In this episode of TCNJ AT Talks, host Brian Kenyon welcomes Anna Tellis, a teacher of the visually impaired, and Briana Harriston, an orientation and mobility specialist. Together, they explore the world of assistive technology and share insights on empowering students with visual impairments. From personal stories to practical advice, Anna and Briana discuss the importance of collaboration, self-advocacy, and the latest innovations in the field. Tune in to discover how these specialists are making a difference in the lives of their students and learn about the tools and strategies that can help navigate the challenges of visual impairments.

Shownotes:

• Pennsylvania Advisory Committee on Education of Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired (PACES-BVI): https://www.pattan.net/Collaborative-Partnerships/PACES

• Camp Abilities (Kean): https://rwjbhfieldofdreams.com/CAMP-ABILITIES/

• Camp Abilities (Rowan): https://sites.google.com/rowan.edu/campabilitiesnj-rowan

• Camp Abilities (Delaware): https://www.campabilitiesdelaware.org/

• Penn-Del AER Conference: https://www.penn-delaer.org/professional-development/annual-conference.html

• Texas School for the Blind - Expanded Core Curriculum: https://www.tsbvi.edu/programs/ecc

• Perkins - Understanding the Expanded Core Curriculum: https://www.perkins.org/understanding-the-expanded-core-curriculum/

• Paths to Literacy - Expanded Core Curriculum: https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/expanded-core-curriculum/

• Monarch Braille Display: https://www.aph.org/product/monarch/

• Today Explained Podcast: https://www.vox.com/today-explained-podcast

• The Daily Podcast: https://www.nytimes.com/column/the-daily

• The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle: https://shop.eckharttolle.com/products/the-power-of-now?srsltid=AfmBOorNh-I1Air9SgylClhOEXumH4TE3hRHoa-LwzUV878cNymRHMFv

• Kristin Hannah Official Website: https://kristinhannah.com/

• Pathfinder 360 Tip: https://ambutech.com/products/360-pathfinder-tip

• Voice Dream App: https://www.voicedream.com/

• Musical Cane Game App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/musical-cane-game/id1442574862

• Out of Sight Teaching LLC: https://outofsightteaching.com/

Have a burning question about a specific device, a challenge you're facing in the classroom, or an idea for a future episode? Leave us a message on Speakpipe or fill out the Google Form below, and you might just hear your question answered on an upcoming episode!

Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi

Google Form: https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27

Website: https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @ATCenterTCNJ

YouTube: ⁨@ATCenterTCNJ⁩

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/611UCzjjZl8OoazdYWeGFM

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tcnj-at-talks/id1832750422 

YouTube Podcasts: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4lnPwiTrq_Z_GbmqQEQ3vW1eEus7hIU2⁠

The Assistive Technology Center at The College of New Jersey is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and is partially funded by IDEA, Part B. https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/

Join us on this episode of TCNJ AT Talks as we explore the latest from Apple's September event, focusing on groundbreaking accessibility features. Hosts Brian Kenyon, Vanessa Lombardo, and Madison Bronstein discuss innovations like Braille access, Accessibility Nutrition labels, integrated live captions, and so much more are designed to empower individuals with diverse needs. Discover how these advancements are set to transform classrooms and beyond, ensuring technology is inclusive and user-friendly. Tune in for insightful listener questions and a fun game segment that tests your knowledge of Apple's latest announcements.

Shownotes:

• Apple Accessibility: https://www.apple.com/accessibility/

• Apple Unveils Powerful Accessibility Features Coming Later This Year: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/05/apple-unveils-powerful-accessibility-features-coming-later-this-year/

• Brain Computer Interface (BCI) in Action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1YwrRAvcLw

• AT Summit with Disability Rights New Jersey (DRNJ ATAC): http://at4nj.org

Have a burning question about a specific device, a challenge you're facing in the classroom, or an idea for a future episode? Leave us a message on Speakpipe or fill out the Google Form below, and you might just hear your question answered on an upcoming episode!

