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2022 APH Conference Appearances

  • Sight Tech Global

    December 7–8, 2022: Virtual
    December 9, 2022: In Person

    San Jose, California

    Description

    Sight Tech Global is the first global, virtual conference dedicated to fostering discussion among technology pioneers on how rapid advances in AI and related technologies will fundamentally alter the landscape of assistive technology and accessibility.

    Sessions

    The Dynamic Tactile Device: That “Holy Braille” for education is near

    December 7, 8:15–8:50 a.m. PT

    Following up on last years’ discussion of the APH and HumanWare collaboration to create an education-focused tactile display, Greg Stilson updates Sight Tech Global on the project’s progress and APH’s work toward an SDK for developers to build on the tactile display. Greg Stilson will also lead a breakout session for attendees who want to learn more about the Dynamic Tactile Device.

    Paving the “Holy Braille” Highway

    December 8, 8:00–8:30 a.m. PT

    APH and HumanWare continue to drive forward in developing the Dynamic Tactile Device (DTD), bringing innovative technology from DOT Inc., and creative ideas from leaders in the braille community together, building a solution referred to as the “Holy Braille.” In this breakout session, Greg Stilson will share developments on the DTD’s ecosystem and how educational content will be delivered to students as never before. See how DTD applications can enable students to study, shop, play games, and more. Share insights to assist in maximizing the usefulness of this innovative tool.

  • High Expectations for Students with Low Incidence Disabilities

    November 15th, 2022

    State College, PA

    Description

    This annual statewide conference offers an opportunity to learn and engage with presenters who are recognized in the field, as well as colleagues from across the state, highlighting effective instructional strategies and interventions designed specifically for students with low incidence disabilities.

    Exhibit Hours

    November 15th, 9 AM–5 PM

    Resources

  • National Braille Association

    November 2–4, 2022

    San Antonio, TX

    Description

    National Braille Association, founded in 1945, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing continuing education to those who prepare braille, and to providing braille materials to persons who are visually impaired.

    Sessions

    Practice Transcribing and Proofreading – Advanced — Kyle DeJute

    Wednesday, November 2, 9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. CT

    We will explore a collection of practice items and passages that include a variety of math and science content (e.g., radicals, complex fractions, chemical equations, etc.) We will proofread braille and create transcriptions as individuals and as a group. This workshop is not an introduction to the UEB Guidelines for Technical Material; it is appropriate for those who are somewhat familiar with the GTM. If possible, please come with a laptop or other device on which to transcribe.

    Elementary Math and Algebra Basics — Kyle DeJute

    Thursday, November 3, 9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. CT

    This workshop focuses on sections of the Rules of UEB and the Guidelines for Technical Material (GTM) that apply to elementary level math, including some algebra. Our goal is to identify UEB concepts that are foundational to accurate basic math transcription and then practice applying those foundational concepts so they can become habit. Yes, we will even discuss the art that is deciphering quirky print arrangements on the page

    eBRF Discussion: What do Transcribers Want in a New BRF? — William Freeman

    Thursday, November 3 9:00–11:30 a.m. CT
    Friday, November 4 2:00-4–30 p.m. CT

    For many years, braille has been wonderfully served by the BRF file type. However, while the braille file type has stayed the same, many advances have occurred in the print world. Please join William Freeman for a discussion of how we can move forward with a new braille file type. This file type will incorporate markup so that braille readers can have advanced navigation and dynamic content for the first time in a braille file made by a transcriber. Please come to this workshop prepared to discuss your ideas and concerns as they relate to such a file type as your feedback will be invaluable in this process. Together we will work to make braille better.

    Nemeth Code Jeopardy! – Kyle DeJute

    Thursday, November 3, 2:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. CT

    This! Is! Jeopardy! Just like in the game show, answers and questions are arranged by difficulty level and organized in categories (for example, “Identify the Symbol” and “To Switch or Not to Switch?”). Attendees in this workshop can be audience members, contestants, or members of competing teams. Here is a sample: “This is what we will have while strengthening our Nemeth Code knowledge.” … “What is fun?” “Correct!”

