BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//ddaysoftware.com//NONSGML DDay.iCal 1.0//EN BEGIN:VEVENT DTEND:20260916T200000Z DTSTAMP:20260806T073403Z DTSTART:20260916T190000Z SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Design\, Build\, Empower: Your Guide to DIY AT Webinar UID:702849fd-74f3-4127-825f-c22ea21e9835 X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:

Hosted by RESNA&rsquo\;s Maker Spec ial Interest Group

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Date: Wednesday\, september 16\ , 2026

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Time: \;3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET

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Pricing: F ree for RESNA Members | $45 for Non-Members

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Abstract:

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\nDo-it-yourself (DIY) assistive technology (AT) has immense potenti al to bridge critical gaps in accessibility and empower individuals with d isabilities to make their voices heard. However\, navigating the landscape of DIY AT can be daunting for community-based &ldquo\;makers&rdquo\;\, se rvice providers looking for accessible solutions for clients\, and individ uals seeking personalized solutions themselves. This session introduces a guide developed by the RESNA Maker Special Interest Group\, designed to
\nmake DIY ATmore approachable for these specific demographics.
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Our interactive presentation will include a review of this resource and will give participants the opportunity to provide fee dback\, walk through case studies\, and receive clear direction on ways to begin cultivating a culture of making in their communities. The guide bei ng presented is aimed to demystify the DIY AT process\, beginning by estab lishing foundational knowledge of assistive technology as well as offering clear definitions of relevant terms\, key stakeholders\, and common
\nservice delivery models. Other topics\, such as when to use DIY solutions as compared to commercially available op tions\, are also covered. To demonstrate this process\, case studies are i ncluded that showcase real-world examples of successful DIY AT projects\, detailing the entire process from identifying a need\, to iterating\, and implementing a solution. Participants will also have the opportunity to pr opose their own case studies to the group during the session for feedback from the Maker SIG team and other audience members.

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\nParticipants in this session will not simply receive informatio n\; they will actively engage with the guide's content through interactive exercises and discussions. Our goal is to equip attendees with tangible t akeaways\, enabling them to confidently initiate and support DIY AT initia tives within their respective workplaces and communities. By sharing this resource and its practical application\, we aim to empower participants to take steps towards improving accessibility in their communities through u ser-centered design.

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Learning outcomes:

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Upon successful completion o f this presentation participants will:

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  1. Identify three key con siderations for determining when DIY assistive technology is a more \; appropriate sol ution than commercially available options.
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  2. Recommend three or more specific resources from the guide's appendix that could support a new DIY assistiv e technology initiative in their community or workplace.
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  3. Describe two or mo re effective strategies for fostering collaboration among diverse stakehol ders in the DIY assistive technology creation process.
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This webin ar is currently under review by RESNA&rsquo\;s Education Committee for 0.1 IACET CEUs.

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Speakers:

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Christina Maragioglio-Esposito\, MS\, ATP\, RET\n

Christina Maragioglio-Esposito\, MS\, ATP\, RET \;is on a mission to help establish educational equity thr ough the use of technology. As the Director of Technology and Learning at Da Vinci Collaborative\, she coordinates and delivers assistive technology services for a variety of school districts across Long Island\, NY. By pa rtnering with students\, parents\, and schools\, Christina assists in prov iding access to new technologies and training on their use both inside and outside the classroom. Christina has a
\nBS/MS in Mechanical Enginee ring from Rochester Institute of Technology\, during which she focused on the design of assistive technology. From her engineering background\, Chri stina also enjoys 3D printing and accessible design\, as well as bringing her unique perspective and problem-solving strategy into the education spa ce.\n\n

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Antoinette Verdone\, MSBME\, ATP\, RET\n

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< span style="font-family: arial\; color: #000000\;">Antoinette Verdone\, MSBME\, ATP\, RET has been in the AT ind ustry for over 25 years. She has a \;bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master's degre e in Biomedical Engineering\, with a \;focus on Rehabilitation Engineering. Antoinette has worked in government\, non-profit\, and private \;settings providing the full breadth of assistive technology s olutions to people with disabilities ranging \;from ALS to learning disabilities. Antoinette is the F ounder and Lead AT Consultant for ImproveAbility\, \;based in Austin\, TX.

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Jessica Smith

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I&rsquo\;m Jessica Smith. I have autism and I work a lot with Assistive Technology. I make communication boards for first resp onders and therapists. I&rsquo\;ve made the first responder boards since I was in 10th grade and they are in multiple police departments around the country. I especially enjoy working with Augmentative and Alternative Comm unication and making things for communication.
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C lick &ldquo\;Register&rdquo\; in the upper right corner to register today.

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