Speakpipe: ⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi⁠

Google Form: ⁠https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27⁠

Website: ⁠https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/⁠

Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Instagram: @ATCenterTCNJ

YouTube: ⁨@ATCenterTCNJ⁩

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/611UCzjjZl8OoazdYWeGFM⁠

Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tcnj-at-talks/id1832750422⁠ 

YouTube Podcasts: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4lnPwiTrq_Z_GbmqQEQ3vW1eEus7hIU2⁠

The Assistive Technology Center at The College of New Jersey is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and is partially funded by IDEA, Part B. ⁠https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Assistive Technology Center

03:17 Mailbag: Apple's New Accessibility Features

04:41 Understanding the Nutrition Labels for Apps

07:34 Braille Access and Integrated Live Captions

12:11 The Magnifier App and Its New Features

15:34 The Accessibility Reader and UDL Principles

20:08 Live Captions on Apple Watch

22:25 Personal Voice Enhancements

27:13 Background Sounds, Vehicle Motion Cues, and Eye Tracking Improvements

29:50 Brain Computer Interface (BCI) Switch Control

31:44 Last few accessibility updates for iOS, MacOS, tvOS and CarPlay

33:09 Game Show: Apple's Latest or Almost

38:59 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

42:34 Outro

Join us for Episode 4 of TCNJ AT Talks as we dive into the critical role of the SETT Framework in understanding Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This episode unpacks how the SETT framework (Student, Environment, Task, Tools) guides the process of selecting the right high-tech AAC systems for non-speaking students, addresses common challenges like writing measurable IEP goals for AT, and explores various AAC apps. Tune in to learn about practical applications, emerging trends, and how to effectively advocate for communication technology.

Shownotes:

• Apple's Personal Voice: https://support.apple.com/en-us/104993

• SMART Protocol: https://www.frontlineeducation.com/blog/smart-goal-setting-in-k-12-professional-development/

• AI for Making Goals:

• https://kitforteams.com/working-smarter-not-harder-with-ai/

• https://www.edutopia.org/article/using-ai-write-ieps-help-educators-reduce-workload/

• iHope: https://www.yai.org/affiliate/ihope

• Writing a Letter of Medical Necessity: https://www.asha.org/practice/payer-portal/medical-necessity/

• New Jersey Speech-Language-Hearing Association: https://www.asha.org/advocacy/state/new-jersey-state-information/

• PODD (Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display): https://www.assistiveware.com/blog/what-is-podd

• Myths about AAC:

• https://www.elmhurst.edu/blog/busting-myths-about-augmentative-and-alternative-communication/

• https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/professional-issues/augmentative-and-alternative-communication/#collapse_1

• McGill University - ClickAAC: https://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/channels/news/ai-can-learn-patterns-human-language-342712

• Joy Zabala - Links & Resources: https://www.joyzabala.com/links-resources

• The Joy Zabala Fellowship: https://www.joyzabala.com/the-joy-zabala-fellowship

• Communication Matrix: https://www.communicationmatrix.org/

• DAGG-3: https://us.tobiidynavox.com/products/dagg-3

• Functional Communication Profile: https://www.proedinc.com/Products/34040/fcpr-functional-communication-profilerevised.aspx

• Proloquo2Go: https://www.assistiveware.com/products/proloquo2go

• TouchChat with Wordpower: https://touchchatapp.com/touchchat-hd-aac-with-wordpower

• LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning): https://lampwflapp.com/

• TD Snap: https://us.tobiidynavox.com/pages/td-snap

• Pageset Central: https://www.mytobiidynavox.com/pagesetcentral

• Boardmaker: https://us.tobiidynavox.com/pages/boardmaker-7

• AT Summit for Education: https://at4nj.org/at-summit-for-education/

Have a burning question about a specific device, a challenge you're facing in the classroom, or an idea for a future episode? Leave us a message on Speakpipe or fill out the Google Form below, and you might just hear your question answered on an upcoming episode!

