Camp CreATe 2016

By: Laura Kazmierczak, EC-SEAT Scholar

This summer I had the opportunity to join and assist Dr. Therese Willkomm, PhD, ATP,Clinical Associate Professor at University of New Hampshire and Stacy Driscoll,Assistive Technology Specialist at University of New Hampshire and private consultant, the topic presenters and coordinators, with Camp CreATe.  “What is Camp CreATe," you ask?  I’ll be happy to tell you!  Camp CreATe is a week long conference presented by ATinNH offered to individuals of multiple human services professional backgrounds.  Everyone from educators to family members, therapists, vocational rehabilitation counselors, service providers, and individuals with exceptionalities are welcomed to gather for an intensive hands on experience exploring and making AT.  The best part of this week is, what you make, you get to take! 

This year’s Camp CreATe included five sessions, one for each day.  

Day One focused on Creating Assistive TechnologySolutions in Minutes. 

Participants explored tools and materials to create five of the 50 possible solutions made in five minutes or less. Participants were able to use a ratcheting PVC cutter, Loc-Line pliers, scissors, eight specialty tapes, PVC, Loc-Line, and an industrial twist tie to practice fabricating.  The solutions participants created by the end of the day included an iPad holder, a portable scan and read station, a hands free magnifier, an ice cream cone holder, and a universal holding solution. 

Camp CreATe Participants in Action

Day two was on being resourceful when considering making AT solutions.  

Reusing, repurposing, recycling, and being creative is encouraged with AT solutions because product cost adds up quickly.  If you know Dr. Therese Willkomm, you know she is a strong believer in using what you have available and making the best of it.  Reusing materials for creating and fabricating is one of her favorite things to do—she wastes nothing!  Participants on the second day used a Coro-claw, utility knife, ruler, double sided permanent foam tape, VHB tape, corner guard, paper cutter, and scissors to create solutions with recycled election signs. 

Check out Katie McCormack’s blog post to learn more about creating AT solutions with corrugated plastic!

Exploring the latest AT

Day three went by just as fast as the first two days. 

Participants explored electronic aids of daily living, interfaces for switch accessibility, alternative keyboards, Gear VR glasses, and the newest AT devices.  

The fourth day was what I liked to call the Triple "A" day.

Apps, Adaptations, and Accessories—on the iPad!  Participants became familiar with accessibility features on the iPad, learned a variety of uses for the built in camera, how to select the best apps, and explored the accessories available to support individuals with exceptionalities.  

The last day was reserved for playing! 

Participants played with a variety of toys, adapted for individuals with exceptionalities to engage in music, art, and physical activity. 

What was most impactful in my experience throughout the week was the sense of community created, the opportunities to make connections professionally, and the atmosphere of professional development created by and between the participants!  

Whether you attended the whole week, a few days, or just one of the sessions, you left with your creative juices flowing and the knowledge and inspiration to continue making AT solutions on your own.  Isn't that incredible?

Reference:

Institute on Disability (2016). "Camp CreATe - Create, Reuse, and Explore Assistive Technology: A Week-Long, Hands-On Experience." Retrieved from http://www.iod.unh.edu/Services/eventdetail/16-01-25/Camp_CreATe_-_Create_Reuse_and_Explore_Assistive_Technology.aspx.