Training for LIFE

Tips, Tricks and Links for Post Secondary Transition

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Technology for Inclusion

Do you have students who struggle to read in a general education setting but still want to look cool so they pretend and end up not achieving anything? I know I do and I am excited to share with you my solution! I am an intervention specialist who teaches in a middle school self contained classroom. I have some students who have the amazing opportunity to be integrated into the general education setting. The pros: they get the experience, higher level learning exposure and so much more. The cons: some may not be on the same level as their peers when it comes to skills like reading. The solution is a simple device called the ReaderPen. Their slogan is “read smarter” and that is just what I see happening! This technology allows my student to read text from a book by swiping the pen like device over the words and it repeats it aloud or via headphones. This is great for my student, like many others, who need the extra boost to keep up with their peers but do not want to look too different. I am so happy that I am able to borrow this item from the LIFE lending library for my classroom! It has truly made the difference for my students as I know it will yours!

Emily Davis

Intervention Specialist MCESC

For more information visit their website C-Pen.

Skills Lab Agenda app

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I Get It! App

I Get It! bundle of apps

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Agenda for the LIFE Skills Lab

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Independence in the LIFE Skills Lab

We have been using the I Get It! app as a schedule within our LIFE Skills Lab since last spring, and the students have liked it.

For students that have difficulty reading our typical agendas, we have started using the I Get It! app to create digital agendas that they can access and have directions read aloud to them. The app also allows them to check off items showing progression and allowing the staff to monitor progress. One student, in particular, was initially very confused and hesitant in the lab, to the point of not wanting to attend. The iPad schedule was introduced in the spring and by his second day in the lab, he was independently accessing the app and moving from task to task with confidence!

Each student that uses the app is entered as a separate user with their photo. The teacher then creates a book within the app for the lab schedule. They take quick pictures of the tasks on the student's agenda and records the name of the task, where they can find it, and what they are supposed to do to complete the task. Setting this up takes approximately 15 minutes at the most (depends on how many new tasks) at the beginning of the day. The student can then access the agenda throughout the day and check off the task they've completed and select their next task.

Now that the student is familiar with this type of job support, the same system can be used at their community-based work experiences and future employment as well as to complete different daily living skills.

Teaser!!!!

We have been working overtime to get our first TRAINING FOR LIFE product ready for publication and sale. Here is a sneak peek at our work, and we are hoping for a full announcement by the beginning of April.

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Event Information

Transition Activities: Structured Work Tasks for Transition Age Students, Theory & Hands On

Theory with a Make It, Take It Component!

Workshop Overview

Promoting independence is key for our students as they prepare for life after graduation. In this series, we will discuss the theory behind using structured work tasks for skill development and increasing independence. Each session will expand on the the basic theory related to the theme and then participates will be given lots of practical ideas to use with their students and the understanding of how to expand on these ideas according to student's needs. By the end of the day, participants will make an activity that they can use with their students, all materials included.

Session 4: Cooking Monday, March 9, 2020 (8:30 am - 3:30 pm)

Session 5: Group Activities Monday, April 20, 2020 (8:30 am - 3:30 pm)

$65 per session per person for employees of districts/agencies in Madison, Champaign, Clark, Hardin, Logan and Shelby counties

$75 per session per for employees of districts/agencies in counties other than those listed above.

Presenter: Patricia Kauffman, OT/L

Patricia is an occupational therapist and the LIFE Skills Lab Coordinator for the Madison Champaign Co. ESC. As an OT for 27 years, Kauffman has spent most of her career in the school setting but also owned a private practice in the Columbus area for 7 years. She developed the LIFE Skills Lab at MCESC in 2016 and has been able to significantly expand the program as a recipient an Innovative Strategies for Developing the College and Career Readiness of Students with Disabilities grant from ODE for the SY 2018-19. She has attended several TEACCH trainings including the 5-day intensive: Adolescents and Adults Transitioning to Vocational, Residential and Community Settings. She has recently presented at SST6 Best Practice Showcase, Ohio Occupational Therapy Association’s (OOTA) annual conference and OCALICON. She will be presenting at the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) annual national conference in March.

Use this link to register: https://www.smore.com/n94uf-transition-activities

When?

Monday, Mar 9, 2020, 08:30 AM

Where?

Madison-Champaign Educational Service Center, Urbana, OH, USA

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Event Information

Secondary Transition Services Based on Occupational Therapy Principles & Ohio Driving Prep Course

AOTA 2020 National Conference

If you are attending the AOTA 2020 National Conference please check out our short session and our poster presentation. Make sure you come and introduce yourselves, I'd love to put a face with the e-mail addresses.

Short Course 314 - Secondary Transition Services Based on OT Principles 8:30-10:00

Poster 8-208 - Ohio Driving Prep Course 11:30-1:30

When?

Saturday, Mar 28, 2020, 08:30 PM

Where?

Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Summer Street, Boston, MA, USA

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