S2E4 - Part 2 - Rare Diagnosis, Big Impact: Navigating Malan Syndrome with Kim and Dominick Ventarola

S2E8 - Season 2 in Review

Welcome back to TCNJ AT Talks for our Season 2 Finale! Hosts Brian Kenyon, Vanessa Lombardo, and Madison Bronstein look back at an incredible season, celebrating the golden threads of innovation, advocacy, and accessibility that connected all of our episodes. In this complete recap, we discuss the powerful stories of self-advocacy and user-led innovation from guests like Jessica Smith and Carmelys Vincent, emphasizing that the best innovators are often the AT users themselves. We revisit our deep dives into systemic accessibility, reviewing Janet DeSenzo’s breakdown of Title II ADA updates and the importance of WCAG's POUR principles. We also highlight how tools like Jessica Lax’s ASPYIR bridge the transition from high school to adult life and share the inspiring home-front advocacy of families like the Ventarolas and the Stiers. Finally, we wrap up the season with the ultimate trivia game: the "Season 2 Super Showdown!". Show Notes Meet the Hosts: * Brian Kenyon, Assistive Technology Specialist & Owner of Kenyon Learning and Consulting LLC * Vanessa Lombardo, M.Ed., ATP, Project Director of the Assistive Technology Center at TCNJ * Madison Bronstein, M.S. CCC-SLP, ATP, Speech-Language Pathologist, TCNJ AT Center Season 2 Highlights & Guests Referenced: * Self-Advocacy & Innovation: Featuring Jessica Smith (E1) on First Responder Communication Boards; Carmelys Vincent (E5) on professional self-advocacy; and Michael Fondacaro (E3) and the Camp Chatterbox team on the lifelong facilitation of AAC and the importance of "wait time". * Systemic Accessibility & Compliance: Featuring Janet DeSenzo (E2) on demystifying Title II of the ADA and the POUR principles (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust); and Jessica Lax (E7) on the free, customizable transition planning tool, ASPYIR. * Family Journey: Featuring Kim and Dominick Ventarola (E4) on navigating Malan Syndrome and early AT integration; and Megan and Mila Stier (E6) on building a supportive "tribe" for early independence. Resources & Links: * None Reach out to the Show: Have a burning question about a specific device, a challenge you're facing, or an idea for a future episode? Leave us a message on Speakpipe or fill out the Google Form below, and you might just hear your question answered on an upcoming episode! * Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi [https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi]  * Google Form: https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27 [https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27]  Listen and Connect: * Website: https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/ [https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/]  * Email: atcenter@tcnj.edu [atcenter@tcnj.edu]  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atcentertcnj/ [https://www.instagram.com/atcentertcnj/]  * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATCenterTCNJ [https://www.youtube.com/@ATCenterTCNJ]  * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/611UCzjjZl8OoazdYWeGFM [https://open.spotify.com/show/611UCzjjZl8OoazdYWeGFM]  * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tcnj-at-talks/id1832750422 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tcnj-at-talks/id1832750422]  * YouTube Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4lnPwiTrq_Z_GbmqQEQ3vW1eEus7hIU2 [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4lnPwiTrq_Z_GbmqQEQ3vW1eEus7hIU2]  The Assistive Technology Center at The College of New Jersey is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and is partially funded by IDEA, Part B. https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/ [https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/]

