Videos

The assessment of school-age students following a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) requires not only knowledge of TBI, but understanding of assessment and management strategies that are multidimensional in nature. The complexity of this multidimensionality is underscored in our understanding of executive functions. In general, our executive functions provide most of the regulatory capabilities that permit us to organize and manage our day-to-day functioning. This professional development session will provide an overview of the numerous definitions of executive functions, with a particular eye toward its multidimensionality and ultimate manifestations in school-age students following a TBI. The neurological underpinnings of executive functions will be presented and the importance of the neurodevelopmental process in understanding TBI at specific developmental time points. Attention will be devoted to both specific assessment strategies for measuring executive capabilities and the available intervention practices for executive dysfunctions. For the advanced BrainSTEPS professional, the day will conclude with ample time for discussion and questions.

The assessment of school-age students following a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) requires not only knowledge of TBI, but understanding of assessment and management strategies that are multidimensional in nature. The complexity of this multidimensionality is underscored in our understanding of executive functions. In general, our executive functions provide most of the regulatory capabilities that permit us to organize and manage our day-to-day functioning. This professional development session will provide an overview of the numerous definitions of executive functions, with a particular eye toward its multidimensionality and ultimate manifestations in school-age students following a TBI. The neurological underpinnings of executive functions will be presented and the importance of the neurodevelopmental process in understanding TBI at specific developmental time points. Attention will be devoted to both specific assessment strategies for measuring executive capabilities and the available intervention practices for executive dysfunctions. For the advanced BrainSTEPS professional, the day will conclude with ample time for discussion and questions.

This segment provides an overview of assessment strategies for critical precursor skills necessary for introducing a formal tact of parts and features program as well assessment procedures for identifying existing skills a child may demonstrate related to tacting parts and features.

Assistive Technology (AT) is an essential component of success for transition-age students with complex needs. Students who have the opportunity to experience and use a variety of tools in school for such tasks as communication, organization, navigation, and recall are more likely to transition successfully to adult life. This session will provide participants with a fresh perspective on the role of AT in transition as well as provide guiding questions and suggestions for addressing AT during multiple points throughout IEP development.

This session will explore comprehensive emergent literacy instruction and assistive technology options for students with complex instructional needs. Emergent literacy is the foundation upon which conventional literacy skills develop, but the nature of complex disabilities creates barriers to participation in early literacy experiences. Students with significant disabilities stagnate in their literacy growth unless school teams systematically create access to comprehensive instruction. This session will demonstrate how school teams can analyze the nature of a student’s disabilities to create access (both with assistive technology and with changes to their instruction) to participation in shared reading, listening comprehension, alphabet instruction, phonological awareness, word study, and writing for all students.

This "hands-on" lab will be a continuation of the morning workshop titled Configuring and Teaching AT Tools for Complex Computer Access. Knowing how to integrate systems is critical to creating more efficient and independent learning environments for students with complex bodies. The most commonly available powered chairs, with computers and on-screen keyboards, will be available to allow participants to work with the remote programmers, joysticks, and alternative head array access for use with the computer, using "Bluetooth" access, as well as wireless and hard-wired access. The presenters will focus on mouse emulation, directed mouse access, as well as scanning in this session. In this "lab" experience, the presenters will focus on both configuring the equipment and teaching its use.

Assistive technology removes barriers and increases access for students with disabilities. Assistive technology includes a wide range of devices, as well as services to support the selection, acquisition, and use of AT devices. AT consultants play a crucial role in these services.

Educational interpreters are called upon to interpret physical education classes, team sports and classroom content that may include sporting events. The setting for these events is extremely varied, including the classroom, gymnasium, athletic fields, swimming pools and stadiums. To provide quality interpretations that meet the needs of the student athletes who are deaf or hard of hearing, knowing the sign vocabulary associated with that sport is not enough. Setting up the plays, defense, offense and strategies is vital to provide access to the information and to enable the student to participate and perform to the best of her ability and potential. Participants will discuss and practice not only the vocabulary associated with sports, but also the discourse structures that may be used by the PE teacher or coach.

