S2E7 - Transitioning with Confidence: Unpacking ASPYIR with Jessica Lax

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/]

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

Welcome to AT Talks for Part 2 of "Rare Diagnosis, Big Impact: Navigating Malan Syndrome." Part 2 dives into Dominick’s world as an Assistive Technology User. He describes his 'Tech Toolbox,' detailing how he uses the Chameleon braille display and Siri. The conversation then shifts to Community & Inclusion, highlighting Dom's success as a gold-medal Special Olympics swimmer and Kim's local advocacy work as President of the Old Bridge Special Education PTA. Finally, the episode concludes with a fun game of 'AT Detective' where the guests put their knowledge of assistive tools to the test, and Kim shares essential advice for parents who are on their own diagnostic journey. Show Notes Meet the Guests * Kim Ventarola: Special Education Teacher and Co-founder/President of the Malan Syndrome Foundation. With over 20 years of experience, Kim co-founded the international foundation after her son’s 2015 diagnosis to establish a global standard of care and serves as President of the Old Bridge Special Education PTA. * Dominick "Dom" Ventarola: 5th Grade Student, AT User, and Gold-Medal Special Olympics Swimmer. Dom is a determined 10-year-old with Malan syndrome, known for his big personality, humor, and independence. He has competed in three state championships in swimming. Resources & Links * Malan Syndrome Foundation * Website: malansyndrome.org [https://www.malansyndrome.org/] * Email: info@malansyndrome.org [info@malansyndrome.org] * Assistive Technology Featured * Chameleon 20 Braille Display: aph.org/product/chameleon-20/ [https://www.aph.org/product/chameleon-20/] Reach out to the Show Have a question about AAC, recreational therapy, or a challenge you're facing? 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/]