ATK Suspends In-Person, Face-to-Face Services - Life Span Institute at Parsons
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ATK Suspends In-Person, Face-to-Face
Services
Assistive Technology for Kansans staff started
2020 with renewed energy and enthusiasm for
providing AT services to consumers across
Kansas with in-person and face-to-face hands-
on device demonstrations and appropriate
training, facilitating the short-term device loan
system, assisting consumers to identify funding
sources for their chosen devices, and when
needed, an appropriate, refurbished device,
often delivered to their home. New staff were
hired, business cards ordered, and plans made On March 16, Sara Sack, ATK Director,
for the March statewide training involving staff announced that ATK would suspend all face-to-
and partners. face, in-person services because of the
Coronavirus Pandemic following a discussion
As it sometimes happens, some systems are put with other State AT Programs and with guidance
in place for one reason and become essential for from the University of Kansas. By the end of the
a new reason. In January 2020, ATK week, all staff were set up with the equipment
management arranged online training for LSI they needed to work remotely. Kudos to the
Parsons’ staff and others to be provided by the talented and tireless management team for
KU Information Technology team on Microsoft finding solutions that matched the situation and
Excel software. Training was provided remotely then inventing solutions when it seemed
even though most of the attendees attended impossible. By Monday, March 23, all staff were
together in the Research Conference Room, kind able to participate in the new ATK reality, online.
of a learn and lunch set-up. Enjoyed by all. (Pictured above: ATK staff meeting online). Zoom
planning meetings started with sanitization of AT
A March highlight for ATK is always the quarterly devices. By the end of the week all staff had
statewide staff meeting in Wichita, March 11-12 participated in an array of meetings, matching
this year. The 2-day meeting includes the TAP Continued on page 2
(Kansas Telecommunications Access Project)
statewide training with the addition of staff from In this issue…
six Kansas partners who participate as regional
demonstration centers for the adapted phones 1-2…ATK suspends in-person services
2…Just the Facts
available from TAP. Together ATK staff and 2…Staff News: Employee Recognition moved to Fall
others learned, planned, and departed the 3…Parsons’ Projects: Highlights FY 2019
meetings ready to tackle the to-do lists. 3-5…Presentations & Training Events
And they did. They just had to do it differently.
The Insider ~ April 2020 1
From page 1 supports to consumers. The silver lining… ATK
their interests and responsibilities; examples staff are working, consumers have access to
include Home Automation, the new Gaming talented, resourceful AT Specialists, and
grant, and Funding Resources among others. together, needs will be met, effectively and with
compassion.
Determined that ATK will emerge as a stronger,
more knowledgeable statewide AT leader, staff Assistive Technology for Kansans includes five
identified areas of individual interest, scheduled regional AT Access Sites across Kansas. The
much of their own training, then shared what Western AT Access Site has two offices, Oakley
they learned during scheduled staff meetings. and Garden City; the North Central office is in
The staff were equal to the task: of relocating, Salina; Northeast is in Topeka; South Central in
in many cases to their homes; figuring out how Wichita; and the Southeast AT Site is in Parsons.
to receive adequate internet access in remote The ATK Management Tech Center is also
locations, sometimes taking the online meetings located in Parsons. For more information, visit
outside; and still able to provide AT services, the ATK website online, http://atk.ku.edu/.
device demonstrations, and the numerous other
(KDHE) for information. If you
Just the FACTS have questions about COVID-19,
call KDHE's hotline from 8 a.m. to
The LSI at Parsons hopes that you are 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at
well and safe during this time as we all (866) 534-3463 or email COVID-
address the COVID-19 virus. We urge you 19@ks.gov. For 24/7 assistance,
to continue to visit the official websites of those who have developed
the Centers for Disease Control and symptoms can call the special
Prevention (CDC) and the Kansas epidemiology hotline at (877)
Department of Health and Environment 427-7317. LSI at Parsons is online at
http://parsons.lsi.ku.edu/
Employee Recognition Ceremony to be
held Fall 2020
KU Life Span Institute at Parsons staff eligible
for recognition in 2020 include: Laura Doyle-
Spring time is typically when
Colvin (15), Sandy Hill (20), Stuart Jones (5),
the University of Kansas
Debbie Moody (20), Patty Black Moore (25), and
Years of Service Employee
Sheila Simmons (30). For a full list of honorees
Recognition Ceremony is
that will be honored in the Fall, please visit the
held. The ceremony, this
2020 Employee Recognition Ceremony page.
year will instead be held in
Fall 2020. At the Fall 2020
More information to come regarding the Fall
Recognition Ceremony,
2020 Ceremony and the date of the event.
service pins and gifts will be
given.
The Insider ~ April 2020 2
Parsons’ Projects: Highlights FY 2019
Assistive Technology for Kansans served 3,385 Kansans with disabilities and chronic
health conditions. ATK provided device demonstrations for 606 people; Loaned 472 devices to people
with disabilities for decision-making purposes; Helped 409 people receive funding for 421 devices
valued at $336,686; Made 661 equipment reassignments resulting in Medicaid savings of $567,675;
Provided more than 31,000 hours of training and technical assistance. Online at http://atk.ku.edu/
Kansas Inservice Training System (KITS) provided training and individualized technical
assistance (TA) to 321 teachers/administrators resulting in a potential impact on 3,535 children and
families. In addition, 233 technical assistance plans were developed including training and
professional development events. Online at http://kskits.org/
KCCTO-KITS Infant-Toddler Specialist Network (ITSN). KITS, in collaboration with
KCCTO, Inc., is providing statewide training and technical assistance (TA) for childcare providers.
