January 23, 2018
Using and accessing technology is important throughout our lives. We use technology to pay our bills, to keep in touch with friends and families, to receive healthcare and medical support, and even to help us get to and from work, school, and other activities in the community.
One important part of future planning is making sure that people with disabilities have the skills and ability to access technology and the support they need to find new technologies to use throughout their lives.
This webinar will review the steps that people and their families should take to evaluate any needs that a person has that can be assisted by technology and will provide tips and resources that families can use to find technology that fit this need. We will also describe ways that people with I/DD and their families can work to make sure that people are building their technology skills throughout their lifetime.
Speaker Bios
Katy Lernihan Schmid
Katy Lernihan Schmid graduated with honors from Longwood University earning her Master’s in Special Education. Katy begin her career as a special education teacher and eventually transitioned into the role of Assistive Technology Resource Professional. Katy’s work has been featured by ABC-DC news, TEACH.gov as well as NPR. She is currently a Manager on The Arc National’s Tech Programs team where she helps manage grants from Comcast NBCUniversal and Google as well as engage the user community for Tech Toolbox. Katy believes in The Arc’s mission, shares their values and has dedicated her career to better the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Daphni Steffin
Daphni Steffin is the Director of Assistive Technology and Information Systems at The Arc Baltimore. She launched an AT program in 2012 with the vision of enhancing opportunities for individuals with I/DD to improve their lives through the use of technology with increased awareness, access, and support. She has a Master’s in Business Administration and an Assistive Technology Applications Certificate from California State University Northridge (CSUN). Daphni is a Disney World enthusiast. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing around the house with her 2-year-old son. Her latest hobby is refinishing old wood furniture pieces.