    But Why Not — Kyle DeJute

    Friday, November 4, 2:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. CT

    The boring answer is “Because.” But we want more! We braille transcribers want to know “Why exactly can’t it be brailled that way?” and “Why is it like that?!” With the goal of answering all the burning “why” questions, we will explore the Bulletin series “But Why Not?” This series of five Bulletin articles (published from 2019-2020) explains why certain contractions cannot be used in examples from Rule 10 of the Rules of UEB. We will delve deep into the examples in the “But Why Not?” series, and there will be time in this workshop for related questions and spirited discussions.

  • Association of Vision Rehabilitation Therapists

    November 2–4, 2022

    Raleigh, North Carolina

    Description

    The Association of Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (AVRT) is a professional organization dedicated to bringing together rehabilitation experts to share ideas, information, professional practices, and experiences.

    Sessions

    Music Education for All: Laura Zierer and Justine Taylor

    November 2, 2:45–3:45 p.m.

    This session will introduce attendees to a variety of out-of-the-box solutions to aid in teaching and learning the music braille code.

    Life Changing Resources for Consumers Who are Blind or Low Vision: Katie Frederick and Pris Rogers

    November 3, 9:30–10:30 a.m.

    Discover the resources that APH and the APH ConnectCenter provide for you, consumers, and family members. Give us feedback on how we can improve the ConnectCenter and VisionAware to meet your needs as professionals as well as the needs of people who are blind/low vision.

    Exhibit Hours

    Thursday, November 3, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

    Resources

  • New York State AER

    October 23–25, 2022

    Syracuse, NY

    Description

    The New York State Chapter of AER (NYSAER) is a strong chapter with about 300 members. NYSAER strives to promote the education and rehabilitation of individuals of all ages in New York State who are blind and visually impaired. We strive to provide activities, service, and opportunities for the professional growth to its members and the individuals we serve.

    Sessions

    The Road to Code: Accessible STEM products from APH – Leslie Weilbacher and Erin Weaver

    October 24, 3:30–5:00 p.m.

    Get your students interested in computer science and coding with accessible tools from APH. In this presentation, we’ll review the progression of products from Code Quest to Code Jumper, a revolutionary tool that takes coding off the screen and puts in in students’ hands.

    Exhibit Hours

    October 24, 7:15–5:00 p.m.

    Resources

  • Northern Rockies AER

    October 19–21, 2022

    Great Falls, MT

    Description

    The Northern Rockies Chapter of AER is the most active professional organization in the states of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming serving the workers of the blind and visually impaired. The chapter has a history that is even older than the national AER organization.

    Sessions

    Keynote: Disability Advocacy/ADA, Setting Yourself Up for Success – Leslie Weilbacher

    October 19, 2:00–3:00 p.m.

    STEMath Support with APH – Leslie Weilbacher

    October 21, 8:30–10:00 a.m.

    S.T.E.M. is a buzz word these days, but we forget that each part can complement the others. In this session we will hands on explore APH S.T.E.M. products and strategies on how to implement them in the classroom. We will consider how Math skills complement Science, Technology, and Engineering skills. An overview of products and services offered by APH will be discussed.

    Exhibit Hours

    October 19, 3:00–3:30 p.m., 5:00–5:30 p.m.
    October 20, 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
    October 21, 7:30 a.m.–10:15 a.m.

    Resources

  • Vision Fair: Focus on Your Future

    October 15, 2022

    Cal State LA
    5151 State University Dr.
    Los Angeles, CA 90032

    Description

    Our free community vision fair is an important step in preventing unnecessary vision loss. Join us at Cal State Los Angeles and learn how to better focus on your future!

    Hours

    9:00 am–5:00 pm

    Resources

  • Association for Education and Rehabilitation Biennial International Conference

    July 20–24, 2022

    Union Station Hotel
    1820 Market St.
    St. Louis, MO 63103

    Description

    The 2022 AER Biennial International Conference is the largest gathering of professionals who provide services to those who are blind or visually impaired. Marked as the top-rated educational and networking event of the year, this conference boasts a wide range of sessions led by thought leaders, esteemed practitioners, and seasoned experts.

