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SET Events
SET Events highlights projects, training activities, and events in the assistive technology community.
Okanagan Cool Communicators
| June 2007 |
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We had a tour of Camp Winfield and many students who have never been to camp, now are interested in attending this summer. The day ended up with a photo shoot to commemorate this incredible day. The importance of providing such opportunities for our students was underscored for me when a student who rarely communicates spontaneously typed into her Vantage at the end of the day, the word, “Bravo”. We’re already planning for a next time! Kathy Ryan, SET-BC Regional Consultant
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On May 30th, 2007, sixteen “Okanagan Cool Communicators” and their supporters gathered at Camp Winfield for an incredible day of interaction and fun. The students, who ranged in age from 8 to 18, came from Keremeos, Penticton, Naramata, Summerland, Westbank, Kelowna, Merritt, and Vernon. For some, it was the first time they had seen other students who use communication technology to talk, and for all, it was the largest congregation of device users they had ever encountered. It was a great opportunity for professionals, support staff and parents to network and to see a variety of communication devices in action. 
The day started with a Cool Communicators Connect activity in which the students talked with their peers to gather information and join the pertinent details on a Connect Sheet (name, age, home town, month of birth). After each connection was made, the communication partners exchanged initialed beads which were threaded onto a friendship necklace. Although it was hard at first, the supporters learned to step back and just let the interactions happen. We all learned that these kinds of interactions take a much longer time than for typical students but the engagement between the students was terrific when this time was provided. 
Slides were shown from Virtual Voices at Camp Squamish to promote this special camp for communication device users to be held at the end of the summer. It was a great opportunity for potential campers and parents to see and hear about these exciting summer opportunities. Two students who have attended these camps presented using their communication devices so the kids could hear first hand what it’s like to attend camp.