AT Training Library

Welcome to the Ability Tools (formerly AT Network) training library. Many of the trainings were recorded live. All trainings are open captioned and available for you to view on YouTube at your leisure.

Please choose as many categories below to view relevant trainings:

List of 21 Archived Trainings:

Microsoft PowerPoint Accessibility 101 Training Thursday - September 3rd, 2020 • 11:00AM (PST)

Understand how Information & Communications Technology (ICT) Accessibility impacts everyone.
Participants will get training on making your Microsoft PowerPoint presentations accessible for all!

Captioning will be provided.

Presenters: Megan Cowdell, CFILC ICT Manager

Location: Webinar Platform

Tags: AT Professional Development, Computers, Tablets, Software & Apps, Professional Development

Transcript: Microsoft PowerPoint Accessibility 101 Webinar Transcript.docx
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/zYoj3cWJcQQ

Microsoft Word Accessibility 101 Training Thursday - August 27th, 2020 • 11:00AM (PST)

Understand how Information & Communications Technology (ICT) Accessibility impacts everyone.
Participants will get training on making your Microsoft Word documents accessible for all!

Captioning will be provided.

Presenters: Megan Cowdell, CFILC ICT Manager

Location: Webinar Platform

Tags: AT Professional Development, Computers, Tablets, Software & Apps, Professional Development

Transcript: Microsoft Word Accessibility 101 Webinar Transcript.docx
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/uFpQCRcQSBE
Materials: Microsoft Word Accessibility 101.pptx What is CFILC - Accessibility Review Needed - Copy.docx What is CFILC - Optimized for Accessibility.docx

Tap Wearable Keyboard Training Thursday - June 13th, 2019 • 10:30AM (PST)

This training was provided during the monthly Ability Tools AT Advocates Meeting. Dovid Schick, CEO of Tap, shared the product with us and demonstrated its AT uses.

Presenters: Dovid Schick, CEO Tap

Location: Webinar Platform

Tags: AT Product Demonstrations, AT Professional Development, Children & Youth to 18, Communication Devices & Apps, Computers, Tablets, Software & Apps

Transcript: Tap Training Final Transcript.docx
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/nPyqd0HVME4

Open Sesame! A Touch-Free App Monday - July 2nd, 2018 • 2:00PM (PST)

Sesame Enable has developed a first of its kind mobile app that allows people with motor disabilities to fully control their smartphones or tablets using only simple head movements. This webinar will present all the different features of our app. Participants will view the app in action (writing an email, searching the web, engaging in social media, and more!) all through simple head gestures.

Presenters: Shai Eilat; Head of Sesame Enable's US Operations

Location: Webinar Platform

Tags: Computers, Tablets, Software & Apps

Transcript: Open Sesame Transcript Final.doc
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/9FWa-MfgreQ
Materials: Sesame Presentation 2018.pptx

BEST Suite Success: Apps for Increasing Self-Regulation and Productivity at Home, School, & Work Wednesday - November 1st, 2017 • 2:00PM (PST)

This Webinar will begin with a discussion of the benefits of using apps to help with common cognitive issues. We’ll demo the BEST Suite which contains the PaceMyDay (energy/fatigue management) and ReachMyGoals (SMART goal-setting) apps designed with the feedback and insights of individuals living with cognitive issues. In addition, we’ll discuss the importance of app training for those with cognitive issues, their caregivers, and professionals.

Presenters: Michelle Ranae Wild President/CEO, Brain Education Strategies & Technology And Kristi Pero Co-Curriculum Designer/Trainer, Brain Education Strategies & Technology

Location: Webinar Platform

Tags: AT Product Demonstrations, Computers, Tablets, Software & Apps

Transcript: 11172017-BEST-suite-success-transcript-final.rtf
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/Ra1Zx4Jk1fw
Materials: BEST Connections Suite App Training_110117.pptx

Be My Eyes- Bringing Sight to the Blind and Visually Impaired Wednesday - August 9th, 2017 • 10:00AM (PST)

Presentation by Alexander Jensen of Be My Eyes- Be My Eyes is a FREE app that connects blind and visually impaired with sighted helpers from around the world via live video connection.

Presenters: Alexander Jensen- Community Director

Location: Webinar Platform

Tags: AT Product Demonstrations, Computers, Tablets, Software & Apps

Transcript: 08092017-be-my-eyes-transcript-final.rtf
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/FfKf6vzOcZ4

Introducing Voice Options Pilot Project Tuesday - May 16th, 2017 • 10:00AM (PST)

Presented by: Kevin Hansen and Megan Cowdell, California Foundation for Independent Living Centers

Do Californians with speech disabilities have a need for iPads with speech apps? What is the best way for people to try out and borrow tablets with speech apps?

Join us to learn about Voice Options’ pilot program of the California Public Utilities Commission administered by the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers. Voice Options connects Californians with speech language disabilities to iPads with speech apps.

Presenters: Kevin Hansen and Megan Cowdell, CFILC

Location: Webinar Platform

Tags: AT Basics, Communication Devices & Apps, Computers, Tablets, Software & Apps

Transcript: 051617-Introducing_Voice_Options_Pilot.rtf
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8wdTRrtlEo

Assistive Technology: Tools for Transition Wednesday - February 15th, 2017 • 11:00AM (PST)

Presented by: Laura Simmons-Martinez, Assistive Technology Program Manager, Team of Advocates for Special Kids

Technology can play a big role in successfully transitioning from high school to the adult world. We will introduce the different types of technology that may be useful in high school, college, in the workplace and to help foster independence. Attendees will leave with an understanding of what types of technology are out there to help older students and adults with special needs and where to obtain that technology.

Presenters: Laura Simmons-Martinez, Assistive Technology Program Manager, Team of Advocates for Special Kids

Location: Webinar Platform

Tags: AT Basics, AT Professional Development, Children & Youth to 18, Communication Devices & Apps, Computers, Tablets, Software & Apps, Professional Development

Transcript: a_transcript_ATToolsForTransition_021517.rtf
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDAf9fAudnM&feature=youtu.be
Materials: a_outline_ATToolsForTransition_021517.rtf

AT Software for Students - Note-taking, Reading, Writing and More Wednesday - June 15th, 2016 • 10:00AM (PST)

Presentation #1: Mind Mapping Improves Students Reading Comprehension and Writing Skills

Mind maps have a natural structure that radiates from the center and use lines, symbols, words, colors and images. Mind mapping turns monotonous information into colorful, memorable and highly organized diagrams that work in line with your brain's natural way of thinking.

MindView AT (Assistive Technology) software correctly addresses key learning objectives for students with Reading, Writing and Learning difficulties. Based on the proven principles of Mind Mapping and the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), MindView helps to identify, process and present information visually. MindView is the next generation of mind mapping software in education.

Learn how MindView AT helps students:

• Improve reading comprehension and writing skills
• Outline documents in a non-linear fashion
• Add research, notes, links and citations
• Export to Word in Academic Formats i.e. MLA, APA, etc.

Presenters: Brandon Conrad and Rich Ranieri

Presentation #2: Sonocent Note-taking software by Mark Gibbons

In this presentation we shall be looking at how audio recording can be the key to learning and notetaking.

Note taking is hard! Why scribble away like a mad person, lose focus or just get lost in classes and meetings?

With Audio Notetaker you can capture everything effortlessly, and focus on listening. Record, highlight, annotate and revisit at your own pace.

We hope that by the end of the presentation you will see Audio Notetaker as another solution that can be easily utilized by students with learning differences, and can create greater success and independence.

Mark Gibbons, originally from the UK, has been working with individuals with disabilities since 1985. Mark, along with his wife Lesley Ann, launched Sterling Adaptives, a bay area based AT company that focuses on customer service and quality products.

Location: Webinar Platform

Tags: AT Basics, AT Product Demonstrations, AT Professional Development, Children & Youth to 18, Computers, Tablets, Software & Apps, Learning & Literacy

Transcript: a_transcript_ATSoftwareForStudents_Webinar-061516.rtf
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtuDI08DRf8

AT and Disability Student Services in College Wednesday - September 9th, 2015 • 3:00PM (PST)

When you’re a student with a disability who is used to having an IEP or 504 plan, transitioning to college can be confusing and challenging when it comes to getting your accommodations and assistive technology needs met. Fortunately many Youth Organizing (YO!) Disabled and Proud Volunteers and Members have experienced college life and can provide support to new students on how the DSPS can assist you in receiving technology and accommodations in the classroom! If this is something you are interested in learning about and preparing for, come listen to their stories and experiences. This is the kind of stuff that will prepare you to become informed college students.

Moderator: Kirk Aranda, Youth Organizer for Youth Organizing (YO!) Disabled and Proud

Presenters: Blake Webber (College of Marin), Jessica Jimenez (California State University, Long Beach), Kristin Ansell (Sierra College), Alexa McBride (California State University, Sacramento)