News
NAPERVILLE, IL — For the second year, Trinity Services’ National Association of Qualified Developmental Disabilities Professionals (NAQ) is planning a conference to open people’s minds to the many possibilities of assistive technology.
The 2nd Annual Technology Enhancing Capabilities (TEC) Conference is scheduled for June 6 and 7 at the Northern Illinois University Conference Center at 1120 E. Diehl Road in Naperville, Illinois.
The conference will focus on how assistive technology can improve the lives of and encourage independence for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. It is tailored to people with disabilities and their loved ones, caregivers, professionals in the developmental disabilities field, and anyone interested in learning more about assistive technology.
The first day of the conference, scheduled from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., will feature presentations from speakers who will cover topics related to progress in assistive technology, affordable smart home technologies, how assistive technology can help people with disabilities overcome barriers of perception, using assistive technology in the workplace, and resources for the successful implementation of assistive technology tools. A social will be held immediately following closing remarks to give attendees an opportunity to network with other professionals, speakers and exhibitors.
Speakers include Sandy Henry, who developed a pilot proposal to demonstrate the use of technology in supporting people with various abilities, which led to the formation of national remote support technology provider Sengistix LLC; Tony Gentry, an award-winning researcher in the field of instructional technology; and Robin Pegg, an assistive technology professional who is certified by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America.
There will also be a joint presentation from Bill Henzlik and his older sister, Jennifer Durnas; Joey Rosenbloom and his mother, Sharon Rosenbloom; and Nate Trainor and his mother, Jean Trainor, regarding the benefits of technology, particularly as it relates to communication.
The second day of the conference, scheduled from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., will allow attendees to get more hands-on with what they are learning, guiding them through the process of creating their own assistive technology tools.
For Day 1, for NAQ members, the cost is $149, and the cost for nonmembers is $174. For Day 2, for NAQ members, the cost is $59, and the cost for nonmembers is $69.
Continuing education credits will be offered for this event. A complete listing of professional licenses approved for CEUs is available, along with registration information, at QDDP.org. For more information, call NAQ Director Connie Melvin at (815) 320-7301.
Trinity Services, Inc. is a 68-year-old, nonsectarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental illness flourish and live full and abundant lives. Trinity serves more than 3,500 people in more than 30 communities in northeast, central and southwest Illinois.