Speakpipe: ⁠⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi⁠⁠

Google Form: ⁠⁠https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Instagram: @ATCenterTCNJ

YouTube: ⁨@ATCenterTCNJ⁩

Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/611UCzjjZl8OoazdYWeGFM⁠⁠

Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tcnj-at-talks/id1832750422⁠⁠ 

YouTube Podcasts: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4lnPwiTrq_Z_GbmqQEQ3vW1eEus7hIU2⁠

The Assistive Technology Center at The College of New Jersey is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and is partially funded by IDEA, Part B. ⁠⁠https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/⁠

In this episode of TCNJ AT Talks, hosts Brian Kenyon, Vanessa Lombardo, and Madison Bronstein engage with guests Mike Marotta and Jessica Lax from Disability Rights New Jersey to discuss the importance of assistive technology (AT) in empowering individuals with disabilities. The conversation covers various aspects of AT, including advocacy, resources available in New Jersey, and the upcoming AT Summit. The guests share their personal journeys in the field, the significance of self-advocacy, and the future of AT, particularly with the integration of AI. The episode emphasizes the need for individualized approaches to AT and the importance of community and collaboration among professionals in the field.

Shownotes:

• https://at4nj.org/at-summit-for-education/: AT Summit for Education Direct Link

• at4nj.org: General Assistive Technology news in New Jersey.

• atcenter.tcnj.edu: The TCNJ Assistive Technology Center website.

• njcart.org: Website for the New Jersey Coalition for the Advancement of Rehabilitation Technology.

• at4nj.org/2025-podd-training-event/: Link for the 2025 PODD Training Event.

Have a burning question about a specific device, a challenge you're facing in the classroom, or an idea for a future episode? Leave us a message on Speakpipe or fill out the Google Form below, and you might just hear your question answered on an upcoming episode!

Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi 

Google Form: https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27 

Website: https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Instagram: @ATCenterTCNJ

YouTube: ⁨@ATCenterTCNJ⁩

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/611UCzjjZl8OoazdYWeGFM

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tcnj-at-talks/id1832750422 

YouTube Podcasts: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4lnPwiTrq_Z_GbmqQEQ3vW1eEus7hIU2⁠

The Assistive Technology Center at The College of New Jersey is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and is partially funded by IDEA, Part B. https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/ 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

04:10 Mailbag: AT Resources in NJ

08:11 Rapid Fire Rd 1: Fun & Personal

15:37 Rapid Fire Rd 2: AT Focus

23:42 Personal Journeys into AT and Advocacy

35:40 Who should attend the AT Summit?

40:18 What is the Community of Practice?

44:22 What is the partnership between the AT Center at TCNJ and the ATAC at Disability Rights New Jersey?

47:06 Where can you find out more information about the AT Summit?

48:12 Game Show: Summit Spotlight

51:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

51:52 ATAC’s Webinars and Additional Services

52:14 PODD Series with Kelly Fonner

54:53 Outro

In this insightful episode of AT Talks, we delve into the vital role of Assistive Technology (AT) within Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), with a special focus on the critical process of AT Consideration. Join us as we provide comprehensive guidance for educators, parents, and specialists on how to effectively ensure students receive the essential AT support they need to thrive. We'll be answering relevant questions from our mailbag, offering practical strategies and valuable resources. Plus, don't miss an illuminating interview with Vanessa Lombardo, Director of the AT Center at TCNJ, who shares her expertise on integrating AT into educational settings and the profound impact it has on student success.

Shownotes:

• Microsoft Speak: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-the-speak-text-to-speech-feature-to-read-text-aloud-459e7704-a76d-4fe2-ab48-189d6b83333c

• Chrome Select to Speak: https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/9032490?hl=en

• iOS, Spoken Content: https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/hear-whats-on-the-screen-or-typed-iph96b214f0/ios

• Read&Write Google Chrome add-on: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/readwrite-for-google-chro/inoeonmfapjbbkmdafoankkfajkcphgd?hl=en-US

• In iOS and MacOS, reminders app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/reminders/id1108187841

• First Then Visual Schedule HD: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/first-then-visual-schedule/id355527801

• Choiceworks: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/choiceworks/id486210964

• ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association): https://www.atia.org/

• IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and its provisions for AT: https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/individuals-disabilities/idea

• Specialized tools known as AT: https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/programs/additionalsupports/assistivetech/

• Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/civil-rights-laws/disability-discrimination/disability-discrimination-key-issues/disability-discrimination-providing-free-appropriate-public-education-fape

• QIAT Matrix 1 - Consideration in the IEP process: https://qiat.org/indicators/matrix-1-consideration-of-at-needs/ 

• Flow Chart - Pacer Center: https://oercommons.s3.amazonaws.com/media/courseware/relatedresource/file/PACER_Center_AT_Consideration_Flow_Chart_Ie5mIl5.pdf?ResponseContentDisposition=attachment%3Bfilename%3D%22PACER_Center_AT_Consideration_Flow_Chart_Ie5mIl5.pdf%22

• Myths and Facts Surrounding Assistive Technology Devices and Services: https://sites.ed.gov/idea/files/Myths-and-Facts-Surrounding-Assistive-Technology-Devices-01-22-2024.pdf

• AT Summit with DRNJ ATAC for October 7th at TCNJ.: https://at4nj.org/at-summit-for-education/#:~:text=The%20ATAC%20team%20is%20excited,Inclusive%20Technology%20innovations%20in%20education!

  
  

Have a burning question about a specific device, a challenge you're facing in the classroom, or an idea for a future episode? Leave us a message on Speakpipe or fill out the Google Form below, and you might just hear your question answered on an upcoming episode!

Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi 

Google Form: https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27 

Website: https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Instagram: @ATCenterTCNJ

YouTube: ⁨@ATCenterTCNJ⁩

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/611UCzjjZl8OoazdYWeGFM

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tcnj-at-talks/id1832750422 

YouTube Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4lnPwiTrq_Z_GbmqQEQ3vW1eEus7hIU2

The Assistive Technology Center at The College of New Jersey is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and is partially funded by IDEA, Part B. https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/

Welcome to TCNJ AT Talks! In our first episode, "Welcome to the AT Center - Unlocking Potential with Assistive Technology," meet your hosts, Brian, Vanessa, and Madison, and discover the TCNJ Assistive Technology Center's mission to empower educators with AT knowledge and support. Learn about our professional development opportunities, including in-person and virtual workshops, and our personalized coaching model. Join us as we explore how AT can create inclusive learning environments and help students reach their full potential. At the end we play a fun Game called "AT Acronym Attack", where Brian quizzes Madison and Vanessa on their Assistive Technology Acronym knowledge, make sure you listen to the end to learn who wins!

Shownotes:

• NJ CART - https://njcart.org/learning-modules

• Lampwords for Life - https://lampwflapp.com/

• Our Professional Development events are eligible for PD hours through the TCNJ’s School of Education - https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/faqs/ 

• Additionally, our presentations focused on AAC are eligible for ASHA Professional Development Hours (PDHs). If you are an ASHA member, these PDHs count towards your certificate maintenance interval. 1 PDH is equivalent to 0.1 ASHA CEUs - https://www.asha.org/certification/pdhs-for-asha-certification/

• Apple Personal Voice - https://support.apple.com/en-us/104993

• Please Save the Date for our AT Summit with the AT Team at Disability Rights New Jersey, October 7, 2025 - https://at4nj.org/at-summit-for-education/

Have a burning question about a specific device, a challenge you're facing in the classroom, or an idea for a future episode? Leave us a message on Speakpipe or fill out the Google Form below, and you might just hear your question answered on an upcoming episode!

Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi 

Google Form: https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27 

Website: https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Instagram: @ATCenterTCNJ

YouTube:   ⁨@ATCenterTCNJ⁩

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/611UCzjjZl8OoazdYWeGFM

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tcnj-at-talks/id1832750422 

YouTube Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4lnPwiTrq_Z_GbmqQEQ3vW1eEus7hIU2

The Assistive Technology Center at The College of New Jersey is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and is partially funded by IDEA, Part B. https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/