Ben Hartranft joins PaTTANpod at the 2024 Pennsylvania Department of Education annual conference, where he was a featured speaker. As the president of Benergy1 Presentations, Ben advocates for autism awareness and acceptance by sharing his personal experiences. The episode also features Ben’s brother, Dan, and his parents, Sandy and Glenn, who share perspectives on navigating the complexities of autism as a family. Click here for more episodes https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCkBP2csbOssi3rUsfM-yQT1DVGUihxg2 Also available in podcast format on iTunes and Google Play Music iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pattanpod/id1436873041?mt=2 Google Play Music https://play.google.com/music/m/Iwyth5xyq26f67f4qrzktutbxke?t=PaTTANpod Ben Hartranft is a 25-year-old young man who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2. At that time, he knew only 20 words and everything was a safety issue. Ben has exceeded all expectations and is strengthened by his faith in God and the people He has placed in Ben’s life. He received his diploma, works part-time for Philadelphia Eagles Game Day Staff, earned his driver’s license and treats everyone he meets like a rock star. Ben has had the extraordinary opportunity to carry the Lombardi trophy to start the ring ceremony for the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles. Ben’s dream came true in October 2018 when he was invited to be a guest on the Ellen show and promote Autism Awareness and funding for research. His latest adventure was traveling solo to Los Angeles and being a contestant on The Price Is Right. Ben loves being an advocate for Autism Awareness and wants to take awareness to action. Dan Hartranft is the middle child in a sibling sandwich of 3 boys. He has a passion for creation, both the Lord's nature and man-made technology. Dan chooses to build something a little different. “We are made in the Lord’s likeness; this systemic creation leaves us with our own passion to create.” Some people build computers, some people build homes, Dan likes to build dreams, meeting people where they are, finding out what their dreams are and how he can help them accomplish those dreams. His college education lends to his ability to help lead and develop others. He has spent years working with neurotypicals and the neurodivergent adults helping them reach their own goals and dreams. Culminating in Benergy1 Presentations, the most ambitious dream to help build, Dan provided his brother with all the equipment and material for his road to success. “Benergy1 Presentations is the first of many roads I will help to build for others. Accomplishing your dreams is amazing, doing it with someone by your side cheering you on is way more fun.” Sandy Hartranft has been an RN for over 40 years and a CDCES (Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist) for the past 28 years. She now works at the very hospital that diagnosed Ben with autism at the age of 2. She is the proud mom of 3 wonderful grown sons, an avid reader, an loves to travel with her family. Sandy is always willing to talk to other families about their experiences and hopes to encourage others the same way she was encouraged on her journey. Sandy’s first book “Swinging From the Chandelier: Finding Joy in the Journey through Autism” is a memoir taken from the many journals she kept over the years raising her 3 boys and the wild ride it has been. Glenn Hartranft is the father of 3 sons and has been married to Sandy for over 33 years. Glenn graduated from Temple University with a BA in business and LaSalle University with an MBA. He works at SAP National Security Services in Newtown Square, PA in software development support. He enjoys doing projects around the house, taking walks with Sandy and is actively involved in several men’s groups including one for families with special needs children. He is the one who thinks outside the box and provides creative problem solving to the many issues that have touched their family. Glenn’s passion is to be able to share with other families that are on the journey of raising a special needs child. Host Sara Frey Producer John Ragsdale Animation Media Solutions Special thank you to Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN), Pennsylvania Department of Education, And Bureau of Special Education Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net

This session covers general findings from the Behavioral Health survey LEAs completed in early 2024 and current options for supporting behavioral health needs through SBAP. Additionally, OMHSAS staff share current initiatives outside of SBAP that can also support LEA needs for behavioral health, including suicide prevention and awareness, crisis initiatives, and the use of Board-Certified Behavior Analysts to support students with autism spectrum disorder. This session additionally covers some of Pennsylvania’s plans for expansion of behavioral health services within SBAP. This session is recommended for Directors of Student Services and other administrators of behavioral health services.