When looking for assistive technology solutions, much of the time and effort are spent looking at solutions for education, access to the environment, work accommodations and daily living solutions. Very little attention is paid to assistive tools and solutions that can provide opportunities for persons to express themselves creatively. However it is extremely important that persons of all abilities be given opportunities to express themselves creatively through painting, music, photography and videography. Sady and Mark give a message that given the right tools, all persons can access their artist within. (Giving Talk with Mark Coppin) Sady Paulson has cerebral palsy and uses Apple’s accessibility tech like Switch Control to interact with her computers, iPhone and iPad. She is an Independent Videographer and national speaker on the power of accessibility. She is also an Apple Distinguished Educator. She was featured in, and edited, the 2016 commercial launching the re-designed Apple accessibility website.
(Joint Talk with Sady Paulson) Coppin is the owner of Prairie Assistive Technology where he provides consultative services in the area of assistive technologies. He has 34 years of experience in the assistive technology field and is a certified Assistive Technology Professional through RESNA. Coppin presents locally, nationally and internationally on accessibility and assistive technologies. He is an Apple Distinguished Educator and in 2013 he was one of 10 educators recognized by the White House and President Obama as a Champion of Change. He has twice presented at the United Nations on accessibility. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx