October 28, 2020:
Looking at the “New Norms” of Assistive Tech and the Delivery of Services
Nicole Feeney, Senior Director of Oak Hill Centers recently presented on a variety of assistive technology services delivered by a team of nationally recognized specialists at The NEAT Center. The audience discovered the advancement of AT services across education, transition, employment and aging in place. Assistive technology (AT) is a world that thrives on constant changes so that we can help meet the needs of individuals with disabilities, especially in the changing times.
This presentation was hosted by our proud affiliate at the Easterseals Network. They have passed along the recording and we’d like to share it with you. Check it out here: https://youtu.be/RLQG7Z_IBPQ.
If you have questions or want to connect, please reach out CentersConnect@oakhillct.org.
October 19, 2020:
Check out Oak Hill Centers Senior Director, Nicole Feeney featured on WFSB Channel 3 discussing the incredible services offered by New England Assistive Technology (NEAT) and how the team is able to offer services virtually during this time. To watch the full interview, click this link: https://vimeo.com/469918144
September 29, 2020:
Windows 10 has a lot of great built in accessibility features, including dictation! This short tutorial (3-4 minute video) will walk you through the two most powerful ways to use dictation on a Windows 10 computer. This is great for users with mobility issues or if typing by hand just isn’t your thing, give it a try! (https://vimeopro.com/user101320532/digital-accessibility)
September 17, 2020:
NEAT is proud to announce that Antonio Martinez from Game Accessibility Nexus will be a guest presenter for a NEAT webinar on October 23, 2020 from 10-11 AM!
Webinar title: Gaming with Motor Disabilities: How Accessibility adds Inclusive and Therapeutic Values
Description: Many people with motor disabilities find gaming is not accessible for them. Despite the barriers, there are ways for people to take part in this activity that transcends pure entertainment. This talk will explore the benefits for body and mind, the socialization and inclusion opportunities, and explain how game mechanics and assistive tools can support people to achieve this goal.
About Antonio: Based in Spain, Antonio Martinez is a disabled gamer with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type-3. Games always were a big part of his life since he was a kid. Growing up he studied computer programming and English at the local university. It is as an accessibility advocate in gaming that he feels he can help others to enjoy life a bit more. He founded his own review site and works with a team of collaborators from other aspects of disability to spread awareness.
Registration info to come! Keep an eye on this page!
July 26, 2020:
The NEAT Podcast has just released a brand-new episode! Tune in to hear our interview with Paul Weiland, Adaptive Sports Program Coordinator at Oak Hill Adaptive Sports and Fitness. In this episode, Coach Paul discusses his background, gives an overview of Oak Hill Adaptive Sports and Fitness and what’s in store for their future. Click here to check out this podcast episode!
July 21, 2020:
With Covid-19 so prevalent in today’s society, there is a tremendous need for assistive technology. Book-share needed an expert’s opinion and Jamie Martin, AT Specialist at the NEAT Center, was their choice. Please take time to consider the role that assistive technology can play in every student’s life to assist them throughout their elementary, middle and high school careers and even further. Every child needs the tools to help them to succeed and assistive technology tools encompasses those needs. Click the following link to read Jamie’s article and learn how you can help students to succeed with Distance Learning.
“Expert Insights: How Distance Learning Changed Education and Opened the Door to Assistive Technology” by Jamie Martin, Assistive Technology Specialist. Published May 27, 2020 by Laura Deck, Bookshare Communications.
July 16, 2020:
PrAACtical AAC, a well-known Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) resource in the field, recently featured a blog written by NEAT’s SLP/AAC Specialist, Elena Fader! The blog shares some insight on the upcoming AAC Summer Bash next week.