[NFBWV-Talk] WV Assistive Technology System (WVATS) April Update

[Ed McDonald]

WVATS COUNCIL UPDATE
APRIL 2023


The next meeting of the WVATS Advisory Council will be held May 16, 2023, virtually via Zoom from 10-12.

WVATS NEWS
WVATS attended the TBI conference in Bridgeport WV. This event was well attended and a lot of people were asking questions about assistive technology. The TBI conference is an annual conference aimed at helping people and caregivers with resources focused on traumatic brain injuries. WVATS also talked with several local providers about how they could better serve their clients with the help of WVATS services.
WVATS was able to talk with both Shelley Capito and Joe Manchin staffers about the needs of West Virginians. WVATS and AT3 staff discussed with the staffers the need for additional funding to continue providing the state with assistive technology.  The assistive technology Act was described to them and also how the state AT program operates in the state of WVATS. Both visits went very well virtually and hope to be in person next year. These conversations help remind Congress that funding is needed to help people with disabilities in their states.
WVATS has had some of the bikes arrive for the "Adventure for Everyone" project just in time for the warm weather to also arrive. Once all the bikes arrive and are distributed to their designations, WVATS will promote the project on social media. We will be asking for everyone to share the posts and also to spread the word about the accessible bikes that are ready to be loaned out.

OPPORTUNITIES
Celebrating Connections Conference: April 18-20th
Celebrating Connections is West Virginia's annual Early Childhood Conference for early care and education professionals working with or for children in the state. WVATS will be leading a presentation on assistive technology that should be used for a preschooler. This training will explore different assistive devices that are available to children who are going into preschool, already in preschool, and those who are getting ready to transition out of preschool. To register: https://www.eventsquid.com/event.cfm?id=16990 
Aging Well Conference: May 9th
 Shepherd University is hosting the 14th annual Aging Well Workshop on May 9, from 9AM-4PM. The workshop will cover topics such as healthy ways to age in place, ethics of working with older adults experiencing memory loss or cognitive decline, eating for health and longevity, and alternative approaches to wellness. Doug will be presenting at this workshop. To register visit: https://agingwellworkshop.totalcamps.com/About%20Us 
THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT 
Pokemon Smile (free)
Pokemon Smile helps make toothbrushing a fun habit! Players can partner up with some of their favorite Pokemon to defeat the cavity-causing bacteria and save the captured Pokemon! Thorough toothbrushing is the key to catching the Pokemon. There is a collection of more than 100 Pokemon that children can collect through the app. The more consistently they brush their teeth with the app, the more brushing rewards they will earn, along with Pokemon, working their way to a brushing master. This app is available on iPhone and Android users. 
Speech Blubs (free)
This app is a voice-controlled speech therapy app designed to help children learn new sounds and words, and to practice speaking in a stimulating, educational environment. Speech Blubs progressively encourages children to generate new sounds, using facial recognition technology, and by encouraging the child to mimic what they are seeing. Kids learn new words while playing mini games, take fun quizzes, and solve puzzles. This app is available on iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. 

SOCIAL MEDIA
You can find regular updates and information on our services and devices on the WVATS Facebook page (WVATS), Twitter (@WVAssistiveTech) and Instagram (wvassistivetechnologysystem). Like and share the social media posts to help increase our outreach throughout the state and help raise AT awareness and access.


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