Power-Up 2012 - Keynotes & Guest Speakers
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Power Up 2012 |
Sean Smith – Opening Keynote
Sean Smith 
Has the iPad and iPod sparked an access revolution? Is it really the universal tool we have been led to believe? Dr. Sean Smith has studied the impact of the “i-Revolution” from both a professional and personal level. Dr. Smith is a nationally recognized expert in the integration of technology into the lives of students with disabilities. Sean will share his insights into the ever changing world of iDevices and assess their benefit to people with disabilities.
Sean J. Smith, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas. His research efforts include technology-based solutions for students who are at-risk and/or have disabilities. Sean has authored or developed over 50 articles, book chapters, books, and websites on technology integration for students with disabilities. Most important, Sean is the proud parent of four school-age children, one with an intellectual disability.
Gord Paynter –
Tuesday Endnote Speaker
Gord Paynter 
Gord Paynter is a stand-up comic and he is different.
Losing his eyesight in his early twenties as a result of diabetes, Gord thought his lifelong dream of becoming a comedian was gone forever. In truth, blindness opened his eyes to a whole new world of opportunity, humour and motivation.
It all began on amateur night at Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club. Gord's unique style of comedy surprised the audience and triggered fits of laughter. Laughter that sparked the rediscovery of his dream.
Today, Gord tours throughout North America performing as both a stand-up comic and a motivational speaker. When not touring, Gord splits his time equally between his wife Catherine and the golf course. (Maybe not equally...) In 1999 he made international headlines when he struck a 184 yard hole-in-one at North-Ridge golf course in his hometown of Brantford, Ontario.
And what did he shoot for that round? Six thousand and four!
Guest Speakers:
Eric Sailers
Eric Sailers, M.A., CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist who worked 6 years in a school district serving children Pre-K to 8th grade. He now works independently developing apps, consulting for AssistiveWare, and presenting trainings. Eric and his friend Jason Rinn co-created three iOS applications: ArtikPix, PhonoPix, and Percentally. Eric also does private therapy and he has a website: http://ericsailers.com.
Jared Smith
Jared Smith is the Associate Director of WebAIM. He is a highly in demand presenter and trainer and has provided web accessibility training to thousands of developers throughout the world. With a degree in Marketing/Business Education, a Masters Degree in Instructional Technology, and over 13 years experience working in the web design, development, and accessibility field, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that is used to help others create and maintain highly accessible web content. Much of his written work, including a broad range of tutorials, articles, and other materials, is featured on the WebAIM site. Jared is active on twitter at @jared_w_smith.