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National Plan for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Peer Support Models Survey
The University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDD) at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), in partnership with CommunicationFIRST, was awarded a 9-month contract to create a national plan to develop and advance peer-support models for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The group is seeking input from AAC users regarding peer supports in their communities.
If you are an AAC user, please consider providing your input by completing the AAC User Survey. If you are not an AAC user but know an AAC user, please feel free to share this opportunity. Terri Wofford, SLP with WIND and WATR will be collaborating with OHSU and CommunicationFIRST on this project in the coming months. You can contact Terri Wofford at (307) 766-2932 or twofford@uwyo.edu.
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Alpha Gamma Rhodeo, Sat. May 4, 2024
Come and enjoy some western games at the Alpha Gamma Rhodeo, University of Wyoming Fraternity Mall, Laramie, WY from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are $1 each. Benefiting Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources (WATR).
Activities: Mechanical Bull Riding, Axe Throwing, Orbis Shooting Gallery, Needle in the Haystack, Roping Competitions, and MORE!
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Living Well in the Community Workshop
May 6th through June 6th, 2024
Wyoming Independent Living (WIL) will be offering the Living Well in the Community workshop starting Tuesday, May 6th through Thursday, June 6th. Learn strategies for setting and achieving goals and living a healthy and productive life. Sessions will occur every Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30-3:30 p.m. MT.
Please contact Jenna Rector at jrector@wilr.org or Elisha Lownds at elownds@wilr.org if you have questions or to be registered.
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May 2024 is Wyoming Assistive Technology Awareness Month
Governor Mark Gordon will sign a proclamation to commemorate Wyoming Assistive Technology Awareness Month at the Wyoming State Capitol, 200 W 24th St, Cheyenne, on Thursday, May 16th between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Assistive technology, defined in the Assistive Technology Act, is any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities and older adults. Assistive technology provides people with disabilities the option to access education and the workplace, to live within their communities, and enjoy recreational activities.
If you're interested in joining the WATR staff and the AT Advisory Council at the signing, please let us know in advance so we can look for you to join our group before the signing.
Contact WATR staff by phone (307) 766-6187 or email watr@uwyo.edu.
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UW ECHO in Assistive Technology
Our last spring session for the year will take place on May 9th, 2024. Sessions will resume in September 2024.
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Bi-weekly sessions are held virtually on Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mountain Time
May 9: Adaptive Sports in Wyoming
**Please participate in our ECHO in AT Survey-Spring 2024 to assist our team in planning for future sessions. Your input is incredibly valuable to us.
Network participants include users of assistive technology and their families, 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.
Important registration information: Since the fall of 2023, most ECHO sessions, including ECHO in Assistive Technology, are held on the new iECHO content management platform. Registering for and joining sessions now requires an iECHO account. You'll be prompted to create your account when you register for the first time. Sessions will still occur via Zoom, but you will access the Zoom link through the iECHO platform. You will receive the session link in an email 30 minutes before each session, and this is where you will access your session materials and Zoom link. **If you had registered for the fall 2023 series, you will now be included in the spring 2024 series.
The iECHO platform will allow you to:
- Directly connect to Zoom to join a session
- Access all session materials (also available in the Canvas course)
- One-time registration for all sessions during the semester
A short training video is available on how to register in iECHO.
ECHO in AT website
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Free Device Demonstrations
Schedule an appointment with WATR to test assistive technology devices. WATR staff are available both in-person in Laramie as well as through Zoom videoconferencing technology.
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Increase understanding of the types of devices that can help with specific needs, such as speech communication or reading mail.
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Improve knowledge of a device's features, and how those features differ from other devices that perform similar functions.
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Increase understanding of how device(s) can help at work, in school, at home, and in your community.
You can request a device demonstration by using our online request form or contact WATR by calling
(307) 766-2051 or email watr@uwyo.edu
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Device Loans and Reuse through
Wyoming AT4ALL
WATR' s assistive technology (AT) device loan library and reuse listings are available through the Wyoming AT4ALL website.
Please contact WATR for more information on these services by phone (307) 766-6187 or email watr@uwyo.edu.
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Featured Device for Short-Term Loan
Clevy Hearsafe Headphones
The Clevy Hearsafe headphone volume output is limited to 85dB. According to audiologists, this is the safe threshold for regular and long-time listening.
It offers a sturdy, solid construction that can easily withstand heavy-duty use. The coiled end of the cord prevents it from breaking at the connector.
These headphones are not noise-canceling.
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Featured Device or Durable Medical Equipment from Reuse
Echo Buttons by Amazon (free)
-Echo Buttons are an interactive way to play games through your compatible Echo device.
-Each button illuminates and can be pressed to interact with a variety of play experiences powered by Alexa.
-Easy setup with an Echo (1st and 2nd Gen), Echo Dot, Echo Show, Echo Plus, or Echo Spot. Just ask, "Alexa, set up my Echo Buttons".
Amazon has discontinued these ECHO Buttons.
Shipping charges will apply.
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Accepting Lightly-Used Assistive Technology in Reuse
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.
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) 766-2051.
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Join Our Next WATR AT Advisory Council Meeting!
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 next AT Advisory Council meeting in May of 2024. You can join through Zoom or in person to learn about WATR and consider serving on our Council.
For more information, please e-mail watr@uwyo.edu or call (307) 766-6187
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