    Sessions

    Braille: Refreshing Knowledge, *Blasting* Down Barriers, and BINGO!

    Kyle DeJute
    Thursday, July 21, 9:45–11:15 a.m.

    Learning SmART: Learning Concepts Through Art

    Karen Poppe
    Thursday, July 21, 11:45–12:45 p.m.

    Navigation and Dynamic Content in a New eBRF

    William Freeman and Greg Stilson
    Thursday, July 21, 11:45–12:45 p.m.

    Everything Old is New Again! Welcome to the new APH ConnectCenter

    Olaya Landa-Vialard and Kathryn Botsford
    Thursday, July 21, 2:00–3:00 p.m.

    Code Jumper: Computer Science, Careers, and the Expanded Core Curriculum

    Beth Dudycha
    Thursday, July 21, 3:30–4:30 p.m.

    Free and Easy Tactile Graphics—Tactile Graphics Image Library

    Sally Hart
    Thursday, July 21, 3:30–4:30 p.m.

    Digital Learning: APH Hive Courses Built for You

    Amy Campbell
    Thursday, July 21, 3:30–4:30 p.m.

    What’s Your Vision for APH VisionAware?

    Katie Frederick and Pris Rogers
    Friday, July 22, 9:45–11:15 a.m.

    A Million Manipulatives in Your Pocket

    Leanne Grillot
    Friday, July 22, 2:00–3:00 p.m.

    Learn about APH Press

    Heather Spence and Jess Bryant
    Friday, July 22, 3:30–4:30 p.m.

    Call the Braille Midwife: standardized assessments and braille

    Kyle DeJute and Katherine Padgett
    Friday, July 22, 5:00–6:00 p.m.

    Learning Through Innovation Exploring the Reduction of Eye Pressing

    Greg Stilson
    Friday, July 22, 5:00–6:00 p.m.

    Educational Tools: APH Mantis Q40 and APH Chameleon 20

    Leslie Weilbacher, Cecilia Robinson, Bruce McClanahan
    Sunday, July 24, 10:15–11:15 a.m.

    Teaching Math to the Blind: Graphing in Classrooms

    Li Zhou
    Sunday, July 24, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

    Poster Sessions

    O&M Service Decisions: What is guiding them if it’s not assessment?

    Lauralyn Randles
    Saturday, July 23, 1:15–2:30 p.m.

    Exhibit Hours

    Friday, July 22, 9:00 am–5:00 pm
    Saturday, July 23, 9:00 am–3:00 pm

    Resources

    Please take this very short Braille Display Survey and tell us what’s most important to you!

  • July 20–21

    Session

    Coding/Robotics Playground

    Resource:

    www.codejumper.com

  • National Federation of the Blind

    July 5-10, 2022

    New Orleans Marriott
    555 Canal St.
    New Orleans, LA 70130

    Description

    The National Federation of the Blind National Convention is the largest gathering of blind people in the world. It is the premier event for training, support, and information for the blind community. It also serves as a governing body, democratically electing our leadership and establishing each year’s organizational priorities.

    Exhibit Hours

    Wednesday, July 6, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
    Thursday, July 7, 9 a.m.–5pm.
    Friday, July 8, 12–1:45 p.m. and 7–9 p.m.
    Saturday, July 9, 12–1:45 p.m.

    Resources

    Please take this very short Braille Display Survey and tell us what’s most important to you!

    APH Products and Services for NFB 2022 (.pdf)

  • American Council of the Blind 61st Annual Conference and Convention

    July 1–8, 2022

    Hilton Omaha
    1001 Cass St
    Omaha, NE

    Description

    The American Council of the Blind holds its annual Conference and Convention in a different US city each summer. Attendees can learn about what is happening within the blindness community, develop strategies for advocating on behalf of people who are blind or visually impaired, explore new blindness and low vision technologies, products and services, meet with product vendors, experience what the convention surroundings have to offer on fun and informative tours, and most importantly, connect with other blind and visually impaired friends and colleagues from across North America and throughout the world.

