AT-TIES Together 2025

Regional and Statewide Services for Students with Orthopedic Impairment (RSOI) and Oregon Technology Access Program (OTAP) are thrilled to announce the sixth annual AT-TIES Together Conference. This conference brings together Oregon's Therapists in Educational Settings (TIES) with Assistive Technology teams, administrators, teachers and families for two days of professional development. Oregon's focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion begins with access to the environment and to curriculum for ALL learners. Conference sessions highlight access across the lifespan, with a focus on inclusion and developing student choice and voice.

Allison Posey is an international leader for inclusive practices through implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). She works at CAST, where she collaborates to apply current understanding from brain research into innovative, equitable instructional practices. She taught a range of science courses in high school and community colleges, such as biology, genetics, anatomy, and psychology and she still teaches at Lasell University.

Allison earned a degree in Mind, Brain, and Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education, is author of two books, Engage the Brain (ASCD, 2018) and Unlearning (CAST Publishing, 2020). She lives just outside of Boston, is an avid hiker, and loves being a mom.

Check her out at https://www.allisonposey.com.

Allison will be joining us for two days, delivering a Monday keynote and five additional sessions of intense UDL discussion. Discover how neuroscience and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can help educators and support teams to design emotionally engaging, inclusive opportunities that meet the needs of all learners by reducing barriers and fostering participation.

Dr. Connie Johnson is a school based physical therapist and LEND faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is ABPTS Board Certified, DC LEND trainee who received her MSPT from Springfield College and DScPT from University of Maryland. She’s an advocate to eliminate health and opportunity disparities to achieve employment for youth with disabilities. She has published in peer reviewed journals on transition, fitness of youth with disabilities, case studies on work capacity evaluation in transition and Use of the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice. She is an active member of the Academy of PediatricPhysical Therapy as co-chair of the Practice Development Committee and a member of the school and AADA SIGs as well as APTA Academy for Leadership and Innovation. She is the creator of Fit4Work.

Connie will join us on Monday for her keynote and three additional sessions of progressive learning. Participation is required in each of the previous sessions to advance to subsequent sessions. Attendees may not attend session three, if they have not taken one and two.

Varleisha D. Lyons (formerly Gibbs), PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS, is an occupational therapist and author with over 20 years of experience working with children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory processing disorders and neurological disorders. She developed and founded Delaware’s first occupational therapy program and became the first black indigenous American woman to serve as the Scientific Programs Officer at the American Occupational Therapy Foundation. Currently, she is the Vice President of Diversity Equity Inclusion Justice Access and Belonging at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

Varleisha continues to lecture and provides training on sensory processing strategies and self-regulation to practitioners, parents, and teachers throughout the country and internationally. As co-author of Raising Kids with Sensory Processing Disorders, she has provided families with strategies to understand and care for their children. Dr. Lyons is the developer of the Self-Regulation and Mindfulness program and author of the best-selling book, Self-Regulation and Mindfulness: Exercises and Worksheets for Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (PESI Publishing & Media). She is the co-author of Trauma Treatment in ACTION: Over 85 Activities to Move Clients Toward Healing, Growth and Improved Functioning (PESI Publishing & Media). Her areas of expertise include neuroanatomy, self-regulation strategies across the lifespan, health inequities, and trauma responsive approaches.

Varleisha joins us Tuesday for a keynote presentation and two additional breakout sessions.

Gayl Bowser, M.Ed. is an independent consultant whose work focuses on the creation of effective, legal and high-quality service systems that encourage integration of technology into educational programs for students with disabilities. Formerly the Coordinator of the Oregon Technology Access Program (OTAP) and the U.S. State of Oregon’s Specialist in Assistive Technology, Gayl provides consultation, professional learning opportunities, mentoring and technical assistance throughout the United States and internationally.

Gayl joins us to deliver two 90-minute sessions.

Christopher R. Bugaj, MA CCC‐SLP is the Assistive Technology Specialist for Loudoun County Public Schools. Chris co-hosts the Talking With Tech podcast featuring interviews and conversations about augmentative and alternative communication and has hosted The A.T.TIPSCAST; a multi‐award winning podcast featuring strategies to design educational experiences. Chris is the author of The New Assistive Tech: Make Learning Awesome For All first and second editions, published by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Chris is the co-author of Inclusive Learning 365: EdTech Strategies for Every Day of the Year and The Practical (and Fun) Guide to Assistive Technology in Public Schools both of which are also published by ISTE. Chris co-authored two chapters for a book published by Brookes Publishing titled Technology Tools for Students with Autism. Chris is also the owner of his company, Educational Experience Design. Chris has presented over 700 live or digital sessions at local, regional, state, national and international events, including TEDx.

Chris will be joining us for two full days, six 90-minute sessions.

