Home › 2025 Assistive Technology in Pre-Employment Transition Services Workshop

Conference Materials and Resources

Thank you for attending the 2025 Assistive Technology Workshop. This page includes links to materials and resources from all sessions.

Day One – October 21, 2025

Learning Labs: Hands-On with Assistive Technology

1. Career Exploration with Virtual Reality (VR)

Presented by Marisa Duarte and Bill Bates, Office of Special Education and Learning (OSEEL).

Participants used virtual reality headsets to explore different careers. These VR field trips let students with disabilities visit real workplaces, meet employees, and learn about various jobs.

Handout: CareerView XR Handout

Watch: KET: Watch this story from Kentucky Edition on KET (aired September 11, 2025):
Disabled Students Explore Careers Through Virtual Reality (4:41)

In the news:

2. Computer Access Tools: Morphic, AT-on-Demand, and Learn & Try Tool

Presented by Gregg Vanderheiden, President, Raising the Floor

Morphic makes computers easier to use by helping people quickly find and use accessibility features. It supports people with disabilities, older adults, and anyone who needs a simpler computer setup.

AT-on-Demand (AToD) lets users access their assistive technology on any computer—Windows or Mac—even if the software isn’t installed. This gives users equal access anywhere.

Learn & Try Tool is a free website that helps people find tools to make computer use easier and more competitive. It supports reading and other challenges. It will launch in early 2026.

3. Independent Living—Cooking

Presented by J.P. Pullens, Assistive Technologist, Charles W. McDowell Center, KY OVR

Demonstrated tools can be purchased from:

4. Apps to Support Driver Rehabilitation

Presented by Erica Oechsli, OVR Driver Rehabilitation Program

  • Drive Focus App: Helps drivers improve reaction time and awareness by practicing real driving scenarios.
  • Driver Start: Free online tool for unlimited driver’s permit practice tests (Car, Motorcycle, and CDL).
5. Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses

Presented by Robbie Proctor, Assistive Technologist, KY OVR

Ray-Ban Meta glasses look like regular Ray-Bans but include a camera, microphones, speakers, and voice control. They allow users to take photos, record video, listen to audio, and get real-time information hands-free. These features can:

  • Help users navigate environments
  • Provide voice commands and visual descriptions
  • Translate languages in real time
  • Support independence and access to information

Watch: Ray-linkBan Meta & Be My Eyes (1:56)

6. Assistive Technology for College Students

Presented by Josiah Fowler, Assistive Technologist, KY OVR

Explore tools and resources to support student as they transition to college. Participants were provided hands on demonstrations of the following apps:

  • Otter.ai: Transcribes and summarizes lectures and meetings in real time.
  • Genio Notes: Organizes and summarizes notes using AI.
  • Microsoft OneNote: Digital notebook for typed or handwritten notes.
  • iFLYTEK AI Voice Recorder: Records and transcribes audio in multiple languages, removes background noise, and bookmarks key moments.
7. Adapting Toys for Children with Disabilities

Presented by Keisha Wells and Crystal Hignite, Appalachian Center for Assistive Technology (ACAT)

Working Lunch Presentation – IDEA, Section 504, & the ADA

Presented by Carol Weber, OVR Assistive Technology Branch Manager, Director, KATS Network

Day Two – October 22, 2025

Building Innovative Work Transition Plans with Assistive Technology

Presented by Jennifer White, CEO, Able Opportunities, Inc.

This hands-on session covered:

  • Video resumes and self-advocacy
  • Financial literacy
  • Low-tech accommodations
  • Creative approaches to compliance and collaboration

Resources:

Day Three – October 23, 2025

Appalachian Center for Assistive Technology (ACAT) Pre-ETS Program

Presented by Keisha Wells and Crystal Hignite, ACAT

Panel Discussion: Funding Resources for Assistive Technology

Panelists: Sarah Richardson – Financial Loans for Assistive Technology (KATLC/AATLF), Jesssica Endler – Telecommunications Access Program (KCDHH), Justin Shaw – Medicaid Resources for AT (KY Medicaid), Jordynn Pennington – STABLE accounts (KY Treasury Dept)

Presentations & Resources:

Roundtable: Transitioning Assistive Technology from High School to Adult Life

Facilitated by Robbie Proctor, KY OVR