‘Wearables’ as Assistive Technology

Maine CITE

There's still time to register for MaineCITE's next webinar!  See below for a description of the event and the link to registration.     ‘Wearables’ as Assistive Technology Date: July 9, 2019 Time: 1:00 – 2:00 pm   Program Description Executive functioning describes the skills that let people plan, organize and complete tasks. Executive challenges can make it more difficult for learners to accomplish their goals, but assistive technology can help. In this session, participants learn about a number of smartwatches and other ‘wearables’ in order to select the device(s) that best meet their executive functioning and other access needs. Following an overview of the built-in accessibility features of these devices, participants learn about a number of apps that can assist in improving executive functioning capabilities, including apps for managing time and information, staying on task, and more. Presenter:  Luis Perez, Ph.D. Registration:

https://mainecite.org/training/webinar-wearables-as-assistive-technology/

Summer edition of the Parent Connection from Maine Parent Federation

The Summer 2019 edition of the Maine Parent Federation newsletter, Parent Connection, is now available on our website at: 

http://mpf.org/newsletters/ParentConnectionSummer2019.pdf.

MaineCite Webinars Coming Up This Summer

Maine CITE

Please mark your calendars for these two free webinars from Maine CITE:

‘Wearables’ as Assistive Technology

Date: July 9, 2019

Time: 1:00 – 2:00 pm

Program Description

Executive functioning describes the skills that let people plan, organize and complete tasks. Executive challenges can make it more difficult for learners to accomplish their goals, but assistive technology can help. In this session, participants learn about a number of smartwatches and other ‘wearables’ in order to select the device(s) that best meet their executive functioning and other access needs. Following an overview of the built-in accessibility features of these devices, participants learn about a number of apps that can assist in improving executive functioning capabilities, including apps for managing time and information, staying on task, and more.

Presenter: Luis Perez, Ph.D.

Low Vision Technology in the Home

Date: July 24, 2019 Time: 1:00 - 2:00

Program Description

Assistive Technology (AT) can help a person with a vision impairment live an independent, safe and meaningful life at home and in the community. Interventions include evaluating the environment for modifications to make the most of remaining vision; teaching how to use remaining vision as efficiently as possible; reducing clutter and organizing the environment; improving lighting needed for daily tasks; training to use AT in completing daily activities. Technology plays a key role in vision rehabilitation - ranging from simple to high tech devices. Assessment of appropriate technology and training consumers to use it effectively are part of the role of an OT providing low vision services. Examples of AT will be presented, including non-optical aids, magnification, video magnification, text to speech, and wearable technology.

Presenter: Sherry Boothby, OTR/L, CLVT, M.S

Registration:

https://mainecite.org/training/

Using Smart Mobile Devices To Build Independence May 9, 2019

Maine CITE

Using Smart Mobile Devices To Build Independence

Date: May 9, 2019

Time: 1:00 – 2:00 pm EST

Program Description

This webinar will focus on exploration of available “Apps” to improve safety and independence in the home and community for young people with cognitive and/or physical challenges. The presenter will explore several Apps to address common challenges experienced by this population. An extensive list of app resources will be provided to participants. Target Audience: OT, SLP, Nurses, Educators, Case managers, Residential staff/ facilities, Caregivers & family members.

Presenters

Christine Martin, MS, OTR/L, CBIS

Registration https://mainecite.org/training/webinar-using-smart-mobile-devices-to-build-independence/

2019 Maine Brain Injury Resource Fair

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month!  

 

BIAA-ME's big event for Brain Injury Awareness Month is our annual Maine Brain Injury Resource Fair and we hope to see you there!  

 

The 2019 Maine Brain Injury Resource Fair will take place at the Augusta Armory (179 Western Ave, Augusta) on Thursday, March 28, 2019, from 1-4 pm.  

 

This event is a great resource for Maine brain injury survivors, family members, caregivers, students, friends, professionals, and anyone in the Maine brain injury community!   

 

This event is FREE to attend and we have simplified the attendee registration process this year. Registering early helps us plan for space and food, so please register as soon as you can!  

 

Register as an attendee: 

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=biausa&id=205

To register as an exhibitor/sponsor and exhibit/sponsor staff:
https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=biausa&id=205

Supported Decision Making Pilot Project

Maine Parent Federation has partnered with Maine's Developmental Disabilities Council to pilot a program to provide education, resources, and referrals for parents and families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs around providing Supported Decision Making as an alternative option to full guardianship.   Supported Decision-Making ("SDM") is a method of developing decision-making skills by relying on a team of Supporters to assist an individual in collecting information, processing information, and coming to a reasoned decision. SDM is an alternative to guardianship in that it provides a trusted and formalized environment for individuals who are seeking assistance with decision-making while still promoting self-determination. In contrast to guardianship, SDM is flexible and can change with the needs of an individual to provide more opportunities for independence and autonomy.   We have started the first year of this program and are currently seeking more families of youth who are transition age, 8th grade through 11th grade, who would like to participate. Participation in this pilot would require attendance at a one-day training, working closely with employees at Maine Parent Federation to receive support and allow observation of the implementation of the school transition plan, and completion of surveys so we are able to collect data to show how the support and resources have changed outcomes for families and ultimately to help create a program curriculum to implement the second year of our project.   In addition to the resources and guidance around Supported Decision Making, Maine Parent Federation will also offer a stipend, meals, and mileage reimbursements to families who participate. Our next training will be held on March 2, 2019 at the University of Maine in Augusta from 10 AM to 3:30 PM.   For more information, or if you would like to participate please contact;   Carrie Woodcock Maine Parent Federation 800-870-7746 cwoodcock@mpf.org

Maine Parent Federation Workshop Information