Kelly Fonner is a self-employed consultant in assistive technology & an online teacher. For over 40 years, she has presented at schools, universities & conferences in the US & internationally in Australia, Brazil, Canada and South Africa. She presents on a wide range of topics including augmentative communication, computer access, literacy, writing supports, AT assessment and implementation strategies. Kelly is a volunteer leader in QIAT, WI AAC Network and an advisor to the ATIA conference.

Kelly will join us both days, for six total sessions.

Judith Schoonover, MEd, OTR/L, ATP, FAOTA is an occupational therapist and former elementary school teacher. She is certified as an assistive technology professional (ATP) by RESNA and is a founding member of the Loudoun County Public Schools Assistive Technology Team. Judith has provided direct services in schools for more than 44 years. She has authored numerous articles and chapters and is a nationally and internationally recognized speaker presenting on the topics of school-based occupational therapy, transition, literacy, and assistive technology. Judith is the former vice president of the Virginia Occupational Therapy Association and served as the communication liaison for the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) Early Intervention and School Special Interest Section. Currently, Judith represents AOTA on the National Joint Committee (NJC) for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities, and serves on the editorial board of the Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits (ATOB) Journal. Judith was the recipient of the Joy Zabala Spirit Award in 2023, and is currently serving as a Joy Zabala Fellowship Mentor.

Judith will be with us for two days, six total sessions, including interactive make and take fun!

40 kits are available for each session on a first come basis.

Elisa Wern is an Occupational Therapist, with a Master’s degree in Special Education, and RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) with over 20 years of experience in pediatric therapy. She presents at a variety of state and national conferences including regional training, AOTA, CEC, PATINS A2E, and ATIA, Closing the Gap, OTAP/ECHO TIES Project, CATE, TalkingAAC and AAC in the Cloud. She is the Local Assistive Technology Specialist for Alachua County Schools in Gainesville, Florida, where she coordinates AT services for the district, and serves as the Lead Occupational Therapist. In her spare work time she has a private practice, AT & OT Consulting and Coaching, supporting students and families primarily through teletherapy evaluations, consultations, and interventions as well as consultation for companies. She is a contracted staff member for LessonPix providing training and conference support. She proudly served as a Year 1 Mentor as a Joy Zabala Fellow. She coordinates the Facebook group book study on Comprehensive Literacy for All. She shares ideas and resources on Twitter @wernedat and can be reached by email elisa@atotcc.com.

Elisa will be presenting for two days, six total sessions on an array of her signature topics, including two co-presentations with Judith Schoonover. Double the fun!!

Recognize excellence by nominating exemplary achievements in the provision of education-based therapy services and assistive technology leadership no later than Friday, March 7.

We invite non-profit organizations, as well as vendors of assistive technology, AAC, and therapy products to sponsor a table in the Salem Convention Center vendor hall for one or both days of the conference.

For details and to register:

*Select the general registration link and choose "exhibitor".

*Our event planner, Cindy Doyle will contact you with additional details after registration is complete. *Please contact Cindy if you have additional questions. cindy.doyle@douglasesd.k12.or.us

In-person registration only.

All registrations include buffet lunch both days.

EARLY BIRD rates are good until March 19, 2025. Early bird rates apply to standard attendee registrations only.

• Two-Day Registration
• $410 EARLY BIRD RATE ($460 regular rate)
  
• $ 250 (Parent/Student)
• One-Day Registration
• $320 EARLY BIRD RATE ($370 regular rate)
  
• $ 200 (Parent/Student)

Note: Registration is not confirmed until payment is received.

There are no refunds on cancellations after March, 28 2025.

Note: Sessions will not be recorded.

Certificates of Attendance for 6 contact hour credits per day will be issued via email after the 2-day conference.

For assistance with group registrations, please contact Cindy Doyle at cindy.doyle@douglasesd.k12.or.us.

Note: The first 75 registrants will receive a complimentary Kindle copy of In Support of Students: A Leader's Guide to Equitable MTSS by Katie Novak and Kristan Rodriguez.

Salem Convention Center
200 Commercial St SE
Salem, Oregon 97301

Parking: If you are staying at the hotel, there is a complimentary underground parking garage you may utilize.

If you are commuting, the closest parking garage is across Ferry St. at Liberty Square Parkade.

The Grand Hotel in Salem

201 Liberty Street SE

Salem , Oregon 97301

A block of rooms is being held at the Grand Hotel. The following rates apply until March 7.

$169 Deluxe King

$169 Deluxe Double Queen

$179 King Suite

Lodging includes complimentary hot buffet breakfast.

Reservations may be made through the following link . Use group AT-TIES 2025 to receive the negotiated rate if you book by phone. The block rate is available until March 7, 2025.

OTAP/RSOI

1409 NE Diamond Lake Blvd, Suite 110

Roseburg, OR 97470