**Important update: Aligned with the University of Wyoming campus reopening​ this fall, Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources (WATR) will continue its operations using virtual meetings and phone calls until further notice. Ongoing device sanitization procedures will continue.    Please contact WATR for more information. ​   (307) 766-6187 | watr@uwyo.edu

September 15, 16 and 17, 2020 Wyoming Independent Living's 3rd Annual Peer Advocacy Conference: ADVOCACY IN MOTION Creating space for people with disabilities to build community and engage in conversations about advocacy for access and full participation moving forward.

Keynote Speakers: Sept. 15: Judy Heumann, Disability Rights Advocate Sept. 16: Molly Palmer, Health Care Engagement Manager, National MS Society Sept. 17: April Reed, Vice President of Advocacy, Ability360 Judy Heumann

Sept. 16 from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m.: “Assistive Technology and Advocacy” workshop - WATR staff will be joining this workshop and will be providing information about our services as well as demonstrating devices available through our short-term loan program. This conference will be held through Zoom technology. View the Advocacy in Motion conference flyer. Download the Registration Form (due 9/4/20).

To register or for questions regarding this conference, please contact Hillary Sexton at hsexton@wilr.org

Training and Technical Assistance

UW ECHO IN ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY Bi-weekly Thursdays 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MT WELCOME BACK! Join our first session this season on Thursday, September 10 at 11:00 a.m. September 10: Technology Resources for Older Adults with Ryan Rausch, MOT, ATP and Michael Graham, OT Fieldwork Student September 24: Virtual Assistive Technology Supports for Older Adults with Joan Green, M.A., CCC-SLP The University of Wyoming ECHO in Assistive Technology (UW ECHO in AT) provides training and the sharing of best practices for educators and service providers to consider, implement and evaluate the use of assistive technology to improve outcomes for students. Network participants include assistive technology professionals, specialists and teams, school administrators, general and special education teachers, para-educators, case managers, school counselors, school psychologists, state agency staff, and special education service providers, including OTs, PTs, SLPs, etc. Credits offered: PTSB and STARS. A graduate credit is offered at an additional expense to the participant. A certificate of attendance will be provided at the end of the Fall and Spring sessions.

Register here for ECHO in AT session(s). You will receive session materials on the morning of the session by registering.

Weekly Virtual Open Lab Device Demonstrations Open Labs will continue to be provided through Zoom distance technology on Wednesdays and Thursdays between and 2-4 p.m. until further notice. Ongoing device sanitization procedures will continue. Join Virtual Open Labs anytime between 2 and 4 p.m. for device demonstrations through Zoom technology to see devices WATR offers through our short-term (6 week) loan program, and devices that are for sale in our reuse program.   Open Lab themes are created to feature technology. Questions about other WATR devices or services are welcome! September 2 & 3: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices - Learn about the types of communication devices WATR has available for a short term loan for all ages, from the AbleNet BIGmack Single Message Communication Aid to the Skyle Eye Tracker for iPad Pro. September 9 & 10: ECHO in AT Overview - WATR begins our fall bi-weekly ECHO in AT sessions on Thursday, September 10 at 11 a.m. with Technology Resources for Older Adults with Ryan Rausch, MOT, ATP. and Michael Graham, OT Fieldwork Student. Join this week’s Open Lab to find out what ECHO in AT sessions are all about. Learn how the sharing of best practices for educators and service providers can help consider, implement and evaluate the use of assistive technology, which can then improve outcomes for students. We are here to answer your questions about ECHO in AT or the WATR program in general. September 16 & 17: Low Vision Devices - Learn about technology solutions WATR has available for short term loans that would aid individuals in their daily lives who have low vision, such as the AM/FM Portable Radio with Voice Prompts or the Kantek LCD 22" Monitor Magnifier. September 23 & 24: Virtual Assistive Technology Supports for Older Adults - Join ECHO in AT on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 11 a.m. with Joan Green, M.S., CCC-SLP and learn about virtual AT supports for older adults. During Open Labs this week, WATR will highlight our technology available for short-term loan relating to virtual supports. September 30 & October 1: Environmental Adaptations - Control a TV, radio, lamp, or kitchen appliance through your iPad, switches or a scanning remote using the Pretorian EnvirON Range. A unique versatile range of products which allows simple control of both infra-red (IR) appliances and powered appliances of any kind. You can connect from your PC, Mac, iOS, or Android using this link: https://bit.ly/watr-open-lab To view the up-to-date schedule and read more about Open Labs visit: http://www.uwyo.edu/wind/watr/open_lab.html

Device Loans and Reuse Equipment

Wyoming AT4ALL Loan and Reuse Equipment

WATR' s assistive technology (AT) device loan library and reuse listings are available through the Wyoming AT4ALL website. To read more about WATR's device loan library, visit: http://www.uwyo.edu/wind/watr/loans.html Apps Available for Trial: WATR has various apps related to speech communication, learning, reading, vision, and daily living activities to trial on a loaner iPad or iPod or on your own personal Apple device through our Volume Purchase Program (VPP). Please contact WATR for more information on these services by phone (307) 766-6187 or email watr@uwyo.edu.

Featured Equipment for Loan and Reuse

Penguin Ambidextrous Vertical Wireless Mouse The Penguin marks a major breakthrough in the battle to beat health problems created when computer users spend too much time handling a conventional mouse. -The vertical alignment encourages a more ergonomic operating position -Central 'bow-tie' switch allows for easy transition between right and left handed use -Provides accurate tracking on typical work surfaces

Geemarc Ampli550 Amplified Phone (for sale $20) -Volume control -Tone control -Hands-free amplified speakerphone up to 15dB+ -Extra loud ringer up to 95dB -Visual strobe ringer indicator -Backlit LCD display (rechargeable batteries included) -Large backlit talking keypad -6 one-touch direct dials, 2 emergency buttons, 1 customer service -3.5mm jack for optional bed shaker (not included) -Hearing aid compatible

Accepting Lightly-Used Assistive Technology The WATR Reuse Program is looking for lightly-used assistive technology to make available to others who could benefit from the use of those devices or technologies in their daily lives. Donated devices will be sanitized prior to sale.   Visit the WATR reuse website to complete the online donation form and provide more information about what lightly-used assistive technology you are wanting to donate. If you have any questions, please give us a call at (307) 766-6187.

Wyoming Technology Access Program (WyTAP) Need financial assistance in purchasing assistive technology and live in Wyoming? Consider a WyTAP loan! How to Pay for Assistive Technology Devices Explore options for funding AT through this WATR publication. A great resource to review prior to purchasing assistive technology. Check out WATR on WIND's Facebook Page WATR posts weekly features about loans, reuse and Open Labs on WIND's Facebook page. Collaborating Projects Wyoming AgrAbility Wyoming Accessibility Center (WAC) Wyoming Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) Clearinghouse iCanConnect University of Wyoming ECHO in Assistive Technology