SET Events highlights projects, training activities, and events in the assistive technology community.

District Partner Conference a Great Success!

February 18th and 19th, 2008

SET-BC District Partners and consultants from all over the province met February 18th and 19th in Richmond to collaborate on SET-BC service delivery and attend assistive technology workshops.

On the first day of the conference, over 68 District Partners joined with SET-BC consultants to discuss important service delivery issues.  Everyone participated in several discussion or collaboration activities providing excellent feedback and suggestions for improving SET-BC consultation, planning and training services.  Several District Partners – Marilyn Caldwell (Howe Sound), Gail Adams (Quesnel) and Kathryn D’Angelo (Richmond) -  gave their own district perspectives on planning for assistive technology provision and working effectively with district IT departments.  In addition to small group or table discussions, District Partners and consultants completed several survey type activities.  Even though the group was large, the use of interactive polling technology ensured that everyone had a chance to contribute to these broad discussions. 

At the end of the day, conference participants gathered for a reception which featured Poster Sessions hosted by a number of assistive technology professionals.  Various AT projects were highlighted in sixteen sessions, with District Partners enjoying the chance to mingle, network, and learn more about important AT initiatives.

Conference participants reported they enjoyed the first day and felt it was helpful for information sharing and for the opportunity to help shape SET-BC services.

“A very useful day!  Sharing with others is such a useful tool and beneficial to all.”

“Thank you for a wonderful D.P. Day.  The info was very useful…The opportunity to network was great!  Would love it if this could happen annually – a truly valuable day.”

“A well organized day that was informative, interactive and enjoyable.”

On the second day of the conference, participants attended three of twelve workshops presented concurrently.  These workshops highlighted specific assistive technologies as well as classroom implementation strategies.  Sessions were facilitated by SET-BC consultants as well as assistive technology vendor representatives. Workshop titles included:

• AAC Success in the Classroom
• Exploring the SET-BC Website
• All About Switches
• WriteAbility
• Comparing Text-Based Literacy Software
• Universal Design for Learning, and
• What’s New in AAC, Vision and Assistive Technologies (Aroga, Bridges and Dynavox)

Many District Partners reported that, while it was difficult to choose only three workshops, they really appreciated being able to choose from a variety of sessions…

“Thanks for sharing this learning/teaching approach – a spark has been ignited!!”

“Engaging speaker – obviously knows her stuff and passionate about it.  Can’t wait to have her come to my district.”

“This was such a useful and inspiring talk.  I just want to go and try downloading and using curriculumSET.”

This type of conference can’t happen without the involvement of many groups and individuals.  Thanks goes out to the many vendors who helped support the event and presented on the second day, the SET-BC consultants who helped plan or facilitate the two days, and the SET-BC District Partners who participated in the various activities offering thoughtful comments and suggestions.

View more pictures of the SET-BC District Partner Conference 2008 ( PPT | 3.3Mb )