    Sessions

    Delivering Quality and Affordability: APH High-tech Refreshable Braille Solutions—Joe Hodge

    Sunday, July 3 at 4:00 p.m.

    At APH, our Mantis Q40 and Chameleon 20 refreshable braille devices have set a standard for high quality and affordability. Join members of our APH team and decide for yourself what makes these innovative solutions effective for work, school, and home. Learn how our braille-reading customers have benefited and what the future holds.

    Exhibit Hours

    Saturday, July 2, 1:00–6:30 p.m.
    Sunday, July 3, 11:00–5:00 p.m.
    Monday, July 4, 11:00–5:00 p.m.
    Tuesday, July 5, 11:00–:00 p.m.
    Wednesday, July 6, 9:00–1:00 p.m.

    Resources

    Please take this very short Braille Display Survey and tell us what’s most important to you!

    Join the Mantis and Chameleon mailing list.

    Join our braille display focus group.

    APH Products and Services for ACB 2022 (.pdf)

  • Braille Challenge Finals, Braille Institute of America

    June 24-26

    University of Southern California
    Los Angeles, CA

    Description

    Braille Challenge is the only academic competition of its kind held in January through March each year for students who are blind or visually impaired. Braille Institute developed Braille Challenge to motivate students to practice and hone their braille literacy skills, which are essential to academic and employment success.

  • Week of June 20th, 2022

    Portland State University
    Portland, OR

    Description

    The week of June 20th, Leslie Weilbacher of the APH educational outreach team will be on the campus of Portland State University. While on campus Leslie will address students in both the Orientation and Mobility and Visually Impaired Learner programs. She will present on educational aides created by APH and available through the federal quota program.

    Links

  • NHATconnect

    Thursday, May 5th 2022

    Hotel Concord 11 South Main Street
    Concord NH 03301

    Description

    This Expo will include Assistive Technology vendors sharing info about their products and services. Small presentations by local and national AT professionals will also be scheduled throughout the day.

    Exhibit Hours

    12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

    Resources

  • Hellen Keller Services Tech-Blitz

    May 4th

    141 Middle Neck Road
    Sands Point, NY 11050

    Description

    Helen Keller Services (HKS) is pleased to announce that its two divisions: Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) and Helen Keller Services for the Blind (HKSB), will host a first-time, Tech Blitz. The purpose of Tech Blitz is to learn more about technology for DeafBlind, blind, and low vision individuals. Tech Blitz has different activities (in-person and virtual) that include Vendor Days, roundtables, panels, vendor presentations, and a few more.

    Exhibit Hours

    10 AM to 5 PM

    Resources

  • Penn-Del AER Chapter Conference

    April 27-29, 2022

    Best Western Premier Central Hotel & Conference Center
    800 East Park Drive
    Harrisburg, PA 17111

    Description

    The Pennsylvania-Delaware Chapter of AER invites you to participate in our annual conference, which will be a hybrid event.

    We will also offer concurrent sessions spanning topics including adult services, orientation and mobility, education, assistive technology, cortical visual impairment, low vision, and transition.

    Exhibit Hours

    Thursday, April 28 from 10:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.

    Resources

  • Tuesday, April 26th 2022

    Double Tree by Hilton
    1001 3rd Ave. Huntington, WV

    Exhibit Hours

    8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

    Description

    The 2022 APH Huntington Impactful Living Summit is a one-day conference for professionals in the vision loss field and people who are blind or visually impaired.

    APH Presentations

    GoodMaps – Accessible Indoor Navigation for Independence

    10:00–10:50 AM

    Access Technology Demonstrations: An Introduction to State of the Art Technologies that Create Opportunities and Change Lives

    11:00–11:50 AM

    The APH ConnectCenter: Life-Changing Resources for Blindness and Low Vision Across the Lifespan

    1:10 PM–2:00 PM

    Resources

  • PATINS Tech Expo

    April 14, 2022

    502 East Event Centre
    502 East Carmel Drive
    Carmel, IN 46032

    Description

    PATINS Tech Expo 2022 with IN*SOURCE is designed for Indiana educators and families to connect with organizations providing the newest assistive and accessible technologies as well as the opportunity to speak with the experts about how to include all students in the classroom.

