The Arc Westchester Hosts Fourth Annual Tech Conference
The 2019 Tech Supports for Cognition & Learning shared everyday applications, useful digital tools and emerging trends that can benefit individuals with autism and other cognitive disabilities
Westchester County, NY (April 15, 2019) – On Thurs., March 28, more than 150 people attended the Fourth Annual Tech Supports for Cognition & Learning Conference at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry. The must-attend event, co-hosted by The Arc Westchester, showcased technologies that can be used to help individuals with cognitive disabilities learn, live and work with more independence. The Arc Westchester once again partnered with Mercy College, AHRC New York City, Westchester Library System, Putnam-Northern Westchester BOCES and Vising Nurse Service of Westchester (VNS) to present the day-long event.
The Tech Supports for Cognition & Learning Conference gathered experts in the field of technology, education, learning, clinical supports and direct service supports. The audience, comprised of parents, professionals and providers, participated in a series of interactive and dynamic breakout sessions covering everything from apps, social media and telehealth to widely used digital tools, such as Apple products and Microsoft Windows, that can greatly help this population.
The morning kicked off with opening remarks from Joan Toglia, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, Dean of Mercy College’s School of Health and Sciences; Tibisay (Tibi) Guzmán, Executive Director & CEO, The Arc Westchester; and Jordan Jankus, Coordinator of Person-Centered and Cognitive Supports, The Arc Westchester.
“This event was founded four years ago as a way to bring together like-minded thinkers who recognize that technology can be the bridge between individuals with disabilities and their independence,” said Guzman. “We are dedicated to pushing this conversation forward and partnering with organizations and individuals who share our passion for helping those we support lead more fulfilled lives.”
The Exhibitor area included some the latest products and services that make a better life possible for people with cognitive disabilities. During the lunch period, a series of fast-paced Ignite Talks ® featured inspiring stories of the use of everyday tech and its impact on the people who use it. One of these presentations came from Misa Martin, The Arc Westchester’s Tech Ambassador, on how she, along with the staff at the Ann Manzi Center in Mount Kisco, are using assistive technology, iPads, and various software tools for their day programs.
The Fourth Annual Tech Supports for Cognition & Learning Conference was sponsored by Altice Business and Littman Krooks LLP.
For more information to view the day’s presentations, visit https://www.arcwestchester.org/techconference2019.
The Arc Westchester
The Arc Westchester, founded in 1949, is the largest agency in Westchester County supporting children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum, and their families. The organization’s 850 employees provide more than 2,000 individuals throughout the county with a broad range of innovative and effective programs and services designed to foster independence, productivity and participation in community life.
The mission of The Arc Westchester is to empower children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum, to achieve their potential by strengthening families and encouraging personal choices, abilities and interests.
The Arc Westchester is a chapter of The Arc USA and The Arc New York.
