Date: 01/23/2024 Time: 11:30-12:30 Location: internet Type: Webinar
Description
Not sure why your PDF file can’t be read aloud with your screen reader? Learn about the difference between a searchable PDF, where the text can be selected or searched, and an image PDF file, which only contains an image of the text, and cannot be selected or searched. This session will cover how they can be read aloud to students using text to speech readers, which screen readers work with which type, how to save text files as a searchable PDF, as well as how to convert image PDF files into searchable and text selectable PDF files.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the key differences between searchable PDF files and image PDF files
- List 2 options for creating searchable PDF files
- List 2 screen readers capable of reading aloud searchable PDF files, and 2 screen readers capable of reading aloud image PDF files
- Gain resources to build AT processes within their school district
- Evaluate resources for consideration, assessment, and implementation of AT for students
Presenters
Dan Herlihy, MA in Adult Learning, Assistive Technology Resource Specialist
Dan Herlihy has worked in the education field for over 35 years, working in Special Education classrooms, as a Computer Resource Specialist, Network Administrator, Assistive Technology Resource Specialist and developing Wilderness Programs for at-risk students. He has presented nationally and internationally at conferences and in school districts on topics ranging from Technology Solutions for Struggling Students to Promoting Higher Order Thinking. He has also written numerous books and articles on technology integration and produced educational activities for educators and students, as well as online videos for educators showcasing technology integration. His expertise is in taking diverse technologies and connecting them together to provide solutions for access. Dan completed research in new approaches to professional development and completed a M.A. in adult learning in 2023.
Kristin Leslie, ATP, MAT, OTR/L
Kristin Leslie is the Director of the Special Education Technology Center (SETC), a statewide program supporting educators and parents of special education students, ages 3 to 22, in Washington State. With over 26 years of experience as an occupational therapist, Kristin has presented statewide and nationally on topics such as alternative access to AAC, built-in accessibility features, Accessible Educational Material, and Universal Design for Learning. In her current role, she collaborates with school districts to integrate assistive technology, artificial intelligence, and culturally responsive practices within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. Under her leadership, SETC addresses systemic barriers to learning, focusing on students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. As she partners with state and national leaders to transform education, Kristin values creativity and flexibility, recognizing that there are multiple pathways to fostering authentically inclusive learning environments.
Contact
Email Sue Wright at the SETC office
Zoom Link
Clock hours for this webinar and others in this series are available from ESD105 for a small fee. The following Professional Development Enroller link provides more information about clock hours: https://www.pdenroller.org/cwu/catalog/165361