    Sessions

    Code Jumper: An Inclusive Coding Tool from APH

    9:30-10:30 a.m.
    Carey Room

    Presenter: Betsy Anne Huggins

    Get your primary students interested in computer science and coding with Code Jumper, a revolutionary tool that takes coding off the screen and puts it in students’ hands. Designed by Microsoft and developed by APH, Code Jumper is a physical coding language that makes learning to code accessible to everyone.

    Exhibit Hours

    9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

    Resources

  • Vision Serve Alliance

    April 3-6, 2022

    Westin Tampa Waterside Hotel
    725 S Harbour Island Blvd
    Tampa, Florida 33602

    Description

    Industry professionals and leaders involved in the provision of service to or with people who are blind or have low vision are invited to reflect on the impact our industry has on society and share ideas for a transformative future. The 4-day event will offer opportunities to attend exceptional learning and networking sessions on topical issues, including specific learning sessions for CEOs, Program, and Administrative staff. Attend the #1 conference to advance your professional development, organizational effectiveness, and more.

    Resources

  • American Occupational Therapy Association

    March 31-April 3, 2022

    Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
    900 E Market Street
    San Antonio, TX 78205

    Description

    AOTA represents more than 230,000 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and occupational therapy students in the United States and beyond, to advance occupational therapy practice, education, and research.

    Exhibitor Sponsored Seminar

    Life-Changing Resources for Your Blind or Low Vision Patients

    Discover the resources the APH ConnectCenter provides for you and your patients with low vision, across the life-span. The ConnectCenter provides resources for modifications to the living environment, methods for completing everyday tasks, coping with and managing diabetes, and much more. Information is also provided for support groups and other organizations who help individuals maintain independence, provide emotional support, and social isolation.

    April 1, 2022 at 10 a.m. CDT
    Pris Rogers and Katie Frederick

    Exhibit Hours

    • Thursday, March 31, 12:30–5:00 p.m.
    • Friday, April 1, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
    • Saturday, April 2, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

    Resources

  • Texas AER

    March 31st to April 2nd

    Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
    3001 Kalahari Blvd.
    Round Rock, TX  78665
    512-651-1000

    Description

    The purpose of the Texas AER shall be to render all possible assistance to the promotion, development, and improvement of all phases of education and rehabilitation of persons of all ages who are blind and visually impaired.

    Session

    Yes! I can code with Code Jumper

    Friday, April 1st 2022
    9:00am–10:15am

    Exhibit Hours

    Thursday, March 31st Noon to 5pm
    Friday, April 1st 9am to 5pm

    Resources

  • CSUN Assistive Technology Conference

    March 14-18, 2022

    Anaheim Marriott
    700 W. Convention Way
    Anaheim, CA 92802

    Description

    The CSUN Assistive Technology Conference is the largest conference of its kind, attracting an audience of over 4,500 researchers, practitioners, educators, government representatives, end users and other participants.

    Sessions

    Using Voice Applications to Improve the User Experience

    Tuesday, March 15 at 2:20 p.m. PDT
    Anaheim Marriott, Elite 1–3

    Presenters: Tyler Maddox and Greg Stilson

    The field of voice assistants is growing as more people adopt voice-navigable technology and integrate it into their lifestyle. Learn how this accessible medium is changing the way we engage with technology and experience one of APH’s newest innovations for providing an accessible and conversational website browsing experience.

    Braille Dots Serving 21st Century Needs

    Wednesday, March 16 at 1:20 p.m. PDT
    Anaheim Marriott, Orange County

    Presenters: William Freeman and Greg Stilson

    Attendees of this session will be introduced to the Dynamic Tactile Device project that APH and HumanWare have been working on for the past two years. Progress and findings will be shared along with goals and direction of the project as a whole. Questions and suggestions are encouraged!

