Mission
Provide professional development anchored in evidence based learning strategies, focusing on enabling student access to grade level content by implementing Universal Design for Learning, Accessible Educational Materials, and utilizing the accessibility features of technology.
AEMing for Success is BACK. Louisiana AEM Presents the 6th Annual AEMing for Success Conference.
Join us on Monday, March 17, 2025 at the Crowne Plaza for an exciting event focused on professional development anchored in evidence based learning strategies, focusing on enabling student access to grade level content by implementing Universal Design for Learning, Accessible Educational Materials, and utilizing the accessibility features of technology.
Wonderful great information great presentation and presenters.
Deborah Willoughby
The best presentation ever!!! So Excited to share with my teachers.
Sharon Edwards
Registration
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Session 1
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Making Sensory Play
Presenter: Nabiha Mujhid
Description: The participants will explore the importance of sensory play in child development. Attendees will create sensory bins designed to enhance developmental skills, gaining valuable resources and ideas to foster engagement and sensory experiences for the children they support.
Nuts & Bolts of Eyegaze
Presenter: Justin Sims
Description: Eyegaze technology holds immense potential to empower students with disabilities by providing a powerful avenue for accessing educational tasks and communication devices. However, its implementation can be more complex than anticipated. This two-hour session will delve into the practical aspects of eyegaze technology, exploring a range of functional tools and software specifically designed for eyegaze users. Participants will learn effective strategies for optimizing eyegaze performance and minimizing challenges, as well as gain insights from real-world experiences and best practices in educational settings.
Session 2
3:15 PM – 5:15 PM
AAC: Setting up for Success
Presenter: Shannon Archer
Description: Setting students up for AAC success starts with collaboration and preparation. This session will share practical strategies for engaging the whole team and creating a supportive foundation for students to thrive with their AAC systems.
Accessing Makey Makey Magic
Presenter: Tammy Dupre
Description: This make n take session will introduce participants to the innovative use of Makey Makey, a simple invention kit, to create accessible e-book experiences for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities. By transforming everyday objects into interactive tools, we’ll explore how to customize reading experiences to suit diverse needs and abilities. For more info about Makey Makey go HERE!
5:15 PM – 6:00 PM
AT Contact Meeting
Third quarterly AT contact Meeting.
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Social
Networking/Cards Against AT/Dancing & Karaoke
Finger foods and cash bar
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Breakfast & Registration
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Opening Welcome
8:00 AM – 8:20 AM
Session 1
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Cultural & Linguistic Considerations in AAC
Presenter: Dr. Kacy Woodson
Description: Cultural competence requires self-assessment of our own biases and assumptions about cultural variables that have the potential to influence how we interact with individuals from varying cultural/linguistic backgrounds. In this session we will discuss consideration for conducting assessments and intervention for bilingual/multilingual AAC users and those with unique cultural/linguistic backgrounds.
We Like To Move It!
Presenter: Megan Mast
Description: Adapted Physical Education teachers and General Education PE teachers might teach in a : bus lane, pavilion, a gym, hallway, or (if we’re lucky) a classroom!
We can show you how we can take our “classroom” to your actual classroom when ALL of your students need movement breaks before, during, or after they work their brains!
AAC Across all Environments
Presenters: Mallory DiBenedetto & Ashley Desselle
Description: A deeper dive into AAC tools and devices across all settings in the school building. Discover how low tech and high tech options can be easily available to students throughout their school day!
Learns, Learning, Learned: Expanding Language with Magical Morphemes
Presenter: Kelly Ryan
Description: Coming Soon
Vendors 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Session 2
10:00 AM -11:00 AM
Pathway to Progress: My 3 Year AT Roadmap
Presenter: Sheri Begeron
Description: In this presentation, participants will learn how our district created AT policies and procedures using a 3-year plan.
1. Understand the key principles of assistive technology (AT) procedures and their impact on student accessibility and learning outcomes.
2. Analyze existing district AT policies to identify strengths and areas for improvement in supporting diverse learners.
3. Develop a strategic 3-year roadmap that applies best practices in AT implementation and promotes continuous progress in accessibility.
AAC in Inclusion? How do I do it.
Presenter: Meher Banajee
Description: Coming Soon
Assistive Technology Integration in the Classroom
Presenter: Tanicia Doyle, Samantha Klein-Vidrine, & Kayla Davis
Description: Coming Soon
Enhancing Learning with Kurzweil 3000: A UDL Approach to Supporting Diverse Learners
Presenter: Missy Tatum
Description: Kurzweil 3000 is an inclusive learning technology designed to support diverse learners through text-to-speech, writing, and study tools. This platform enhances reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and organization skills, promoting Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Ideal for students with learning differences, it fosters independence and academic success in any classroom setting. This session will provide users with an overview of this dynamic platform.
Lunch & Keynote Speaker 11:00 AM – 12:30 AM
Session 3
12:45 PM -1:45 PM
AT and Ethics
Presenter: Theresa Rodgers
Description: Coming Soon
Dibels for AAC Users
Presenter: Lauren Wells
Description: One element of setting high expectations for students with disabilities is having all students participate in statewide assessments. This presentation will focus on assessing diverse learners’ literacy skills, utilizing DIBELS or the Literacy Alternate Assessment Rubric (LAAR), with the implementation of AAC.
Incorporating AAC into Classroom: When, Where, and How
Presenters: Andreaya Boudreaux & Shannon Endsley
Description: Coming Soon
Innovative Math Manipulatives and STEM Projects for All Students
Presenter: Jim Franklin
Description: Jim Franklin is a special education teacher from Rome, GA. He invented a number line to 10,000,000 and other math manipulatives that address fractions, decimals, money, elapsed time, weight, and capacity standards; they are also available of low vison and blind students. Participants will also learn about his innovative life skills and standards- based STEM activities, such as a nationally recognized glow-in-the-dark indoor miniature golf course, “Solar City,” “Living Table, ” and student-run businesses.
Vendors & Snacks 1:45 PM – 2:25 PM
Session 4
2:25 PM -3:25 PM
Making AAC FUNctional
Presenter: Shannon Archer
Description: Discover how to make AAC both fun and functional! This session will explore creative strategies for integrating AAC into therapy, group activities, classroom routines, and daily life. Learn practical, engaging ways to put the ‘fun’ in functional communication for meaningful success.
Incorporating AAC into the Classroom
Presenter: Whitney Steib
Description: This session will be targeted towards different visuals/AAC ideas one can incorporate into Pre-K to 3rd grade classrooms. From programing information into high tech AAC device to paper based products to help enhance communication, help better transitions, and reduce behaviors within the classroom.
Empowering Change: Collaborative Strategies to Support Functional Communication Throughout the School Day
Presenter: Julie Riley
Description: Coming Soon
Click, Fill, Done: How To Streamline Your AT Program with Google Forms and Autocrat
Presenter: Jessica Gill
Description: This presentation is designed to introduce the integration of Google Forms and Autocrat to streamline your AT program.
3:25 PM – 3:45 PM Closing and Giveaways
Crowne Plaza, Baton Rouge
4728 Constitution Ave
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
For rooms at the conference rate $108 + fees, please call 225-952-2244, using the group code AEM.
Deadline for reserving rooms February 15, 2025