Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources WATR April 2022 dispATch enewsletter and information bulletin on assistive technology for indiviudals caregivers and professionals.
Keith A. Miller standing by stone fireplace in black suite with white shirt and black and white flowered tie.
Accepting Nominations for the

In support and recognition of those who are committed to enhancing the lives of people
with disabilities!

Is there an unsung hero or tireless advocate in your Wyoming community who dedicates time and energy to improving the opportunities and experiences of people with disabilities? If so, please consider nominating them for this award.


If you nominated someone in the past who was not selected, please consider resubmitting the nomination this year!
The Power of Rural logo
The Power of Rural:
Forward Together
2022 Virtual Healthcare Conference

May 12 & 13 and 16 & 17, 2022
from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
each morning.

  • Address rural health challenges through innovative research
  • Share information on Wyoming's rural healthcare landscape
  • Interact with healthcare professionals around the state
  • Learn about topics impacting Wyoming

Registration will open soon. For more information, please email esrn@uwyo.edu.
Training and Technical Assistance

UW ECHO IN ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
APRIL SESSIONS

Bi-weekly Thursdays
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mountain Time

April 7: Technology to Support Executive Functions, Session One: Self-regulation/Emotional Control - with Karen Janowski, MS Ed, is an Inclusive and Assistive Technology Consultant and is President and owner of EdTech Solutions, Inc. Register here for this session.

April 21: Behavior the Role Executive Functioning Plays with Cassie Frost, M.S., Ed., Assistive Technology Professional, Behavior Specialist.


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. 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. 

Case Presentations:
Interested in troubleshooting an issue with the assistive technology community? Case presentations offer an opportunity to brainstorm evidence-based solutions or share successes with colleagues and other professionals around the state and nation.

To complete a case presentation form visit the Case Presentation page. Select “PowerPoint Template for Assistive Technology.” The first two slides are case presenter instructions. We’ll contact you to schedule your case presentation and answer any questions you may have.
University of Wyoming ECHO Networks provide ongoing support for educators, healthcare providers, and families in a rural state where specialized knowledge is not always locally available. By removing these barriers to specialized knowledge, outcomes for students, patients, and families are improved.

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AT Asynchronous Learning Course
Open Through August 31, 2022

The AT Asynchronous Learning Course provides online training and best practices for the consideration, implementation, and evaluation of Assistive Technology. The course allows Wyoming residents to earn one contact hour of continuing education for each completed module. This is a free course.

Contact WATR for more information. (307) 766-2932 or watr@uwyo.edu

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Coming Soon!
The 2022-2023 Wyoming Assistive Technology Teams Development Project

Would your school district like to be one of four school districts to participate in the 2022-2023 Wyoming Assistive Technology Teams Development Project?

AT Teams work collaboratively to assist a child with a disability and the IEP team with the selection, acquisition, and use of an assistive technology (AT) device.
 
Consider applying if:
  • You would like to form an AT Team for your district or region
  • Your existing AT Team needs some extra support
  • Your district or region has many students that could benefit from assistive technology
  • Your district or region could use assistance in developing an AT service delivery procedure 
 
The application will be available soon. No fee to apply or participate. For more information please contact Shelby Kappler at aem@uwyo.edu  or (307) 766-5770.
young girl with blue glasses leaning in and pointing with a stylus at a tablet
Weekly Open Lab
Device Demonstrations

Join Open Labs through
Zoom distance technology or
in-person by appointment on
Wednesdays and Thursdays, anytime between 2 and 4 p.m.
Join through Zoom video conferencing technology from your PC, Mac, iOS, or Android device using this link: https://bit.ly/watr-open-lab or contact WATR staff to set up an in-person appointment to have devices demonstrated.

Contact WATR: (307) 766-6187 or watr@uwyo.edu.

Open Lab themes are created to feature technology. Questions about other WATR devices or services are welcome!

April 6 & 7: National Assistive Technology (AT) Awareness Day - Join WATR in celebrating National AT Awareness Day (April 6, 2022). WATR is Wyoming’s designated state AT Act Program. Learn about the services we offer to Wyoming residents, such as our device loan program or our device reutilization program. Bring your questions! Also, consider joining ECHO in AT on Thursday, April 7 at 11 a.m. for Technology to Support Executive Functions, Session One: Self-regulation/Emotional Control with Karen Janowski, MS, Ed, Inclusive and Assistive Technology Consultant and President and owner of EdTech Solutions, Inc.

April 13 & 14: Adaptive Computer Devices – Check out our RollerMouse Wireless Ergonomic Mouse or the KeyMouse Alpha 109 Keyboard and Mouse, as well as other adaptive computer devices available for a short-term loan.

April 20 & 21: Assistive Technology for Behavior Management - Find out what types of low, mid, or high-tech tools WATR has in our program to assist individuals with behavior management. Also, consider joining ECHO in AT on Thursday, April 21 at 11 a.m. for Behavior the Role Executive Functioning Plays with Cassie Frost, MS, Ed., Assistive Technology Professional and Behavior Specialist.

April 27 & 28: Device Reuse Program – Learn about our gently-used durable medical equipment or assistive technology for low vision, daily living, learning, or communication for sale at a low cost or free to Wyoming residents. Also, learn how to post your own devices or durable medical equipment for sale or to be given away on WATR’s device website Wyoming AT4ALL.


Im seizure first aid ready are you poster Epilepsy Foundation
2022 Seizure First Aid Training

Everyone benefits from having the knowledge and confidence to provide first aid to a person having a seizure. Now available to all Wyoming residents, this 90-minute Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certification is a formal training offered by the Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado & Wyoming. The class is free and registration is open to all.




2022 Dates and Times:
April 5, September 20, November 1
Time for each date is 4-5:30 p.m. and training is held through Zoom.
Device Loans and Reuse Equipment
Welcome to Wyoming Assistive Technology for All!
Promoting Independence Through Assistive Technology
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
For people with mild low vision, reading fatigue, reading difficulties including dyslexia, and for anyone who consumes large amounts of text.

OrCam Read is a first-of-its-kind handheld device with a smart camera that seamlessly reads text from any printed surface or digital screen.

It enables you to enjoy the morning paper, read any book and even read all that appears on your computer or smartphone screen.
Built Rollator with oxygen case
  • Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
  • Seat Height Adjustable: 20" to 23"
  • Seat Width: 17"
  • Approx User Height: 5'2" to 6'5"
  • Wheel Size: 8"
  • Oxygen tank holder
  • Some minor wear and tear. 

**Pick-up arrangements in Laramie need to be made. 

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.

Join the WATR
AT Advisory Council Today!

If you are a user of assistive technology (AT), a self-advocate, a family member, or a professional who serves individuals with disabilities, consider joining our AT Advisory Council.

  • The Council meets in the Spring and Fall
  • Lodging and transportation reimbursements
  • Advise WATR staff about strategies to reach and serve individuals with disabilities, families, and professionals.


Contact WATR for more information: (307) 766-6187 | watr@uwyo.edu

The WyRAMP Project provides access to a person's home through the use of temporary ramps, increasing both safety and access. It is a collaboration between the Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources, Wyoming Life Resource Center, and Goshen County Senior Friendship Center, covering Lander, Laramie, and Torrington areas.


Need financial assistance in purchasing assistive technology and live in Wyoming? Consider a WyTAP loan!


Explore options for funding AT through this WATR publication. A great resource to review prior to purchasing assistive technology.


WATR posts a weekly feature about loans, reuse, and Open Labs on WIND's Facebook page.

Collaborating Projects

WIND WATR and AEM logos