    Educational Tools: APH Mantis Q40 and APH Chameleon 20

    Thursday, March 17 at 3:20 pm. PDT
    Anaheim Marriott, Grand ABCD

    Presenters: Leslie Weilbacher, Bruce McClanahan

    The APH Mantis Q40 (Mantis) is a QWERTY keyboard with a 40-cell refreshable braille display. The APH Chameleon 20 (Chameleon) is a notetaker with audio output, braille keyboard and a 20-cell refreshable braille display. Both devices support literacy, access to information, and production of school and homework for students with visual impairments. This presentation will highlight the most common uses of these devices and discuss how to implement its use.

    Polly: Gaming the Way to a Braille Display

    Friday, March 18 at 10:20 a.m. PDT
    Anaheim Marriott, Grand ABCD

    Presenters: Donna McClure-Rogers and Greg Stilson

    In partnership with Thinkerbell Labs, APH is debuting Polly, the sister product to Annie™, an independent electronic braille learning device. Attendees will experience an overview of the product, be introduced to how the various games can help expedite braille learning and enhance student’s interest, and view the teacher’s monitoring platform.

    These two devices are available from the American Printing House for the Blind.

    Exhibit Hours

    • Tuesday, March 15, 4:00–7:00 p.m.
    • Wednesday, March 16, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
    • Thursday, March 17, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
    • Friday, March 18, 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

    Resources

  • Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference

    January 26-29, 2021

    Orlando, Florida and Virtual

    Caribe Royale
    8101 World Center Dr.
    Orlando, Fl 32821

    Description

    Over the past 22 years, ATIA has been a community gathering for assistive technology practitioners, teachers, parents and caregivers, persons with disabilities and more to learn, network and share on the best in assistive technology

    Sessions

    EDU-75: “eBRF: Creating Dynamic Braille with a New Standard”

    Presenters: William Freeman and Greg Stilson

    Friday, January 28, 2-22 8:30-9:30 a.m.

    Bonaire 3/4

    Please join us for a discussion of eBRF, a new document standard for braille being developed by APH with the help of organizations around the world. We will discuss how this standard will make it possible for braille readers to have advanced navigation and dynamic content while reading professionally transcribed braille. Braille readers will be able to set their preferences for how content is presented and have similar navigation to screen readers accessing web content. This is a big change, and we need help from the entire AT community to make it happen. Please join us and share your thoughts!

    Exhibit Hours

    • Wednesday, January 26 5:30–7:30 p.m.
    • Thursday, January 27 11 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2:00–5:30 p.m.
    • Friday, January 28 11 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2:00–5:30 p.m.
    • Saturday, January 29 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

    Resources

  • Council for Exceptional Children Convention & Expo

    • Live January 16-19, 2022
    • Virtual February 1-4, 2022

    Marriot Orlando World Center
    8701 World Center Dr.
    Orlando, FL 32821

    Description

    Each year at the CEC Convention & Expo, thousands of special education professionals from around the world come together to learn, share, grow, and connect. With hundreds of sessions on just about every topic in the field, the CEC Convention & Expo is THE professional development event for special educators to find research, tips, and strategies you can actually apply to supporting students with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.

    Exhibit Hours

    • Sunday, January 16 6:30–8:30 p.m.
    • Monday, January 17 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
    • Tuesday, January 18 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

    Resources

  • CES Conference

    January 5-8, 2021

    Las Vegas Convention Center
    North Hall, Booth #8501
    3150 Paradise Rd.
    Las Vegas, NV 89109

    Description

    CES® is the most influential tech event in the world — the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world’s biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, CES features every aspect of the tech sector.

    Exhibit Hours

    • Wednesday, Jan. 5, 10 AM–6 PM
    • Thursday, Jan. 6, 9 AM–6 PM
    • Friday, Jan. 7, 9 AM–6 PM
    • Saturday, Jan. 8, 9 AM–4 PM

    Resources