NEAT’s 8th Annual Conference TOOLS FOR SCHOOLS For 8 years, the NEAT (New England Assistive Technology) Center at Oak Hill has gathered education professionals and technology experts to discuss techniques, strategies and technology, both assistive and instructional, for enhancing the educational environment for all learners. Known for its unique services, programs, and events, NEAT provides an annual TOOLS FOR SCHOOLS conference for educators and administrators to explore the integration of technology across the curriculum in a universal design approach. TOOLS FOR SCHOOLS offers a wealth of information for all education professionals: Superintendents Principals and Vice Principals Educators Special Educators District-level Leaders Curriculum Designers Library Media Specialists Technology Directors Instructional Support Staff School Psychologists Speech Language Pathologists Social Workers Occupational Therapists Physical Therapists Students with Disabilities Parents Here’s how to justify your attendance to TOOLS FOR SCHOOLS! New Trends in Technology Attendees will discover new trends in educational technology solutions for students with and without disabilities – Kindergarten through College. Numerous opportunities to win giveaways and raffle prizes. Education and Professional Development A nationally recognized expert and leader in the field of education and assistive technology will help you explore current solutions for your classroom and struggling students. Assistive Technology Solutions Inspired and creative solutions are presented for a variety of student needs as well as applying practical strategies to the most demanding technology challenges. Vendors are available in the lobby for hands-on explorations of assistive tools and educational software. The Special Offer Our lead event sponsor, the CT Tech Act Project provides NEAT with a large donation so that we can continue to provide New England with an enlightening conference featuring nationally-recognized speakers and experts. This also helps us provide educators and related professionals with a discount price for attendance including lunch and contact hours. Event Details Rethinking Instructional Strategies to Reach All Learners: Developing Tech Toolboxes for Success Topic: Description: Interested in learning new, innovative strategies to support the struggling learners in your school? As you reflect on your current instructional methods, are you meeting the needs of all the learners in your classroom? This presentation will address a variety of resources for elementary through high school learners. We will explore tools, which bypass reading and writing challenges, offer content creation options and alternative ways to demonstrate learning. Participants will discuss the importance of matching the right tool to the needs of the student. We will explore iPad apps, Chrome apps and extensions and online tools. Yes, there truly is a tool for that – it has never been a more exciting time to be an educator! This workshop is designed for the educator who loves collaboration and hands-on learning and has experience with iPad, Chrome browser and/or technology use. Come and be immediately inspired to implement new strategies, which reach all learners. Learner Outcomes: 1. Participants will understand the importance of building upon strengths to overcome individual learning differences and disabilities while promoting independence and competence. 2. Participants will identify two technology based strategies to overcome reading challenges 3. Participants will equip and empower their students for success using alternative ways to demonstrate learning. 4. Participants will integrate free technology resources into their daily school based therapy practice. Keynote Presenter: Karen Janowski Assistive & Educational Technology Consultant EdTech Solutions, Reading, MA Karen Janowski has a private Assistive and Educational Technology consulting practice in Reading, MA and is an adjunct professor in the Assistive Technology Graduate program at Simmons College. She is a nationally recognized speaker and is passionate about removing the obstacles to learning for all students using assistive and educational technology strategies and solutions. Previously, she worked as an Assistive Technology Specialist in the Newton Public Schools. Date: Thursday, November 5, 2015 Time: 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Registration begins at 8:00 A.M. Vendors, coffee and light snacks will be available. Fee: $75.00 including lunch and contact hours Register for TOOLS FOR SCHOOLS at www.neatmarketplace.org!