Technology Expo Helps Learners with Special Needs

Hundreds of educators and learners from across Nova Scotia are attending the second annual Assistive Technology Expo today, May 3.

Assistive technology is any device or tool that allows people with disabilities to use their abilities to reach goals. The expo showcases the latest assistive technologies designed to break down barriers and expand access to education for learners with special needs.

Kevin Penny, who is demonstrating voice-speech recognition at the expo, believes assistive technology has significantly improved his access to education, employment and independent living.

"Assistive technology puts me on a level playing field with able- bodied persons, minimizes the disability aspect of my life and allows me a certain amount of independence," he said. "The expo is important because people who experience the practical side of the technology for themselves are more apt to value the contributions people with disabilities can make in the workplace, community or educational environment."

Learners in preschool, Primary to Grade 12, university and college have a chance to test technologies at the expo, including e-beams, voice-speech recognition, Braille-Lite and InfraRed technology. They will learn about the devices directly from people who use them, like Mr. Penny, and from others who teach people how to use them.

The expo is presented by the Department of Education, Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), Capital Health, RBC Financial Group and Saint Mary's University. NSCC is hosting the expo at its Akerley Campus in Dartmouth.

These partners make assistive technology a priority in their educational, client or workplace environments. They share an interest in showcasing the various forms of technology available to persons with special needs, workers re-entering the workforce, occupational therapists, teachers, job coaches and employers interested in recruiting workers with disabilities.

The expo is open to the public free of charge from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. In addition to viewing exhibits, visitors to the expo can listen to guest speakers. They are Ann Buller Caron, dean of students, NSCC; Peter Rans, policy director, Department of Education; and Greg Browning, senior human resources advisor, Atlantic Region, RBC Financial Group.