Bridge School » Outreach » Open Labs - Access Fairs

Open Labs - Access Fairs

The Bridge School’s Open Labs - Access Fairs are great opportunities for professionals, students, and families to have hands-on experience with state-of-the art assistive technologies, adapted toys and games, and specialized software and equipment to enhance participation, communication, learning and recreation. At these Fairs, everyone will be encouraged to interact with professionals, peers, and children or adults who use the assistive technologies and to share their information and experiences with the group.

The Bridge School staff and family members will be providing ideas, demonstrations, guidance and hands on experience with a variety of the creative adaptations and solutions that open up new possibilities for individuals with access challenges.

This year, two separate events are scheduled and will focus on 1) adapted toys and games, and 2) commercially available assistive technologies. See schedule below. Everyone is welcome to come explore, play and learn!

Date	November 3, 2012 Access Fair: Adapting Toys and Games	April 13, 2013 Access Fair: AAC/AT Vendors
Location	North Hillsborough Elementary School 545 Eucalyptus Avenue Hillsborough, CA Directions and parking information Click to view in Google Maps	North Hillsborough Elementary School 545 Eucalyptus Avenue Hillsborough, CA Directions and parking information Click to view in Google Maps
Room	Multi Purpose Room on upper campus	Multi Purpose Room on upper campus
Schedule	Morning session 9:00 – 10:30 Presentation: “Adaptations All Around” Presenter: Kristen Gray 10:30 – 12:00 Adapted Toy Share: come explore adapted toys and equipment or bring something you have adapted already to share. Afternoon session 1:00 – 2:30 Presentation: “Computer, iPad and Video Games” Presenter: Peggy Barker 2:30 – 4:00 Adapted Toy Share (Repeated): come explore adapted toys and equipment or bring something you have adapted already to share.	9 am - 3 pm Open lab/hands on - This will give you an excellent opportunity to explore the new technology, talk with representatives from the various manufacturing companies, and discuss your child/adult’s needs with people who are knowledgeable and who will be available for follow-up. Check out which vendors will be attending the Access Fair!
RSVP
Flyer

Adapting Toys and Games

At the first Open Lab - Access Fair: Toys and Games, parents and caregivers are invited to bring games and toys they have purchased for their children and need ideas/strategies for adapting them for easy access. Bridge School parents and staff will be available to offer suggestions on fun, appropriate toys and games, demonstrating how they have adapted toys for their children and providing guidance in toy selections that can be readily modified. Presentations will also be offered by Kristen Gray, assistive technology specialist and Peggy Barker, rehabilitation engineer on adapting toys and games.

Kristen Gray, Assistive Technology Specialist

Peggy Barker, Rehabilitation Engineer

AAC/AT Vendors

A vendor answers questions during the demo.

There is ample time to have hands on with the devices.

At the second Open Lab - Access Fair: AAC/AT Vendors, local and national vendors of devices to assist in communication and education will answer questions and have devices available for hands on. This will give you an excellent opportunity to explore the new technology, talk with representatives from the various manufacturing companies, and discuss your child/adult’s needs with people who are knowledgeable and who will be available for follow-up.

Vendors confirmed for the April 13, 2013 Access Fair: AAC/AT Vendors. Please check back for changes and/or additions.