Mada hosts workshop with assistive technology

In line with its efforts to empower Persons with Disabilities (PWD) through assistive technology, Mada hosted an educational workshop with Linda Burkhart, an internationally known pioneer in the field of simplified technology for children with severe challenges.Burkhart introduced the concept of providing a receptive aided language learning environment to a number of experts. The training was accredited by Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners.The event was described as a great opportunity to share information on creating awareness and exploring the importance of accessibility for all PWD. The workshop also demonstrated how learning alternative and augmentative forms of communication can and should run alongside the developmental process that typical children go through when learning to speak.Burkhart, a private consultant and technology integration specialist, discussed recent findings in brain research and how this can help understand the way in which children learn. She also spoke about how Cortical Visual Impairment impacts learning and how to use existing knowledge when teaching children to use augmentative and alternative communication.Maha al-Mansouri, CEO, Mada commented: “At Mada, we are committed to educating the community and bringing awareness to persons with disabilities especially in the field of assistive technology. The recent event with Burkhart is just one of the many events that we will be supporting. By bringing international expertise and knowledge to the local community in Qatar, we can improve the lives of PWD. This is a long term plan of Mada’s and we will continue to expand our educational events for those in Qatar and abroad.”Burkhart worked as a classroom teacher for fifteen years. Then for eight years, she worked as an augmentative communication and assistive technology specialist for the Centre for Technology in Education - a joint project between the Johns Hopkins University and the Maryland State Department of Education. Currently, Burkhart works as a private consultant and technology integration specialist.