S2E7 - Transitioning with Confidence: Unpacking ASPYIR with Jessica Lax

Welcome back to TCNJ AT Talks! In this episode, we are joined by Jessica Lax, Youth Practice Group Advocate at Disability Rights New Jersey (DRNJ). We explore the powerful idea that successful transition is about building agency, confidence, and continuity for young people with disabilities as they move from K-12 education to adult life. Through a deep dive into DRNJ's free transition planning tool, ASPYIR, we highlight how assistive technology becomes a bridge between K–12 support and the real‑world demands of college, employment, and independent living. Show Notes Meet the Guest * Jessica Lax is the Assistive Technology Advocate at the Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center of Disability Rights New Jersey (DRNJ), the state's designated Protection and Advocacy system for people with disabilities. She is a passionate advocate focused on transition-age youth, ensuring students are equipped with essential tools for their shift to young adult life. She was instrumental in the rollout and support of ASPYIR, a transition planning tool that empowers students to take the lead in planning their futures. Resources & Links: * Access the ASPYIR Tool: https://disabilityrightsnj.org/aspyir/ [https://disabilityrightsnj.org/aspyir/]  * Disability Rights New Jersey (DRNJ): https://disabilityrightsnj.org/ [https://disabilityrightsnj.org/]  * The Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC): https://at4nj.org/ [https://at4nj.org/]  Reach out to the Show: Have a burning question about a specific device, a challenge you're facing, or an idea for a future episode? Leave us a message on Speakpipe or fill out the Google Form below, and you might just hear your question answered on an upcoming episode! * Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi [https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi]  * Google Form: https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27 [https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27]  Listen and Connect: * Website: https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/ [https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/]  * Email: atcenter@tcnj.edu [atcenter@tcnj.edu]  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atcentertcnj/ [https://www.instagram.com/atcentertcnj/]  * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATCenterTCNJ [https://www.youtube.com/@ATCenterTCNJ]  * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/611UCzjjZl8OoazdYWeGFM [https://open.spotify.com/show/611UCzjjZl8OoazdYWeGFM]  * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tcnj-at-talks/id1832750422 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tcnj-at-talks/id1832750422]  * YouTube Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4lnPwiTrq_Z_GbmqQEQ3vW1eEus7hIU2 [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4lnPwiTrq_Z_GbmqQEQ3vW1eEus7hIU2]  The Assistive Technology Center at The College of New Jersey is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and is partially funded by IDEA, Part B. https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/ [https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/]

S2E6 - Small Tools, Big Independence: Navigating the World with Mila & Megan Stier

This episode, "Small Tools, Big Independence: Navigating the World with Mila & Megan Stier," features a powerful conversation with 2nd-grade student Mila Stier, a "Tech Pro," and her mom and advocate, Megan Stier. The discussion focuses on the evolution of assistive technology (AT) from early childhood through elementary school, emphasizing student autonomy and the crucial role of family advocacy. Megan shares advice for parents navigating the IEP process—stressing the need to "build your tribe" and partner with the school district—while Mila details her "tech toolbox," including her iPad, and how she uses accessibility tools for independence in the classroom. The episode concludes with the "Superpower Search" game, where Mila identifies AT features as her superheroes, and Megan shares inspirations for the future, including advocates Judie Human, Anthony Ferraro, and Molly Burke. Show Notes Meet the Guests * Mila Stier: A 7-year-old 2nd-grade student with a visual impairment who uses technology to find creative ways to do things independently. Mila shares her perspective on using accessibility tools like her iPad every day for reading and writing. * Megan Stier: Mila's mom, an advocate, and an everyday problem-solver. She shares her real-world insight into how assistive technology shapes a child’s independence, inclusion, and confidence at school, offering advice to parents who are navigating the IEP process. Resources & Links * Advocacy Inspirations & Community * Judie Human - Crip Camp Documentary (Megan's biggest inspiration) - https://judithheumann.com/cripcamp/ [https://judithheumann.com/cripcamp/]  * Anthony Ferraro - Blind Skateboarder, Paralympic Athlete, Musician - @asfvision on Socials * Molly Burke - Blind Make-Up Influencer - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwf9TcLyS5KDoLRLjke41Hg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwf9TcLyS5KDoLRLjke41Hg]  * Facebook: Recommended for community networking and finding other people in that space. Reach out to the Show Have a question about the intersection of AT, mental health, or advocacy? We'd love to hear from you! * Speakpipe (Voice Message): https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi [https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi] * Google Form (Written Question): https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27 [https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27] Listen and Connect * Website: https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/ [https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atcentertcnj [https://www.instagram.com/atcentertcnj] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATCenterTCNJ [https://www.youtube.com/@ATCenterTCNJ] * Email: atcenter@tcnj.edu [atcenter@tcnj.edu] The Assistive Technology Center at The College of New Jersey is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and is partially funded by IDEA, Part B. https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/ [https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/]

S2E5 - Part 2 - Advocacy to get the AT you need for work and life with Carmelys Vincent

