Participants will be provided an in-depth look and in-workshop use of several Assistive Technology (AT) assessment tools appropriate for employment and pre-employment considerations. The purpose of the workshop is to provide AT professionals with an overview and experience with several AT assessments. AT services and provision should provide an interdisciplinary approach. Assessments offer a platform for service delivery that provides consistent, usable data, justification, and accountability for the employer, employee, and service provider. Thereby effectively matching the users’ needs, characteristics, and preferences.
Cagle has worked in the assistive technology field for more than 20 years. She has served in many roles related to AT assessment and outcome measures. As a graduate of the CSUN M.S. Assistive Technology Studies and Human Services program Cagle has taught for the CSUN ATHS Master's program since 2016 and brings real-world experience to the classroom. She is credentialed as a job skills trainer, job placement specialist, and supported employment specialist in Texas and teaches courses to employment specialists in these areas in Texas. Cagle is deeply involved in the AT world nationally and internationally. She is an IAAP (International Association of Accessibility Professionals) Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies, a member of the Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe, a National Rehabilitation Association member, and a member of the International Association of Workforce Professionals. She has served on advisory committees such as Vispero, Elsevier publishing, and the American Airlines Arena accessibility committee.
Kaiqi Zhou is an assistant professor in the Department of Rehabilitation and Health Services at the University of North Texas. Kaiqi earned his Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Counselor Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research interests include psychosocial adaptation to chronic illness and disability, career development of transition-age youths with autism spectrum disorder, assistive technology, and the application of psychoanalysis in rehabilitation counseling. Dr. Zhou has conducted research on AT for autistic individuals in employment and lectured on AT in graduate-level Rehabilitation Counseling courses.