2021 Virtual Assistive Technology Expo

2021 Virtual Assistive Technology Expo 

Date: March 2, 2021

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Target Audience: People with disabilities, their families, seniors, educators, veterans, and healthcare professionals.

Cost: Free!

Register Now! (you must register to receive a Zoom confirmation email)

Prizes: Two $50 gift cards will be given away at the end of each session. You must be logged into the session to win!

Accessibility: Closed captioning and ASL sign language will be provided. Contact Janet Lambert at 803-935-5263, janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu with questions or accessibility needs.

Session Schedule 

8:30 a.m.  KeyNote Speaker: Don Johnston, M.S.

Mr. Johnston is the CEO and Founder of Don Johnston Incorporated. For forty years, Don has committed himself to developing Human Learning Tools and Curriculum for classrooms to serve the widest range of student learning needs.

9:00 a.m.  Essential AT for Individuals with Significant Disabilities

Speaker: Cindy Richardson, AbleNet, Inc.

Participants will learn about low-to-high tech communication devices, computer and iPad access, various switches and environmental control devices. 

9:30 a.m.  ADA Ramps and Other Common Accessibility Equipment

Speakers: Allen Cates and Sherri Hutto, AmRamp of the Carolinas

Participants will learn about the different types of ramps that meet ADA requirements as well as other accessibility equipment for use inside the home. 

10:00 a.m.  Beneath the Surface of Readtopia

Speaker: Candy Cooper, Don Johnston Inc. 

Participants will learn about the Readtopia reading curriculum and how it brings experiential learning into the classroom, so students with complex needs can bridge the gap between learning through reading and learning through experiencing. 

10:30 a.m.  Meet the EyeOn 

Speaker: Wayne Jones, Eye Tech Digital Systems 

Participants will be introduced to EyeTech’s new eye gaze speech-generating device called the EyeOn. The EyeOn is an all-in-one tablet with eye-tracking technology designed to support non-verbal individuals with conditions such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy and ALS. 

11:00 a.m.  Portable Reading Devices Provide Independence and Confidence

Speaker: Frank Beard, Quintex Low Vision 

Participants will see a demonstration of OrCam’s two portable devices which instantly read text from any printed or digital surface. They can also recognize faces, products, and money.  No internet needed. 

11:30 a.m.  Practical UDL and Personalized Instruction Tools for ALL Students

Speaker: Tim Jones, TextHelp

Participants will see demonstrations of Read&Write for Google Chrome, EquatIO, and WriQ. We will explore text-to-speech, word prediction, dictation, text and picture dictionaries, annotations and more that can help ALL students and especially those who struggle with reading and writing.  

Noon: Lunch Break

12:30 p.m. Door Prize Give Away from 

the SC DD Council & SCATP

1:00 p.m.  The Benefits of Power 

Speakers:  Brandon Wall and Megan Fitzpatrick, Numotion 

Participants will see a demonstration of power functions on wheelchairs and the benefits associated with the functions. Functions we will explore include tilt, recline, elevating legs, seat lift, and more. 

1:30 p.m.  AAC Options! How do I choose the right high-tech device for my client? 

Speaker: Wyatt Franken

Participants will see a demonstration of the software and hardware features of the exclusive communication device families: Wego and Zuvo!   

2:00 p.m.  Learn How to Borrow Manual and Power Wheelchairs from SCATP 

Speakers: Archie McPherson and Tammy Wallace

Participants will learn how to borrow manual and power wheelchairs for people living with paralysis from the SC Assistive Technology Program. This loan program will fill the gap for people until they receive their own custom wheelchair. Participants will see a demonstration of power functions on wheelchairs that benefit individuals with paralysis. The SC Assistive Technology Program received a Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Grant for 2021. National Seating and Mobility is partnering with SCATP to implement the project. 

2:30 p.m.  All about Video Magnifiers

Speaker:  Jeff Bachand, Eschenbach Optik of America, Inc. 

Participants will see a demonstration of an array of hand-held video products and portable desktop magnifiers and explore the features and benefits of the different magnifiers. 

3:00 p.m.  Obi Robot 

Speaker: Heather Rehs, Obi Robot – Desin, Inc.

Participants will see how the Obi Robot helps with dining and feeding people who do not have use of their hands and arms.

3:30 p.m.  SC Assistive Technology Program 101 

Speaker: Carol Page 

Participants will learn about the programs and services provided by the SC Assistive Technology Program. You will learn about equipment demonstrations, equipment loans, the reuse service, the equipment exchange program, and the Mobility Independence Project. You will also be able to ask any questions about the programs and services.