This episode, "Advocacy to get the AT you need for work and life with Carmelys Vincent", features Carmelys Vincent, an advocate and mental health professional. The conversation explores the intersection of accessibility and mental health and the critical role of advocacy in transitioning from high school to college and the workforce. Carmelys shares how she advocates for her needs, detailing the assistive technology she uses daily for work, such as Otter AI (HIPAA Compliant) for generating client notes (therapy notes AI), and her use of speech-to-text in the Notes App. The episode concludes with a game called "Wait, Wait... Don't Help Me!" which tests knowledge on how everyday items originated as assistive technology. Show Notes Meet the Guest * Carmelys Vincent: Advocate for people with disabilities and a mental health professional. Carmelys shares her expertise on self-advocacy for AT in work and life, emphasizing the principle "Closed mouths don’t get fed". She discusses her work with state agencies like New Jersey DVRS and her involvement with numerous community organizations, including the NJ Council for DDD, NJ APSE, Rutgers Boggs Center, and the Rutgers Community Education Living Project. Resources & Links * Carmelys Vincent Contact * Email: cvincent@wau.edu [cvincent@wau.edu] * Google Voice: 973 440 5907 * Assistive Technology & Organizations Featured * Otter AI (HIPPA Compliant): https://otter.ai/blog/otter-ai-achieves-hipaa-compliance [https://otter.ai/blog/otter-ai-achieves-hipaa-compliance] * The Youversion Bible App: https://www.youversion.com/bible-app [https://www.youversion.com/bible-app] * NJ APSE: https://apse.org/chapter/new-jersey/ [https://apse.org/chapter/new-jersey/] * Rutgers Community Education Living Project: https://clep.rutgers.edu/ [https://clep.rutgers.edu/] * Other Organizations: NJ Council for DDD, Rutgers Boggs Center, Group Home Board Reach out to the Show Have a question about the intersection of AT, mental health, or advocacy? We'd love to hear from you! * Speakpipe (Voice Message): https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi [https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi] * Google Form (Written Question): https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27 [https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27] Listen and Connect * Website: https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/ [https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atcentertcnj [https://www.instagram.com/atcentertcnj] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATCenterTCNJ [https://www.youtube.com/@ATCenterTCNJ] * Email: atcenter@tcnj.edu [atcenter@tcnj.edu] The Assistive Technology Center at The College of New Jersey is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and is partially funded by IDEA, Part B. https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/ [https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/]

S2E5 - Part 1 - Advocacy to get the AT you need for work and life with Carmelys Vincent

This episode, "Advocacy to get the AT you need for work and life with Carmelys Vincent", features Carmelys Vincent, an advocate and mental health professional. The conversation explores the intersection of accessibility and mental health and the critical role of advocacy in transitioning from high school to college and the workforce. Carmelys shares how she advocates for her needs, detailing the assistive technology she uses daily for work, such as Otter AI (HIPAA Compliant) for generating client notes (therapy notes AI), and her use of speech-to-text in the Notes App. The episode concludes with a game called "Wait, Wait... Don't Help Me!" which tests knowledge on how everyday items originated as assistive technology. Show Notes Meet the Guest * Carmelys Vincent: Advocate for people with disabilities and a mental health professional. Carmelys shares her expertise on self-advocacy for AT in work and life, emphasizing the principle "Closed mouths don’t get fed". She discusses her work with state agencies like New Jersey DVRS and her involvement with numerous community organizations, including the NJ Council for DDD, NJ APSE, Rutgers Boggs Center, and the Rutgers Community Education Living Project. Resources & Links * Carmelys Vincent Contact * Email: cvincent@wau.edu [cvincent@wau.edu] * Google Voice: 973 440 5907 * Assistive Technology & Organizations Featured * Otter AI (HIPPA Compliant): https://otter.ai/blog/otter-ai-achieves-hipaa-compliance [https://otter.ai/blog/otter-ai-achieves-hipaa-compliance] * The Youversion Bible App: https://www.youversion.com/bible-app [https://www.youversion.com/bible-app] * NJ APSE: https://apse.org/chapter/new-jersey/ [https://apse.org/chapter/new-jersey/] * Rutgers Community Education Living Project: https://clep.rutgers.edu/ [https://clep.rutgers.edu/] * Other Organizations: NJ Council for DDD, Rutgers Boggs Center, Group Home Board Reach out to the Show Have a question about the intersection of AT, mental health, or advocacy? We'd love to hear from you! * Speakpipe (Voice Message): https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi [https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi] * Google Form (Written Question): https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27 [https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27] Listen and Connect * Website: https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/ [https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atcentertcnj [https://www.instagram.com/atcentertcnj] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATCenterTCNJ [https://www.youtube.com/@ATCenterTCNJ] * Email: atcenter@tcnj.edu [atcenter@tcnj.edu] The Assistive Technology Center at The College of New Jersey is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and is partially funded by IDEA, Part B. https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/ [https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/]