July 2, 2007 Press Release

University of New Hampshire Logo

Institute on Disability to Present Conference on Assistive Technology

DURHAM, N.H. – The Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire will present the first annual Assistive Technology (AT) Summer Institute & Beach Party on August 6-9, 2007, at the Canterbury Woods Country Club in Canterbury, NH and the Ashworth Hotel at Hampton Beach. Assistive technology is any tool, equipment or service designed to make a particular function easier or possible to perform, particularly for individuals with disabilities.

This four-day conference will provide hands-on assistive technology training and will culminate with adaptive recreation activities at Hampton Beach. Participants will benefit from the expertise of Dr. Therese Willkomm, University of New Hampshire faculty member, Director of New Hampshire’s State Assistive Technology Program (ATinNH), and NH’s own “AT MacGyver;” Dan Herlihy, nationally renowned AT and IntelliTools trainer; and Matt Frye and Crystal Chalich of Northeast Passage, the University of New Hampshire's adaptive recreation and sports program.

Participants in the AT Summer Institute may register for single training sessions or a series of workshops. Discounts are available to those who register for more than one workshop. A brief schedule of events follows:

August 6th: Train the Trainer - Become an ATinNH trainer
Learn to use an assortment of training tools, equipment, software, and techniques. Certification enables you to conduct AT trainings and receive payment through the ATinNH Training Fund. An application is required; please call (800) 238-2048 for more information or to request an application.

August 7th: Come Play in My Sand Box
Learn how to create access on the fly with the thousands of uses for IntelliKeys, Classroom Suite, Wireless Switch Access and Digital View Cams. Learn creative uses for these tools at home, school, work, or play for all ages.

August 8th: Duct Tape Velcro and Beyond
This hands-on make it and take it home workshop offer insight into how over 40 tools and materials can be used to create solutions in minutes. Participants will fabricate five different adaptive solutions that they can take home with them.

August 9th: AT Beach Party
Have fun in the sun with AT solutions for leisure and recreational activities. Learn how to quickly adapt toys for use outdoors and test them at the beach. Enjoy a picnic and an afternoon experience with adaptive kayaking, kite-flying, fishing & more. This workshop is co-sponsored by Northeast Passage.

To learn more about the AT Summer Institute & Beach Party or to register, visit www.ATinNH.org or www.iod.unh.edu or call (603) 228-2084.

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