ATP Certification Program, thanks in large part to RESNA member Fred Tchang’s conference presentation. 56 people signed up on an ATP interest list for an informational conference call to be scheduled in February. One school district has 15 people currently studying to take the exam! 

A new ATP promotional flyer featuring testimonials from Daniel Cochrane, Matthew Press, and Trina Puddefoot proved to be very popular with their educator colleagues at ATIA.  In addition, interested candidates appreciated a new “Frequently Asked Questions” ATP flyer that covers eligibility requirements, exam topics, and more.

Click here for the new ATP promotional materials.

Special thanks to Jerry Weisman, President-Elect Alex Mihailidis and SIGs Chair Jamie Prioli, who put in face time at the booth, and to all members and ATPs who stopped by to say hello.  RESNA members presented conference sessions on many topics, including:

• Using Technology to Implement Universal Design for Learning – James Stachiowiak, Iowa Center for Assistive Technology Education and Research
• The RESNA ATP – AT Specialists in Education – Fred Tchang, Advancing Opportunities
• Computer Access: Tools for Equalizing the Playing Field – Patricia Bahr, Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare
• Literacy Instruction for Students with Autism and Complex Communication Needs – David McNaughton, Penn State University
• Technologies in the Workplace: iPad, iPod, Blackberry – Oh My! – Jamie A. Prioli, Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology
• TeleAT:  The Future of AT Services – Fred Tchang, Advancing Opportunities
• Building AT Capacity/Consideration within an Emerging Rtl Framework – Matthew Press, Pendergast School District
• National Survey of Assistive Technology Specialists in P-12 Education Results – James Stachiowack, Iowa Center for Assistive Technology Education and Research;  Fred Tchang, Advancing Opportunities; Patricia Bahr, Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare
• Use Evidence to Provide Better Computer Access Solutions – Heidi Koester, Koester Performance Research
• Visual Supports for Behavior and Classroom Management – Matthew Press, Pendergast School District
• Research and Dissemination Update from the RERC on Communication Enhancement – David McNaughton, Penn State University
• Creating Next-Generation AT and Services: Global Public Inclusive Infrastructure - Gregg Vanderheiden, Trace R&D Center University of Wisconsin-Madison, Denis Anson, Assistive Technology Research Institute, Misercordia University

Please note that conference handouts are available to paid ATIA conference attendees only, and can be requested by contacting ATIA at conference@atia.org.

If we inadvertently missed any RESNA member who presented at ATIA 2012 Orlando, please contact Julien Williams at jwilliams@resna.org.