The Inclusive Learning Technologies was held last week over four days. Previously attending in 2008, the Conference was once again very well organised with speakers from overseas, a jam packed schedule with 6 concurrent sessions all day, various supplier stalls, and 750 people from across the globe enjoying the Marriott Surfers Paradise venue.
I probably didn't get as much out of it as the last conference but then again we are another 2 years down the track of providing technology options for Missy. It cemented some ideas that had previously been forgotten, to now try again, it provided some further information on the latest very expensive communication devices and where we may now head as Missy's Dynavox DV4 will soon be out of warranty as she has had it for 5 years now. We are currently trialling the Eco2 and in August will trial the Dynavox V(5) Max which by then we would have waited 11 months just to trial the device. By the time it's trialled and applications written the Dynavox VI(6) might be out.
We were given a thumb drive with lots of informations including all the presenters presentations with a CD to follow. We picked up a Step by Step communicator that has three levels,just a little quick system to use for greetings and other news that is easy to press when she driving around. http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/product/step-by-step-communicator-with-levels-enhanced . I also ordered some handy little talking brix, an updated version of a single message switch that don't run on batteries, we find these really handy by the toilet and other areas where you need to call from. http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/product/talking-brix-communicators
Showing posts with label Dynavox. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dynavox. Show all posts
Monday, May 31, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Inclusive Learning Conference - Gold Coast here I come
After attending the Spectronics Conference in 2008 and the fact that Missy will soon be looking to upgrade her current communication device(Dynavox DV4) I was keen to get back to the biannual conference.
The Inclusive Learning Conference(hosted by Spectronics) attracts very highly regarded experts in the field of AAC and it's associated technology, the four days are jammed packed with 7 concurrent sessions running throughtout most of the days, which can actually make it difficult to choose which to attend.
After applying to a couple of service providers for sponsorship to attend the conference, I was successful with a local respite provider who was able to provide the flexibility to change respite to carer education.
Flying and staying with another mum at the venue should make for a great time, while my brain won't get a rest, it will be a break from the day to day rountine of school runs, therapy, homework, cooking and cleaning.
The Inclusive Learning Conference(hosted by Spectronics) attracts very highly regarded experts in the field of AAC and it's associated technology, the four days are jammed packed with 7 concurrent sessions running throughtout most of the days, which can actually make it difficult to choose which to attend.
After applying to a couple of service providers for sponsorship to attend the conference, I was successful with a local respite provider who was able to provide the flexibility to change respite to carer education.
Flying and staying with another mum at the venue should make for a great time, while my brain won't get a rest, it will be a break from the day to day rountine of school runs, therapy, homework, cooking and cleaning.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Back to school
Missy was eager to return to school this week. She couldn't wait to hook back up with lots of her friends. Missy entered Year 3 this year and is actually in composite class 3/4 which meant that the majority of the kids haven't been in a class with Missy before.
Knowing this prior to starting,it had made me a little anxious as the skills kids learn from being in Missy class in prior years makes transition smooth. Missy and I discussed maybe we could make a powerpoint presentation about herself to assist many of the new kids. Missy was keen, loving powerpoint presentation choose the things she wanted to share with the class.
Missy was keen to go out the front and use her Dynavox to explain each slide. We made sure the children got to learn about Missy's likes - loud music, dancing and riding fast motorbikes (Photos and sound effects included)she also spoke about the Dynavox, powerchair and a bit about cerebral palsy and how it makes using her muscles tricky. I attended the presentation which we watered down to be her news for the week.
Wondering what sort of questions the kids might throw her way... well they couldn't care less about the CP and muscles part just questions about... How fast can your chair go and have you had any crashes? how many pages on the Dynavox? How does it control the TV? Cool....
So after hearing what interests them and watching the kids leave the classroom on the first day practicing the sign for thank you, I think we have another batch of adaptable kids who once they get used to Missy's parapheralia she will just be another kid in the class.
Knowing this prior to starting,it had made me a little anxious as the skills kids learn from being in Missy class in prior years makes transition smooth. Missy and I discussed maybe we could make a powerpoint presentation about herself to assist many of the new kids. Missy was keen, loving powerpoint presentation choose the things she wanted to share with the class.
Missy was keen to go out the front and use her Dynavox to explain each slide. We made sure the children got to learn about Missy's likes - loud music, dancing and riding fast motorbikes (Photos and sound effects included)she also spoke about the Dynavox, powerchair and a bit about cerebral palsy and how it makes using her muscles tricky. I attended the presentation which we watered down to be her news for the week.
Wondering what sort of questions the kids might throw her way... well they couldn't care less about the CP and muscles part just questions about... How fast can your chair go and have you had any crashes? how many pages on the Dynavox? How does it control the TV? Cool....
So after hearing what interests them and watching the kids leave the classroom on the first day practicing the sign for thank you, I think we have another batch of adaptable kids who once they get used to Missy's parapheralia she will just be another kid in the class.
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