2023 Deaf. Blind. Limitless Conference

Haptic Communication, commonly referred to as Haptics, is a standardized system for providing and receiving visual and environmental information, as well as personal reactions/social feedback via touch signals on the body. Participants will learn about what this touch communication system is and how it can be used in everyday life to capture what is happening in a one's environment, such as if someone has a hand raised, someone is writing or if an emergency is happening. Participants will have an opportunity to learn about the history and the individuals involved in training about this system across the World. Participants will have an opportunity to learn about resources and information about Haptic Communication and how to obtain additional training, materials and more about this system.

Link to PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PIJ5_jzaAjPO0gdwySRxtMPm9LVAFF6F/view?usp=share_link

The anticipated learning outcome is for the participants to understand the importance of early intervention and team approach when working with students and young adults. Participants will have an opportunity to learn about all the programs and services provided through HKNC, which includes DeafBlind Employment Specialist (DBES), Community Services Program (CSP) and Youth Services Coordinator (YSC) services. Participants will have an understanding of what services the DBES can provide from Pre-ETS to Customized Employment through the transition process. Participants will have resources and information to share with families regarding services for their students/young adults.

The Sensory Learning Kit is a tool designed for students with visual impairments who may have complex learning and communication needs. The kit includes the assessment, materials, and a guidebook to create meaningful routines. This presentation will walk participants through the steps of the assessment and provide tools to involve all members of a student’s educational team. Attendees will determine different materials that may be used to work in all of the students viable sensory channels. They will use this information to create routines and write IEP goals to help further the student’s participation, motivation, and connection to their environment and the people in it.

STEMFINITE Possibilities is an experiential workshop designed for professionals working with students who are blind or visually impaired. It is an exciting non-traditional hands-on approach to STEM activities for BVI students. The STEMFINITE Possibilities workshop is a natural extension of “STEM Wars,”  a previously established program which was the result of a partnership between the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, and numerous higher academic institutions including Auburn University.  STEM Wars took various STEM projects, assistive technologies, and elements of the Expanded Core Curriculum and combined it in an engaging,  fun,  and creative way.
The STEMFINITE Possibilities workshop is a condensed version of our program that has been specifically geared to gain interest from educators, schools, and administrators. Ultimately we  hope to facilitate relationships through this workshop to bring STEMFINITE Possibilities events nationally to schools who serve Blind and Visually impaired student populations.