This project focuses on increasing access to and quality of child care services. This year the project
provided training or support to over 3,501 providers. Online at http://kskits.org/kccto-kits-infant-
toddler-specialist-network
Southeast Kansas Respite Services (SEKRS), associated with the Life Span Institute at
Parsons, provided respite, supportive home care, payee, and homemaker services to 88 families for a
total of 54,497 hours, as well as, managing the Social Security benefits for 166 customers in 12
counties. Through a crisis intervention program for persons with intellectual disabilities and mental
illness, institutionalization was prevented for 18 individuals. Online at http://sekrespiteservices.org/
PRESENTATIONS and TRAINING EVENTS
Goosen, M. (2020, February). A closer look: Kansas tiny-k vision screening record birth to age
3. Paper presented at the 38th Annual Kansas Division for Early Childhood Conference: Dream
B.I.G. Build, Inspire, and Grow Young Minds, Wichita, KS.
Goosen, M. (2020, February). Small actions lead to big rewards. Paper presented at the 38th Annual
Kansas Division for Early Childhood Conference: Dream B.I.G. Build, Inspire, and Grow Young
Minds, Wichita, KS.
The Insider ~ April 2020 3
Goosen, M., & Wallin, T. (2020, February). Negotiating a bridge of goodwill. Paper presented at the
38th Annual Kansas Division for Early Childhood Conference: Dream B.I.G. Build, Inspire, and
Grow Young Minds, Wichita, KS.
Holmes, S. (2020, February). Don’t say don’t, and what to say instead: Using language to guide
children. Center-based training presented in Overland Park, KS.
Holmes, S. (2020, February ). Proactive environmental supports to enhance routines & schedule for
children. Center-based training presented in Overland Park, KS.
Holmes, S. (2020, February). Proactive interaction techniques and teaching strategies to enhance
routines & schedules for children. Center-based training presented in Overland Park, KS.
Holmes, S. (2020, January). The power of routines. Community-based training presented in
Tonganoxie, KS.
Holmes, S., & Breidenthal, J. (2020, February). Building relationships using responsive
communication strategies. Community-based training in Olathe, KS.
Holmes, S., & Breidenthal, J. (2020, February). Don’t say don’t, and what to say instead: Using
language to guide children. Center-based training in Olathe, KS.
Holmes, S., & Breidenthal, J. (2020, February). Don’t say don’t, and what to say instead: Using
language to guide children. Community-based training presented in Tonganoxie, KS.
Keller, S. (2020, February). Improving children’s imagination. Training presented at Little Blessings,
Ness City, KS.
Keller, S. (2020, January). Safe sleep. Training presented at Joy! Child Development Center, Dodge
City, KS.
Keller, S. (2020, January). STEM for babies and toddlers. Training presented at Russell Child
Development Center, Garden City, KS.
Kemp, P. (2020, February). Extend dignity. Paper presented at the 38th Annual Kansas Division for
Early Childhood Conference: Dream B.I.G. Build, Inspire, and Grow Young Minds, Wichita, KS.
Kemp, P. (2020, February). Inclusion = intervention in routines. Paper presented at the 38th Annual
Kansas Division for Early Childhood Conference: Dream B.I.G. Build, Inspire, and Grow Young
Minds, Wichita, KS.
Lindeman, D.P., & Christian, J. (2020, February). Engaging stakeholders and the advise and assist
role of the SICC. Paper presented at the 38th Annual Kansas Division for Early Childhood
Conference: Dream B.I.G. Build, Inspire, and Grow Young Minds, Wichita, KS.
McCorkle, T. (2020, January). Behavior and guidance. Training presented at Wee Rockets, Rosehill,
KS.
McCorkle, T. (2020, February). Science for infants and toddlers. Training presented at Brighter
Beginnings, Chanute, KS.
Messner, L., & Wallin, T. (2020, February). Be a voice for babies: Infant mental health basics and the
KAIHM endorsement system. Paper presented at the 38th Annual Kansas Division for Early
Childhood Conference: Dream B.I.G. Build, Inspire, and Grow Young Minds, Wichita, KS.
Newton, J. (2020, February). Mindfulness: A resilience practice. Training presented in Overland Park,
KS.
Newton, J. (2020, February). Mindfulness: A resilience practice. Training presented in Wichita, KS.
Newton, J. (2020, January). Strengthening your business practices: Marketing. Training presented int
Harper County, Anthony, KS.
Nippert, A. (2020, February). Don’t say don’t, and what to say instead: Using language to guide
children. Training presented in Wamego, KS.
Nippert, A. (2020, February). Emotional literacy. Training presented in Wamego, KS.
Nippert, A. (2020, January). Individualized curriculum for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers;
Communicating with families. Training presented in Logan, KS.
The Insider ~ April 2020 4Nippert, A. (2020, February). Kansas Early Learning Standards: Communication and literacy
standards in practice. Training presented in Wamego, KS.
Nippert, A. (2020, February). STEM for babies and toddlers. Training presented in Belleville, KS.
Nippert, A. (2020, March). Supporting children with exceptionalities in child care. Virtual Zoom
training presented to Exceptional Development students at Kansas State University, Manhattan,
KS.
Nippert, A. (2020, January). Training and discussion presented at Rock Creek Child Care Providers
Meeting, Flush, KS.
Nippert, A. (2020, January). Working with child care providers during home visits. Training presented
in Manhattan, KS.
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age,
ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender
expression and genetic information in the University’s programs and activities. The following person has been designated
to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and
Access, IOA@ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785) 864-6414, 711 TTY.
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