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SPED New Teacher Boot Camp
July 28-29, 2026
Hosted by the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE), this engaging and practical learning experience designed specifically for new special education teachers will:
- Deepen your understanding of IDEA
- Offer hands-on opportunities to develop appropriate IEP goals and services that support student success
- Provide key tools, routines, and practices to help new teachers start strong
Visit WATR's vendor booth at this event to learn more about how assistive technology can support students in special education classrooms across the state!
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Youth Leadership Forum Summer Campus Experience
Wyoming students with disabilities ages 16 to 21 are invited to spend July 19 to 22 at the University of Wyoming exploring college life, developing leadership skills, learning about career opportunities, and making lasting connections with peers from across the state. Hosted by the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities in collaboration with the Wyoming Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, this unique summer experience helps young adults build confidence and prepare for their future.
Visit WATR's vendor table in the College of Business building on July 22!
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Stay tuned for information on our Fall 2026 and Spring 2027
UW ECHO in Assistive Technology sessions!
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UW ECHO in Assistive Technology
Sessions are held virtually via Zoom from
12:00 to 1:15 p.m. MT on selected Fridays.
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Network participants include users of assistive technology and their families, assistive technology professionals, specialists and teams, school administrators, general and special education teachers, para-educators, case managers, school counselors, school psychologists, state agency staff, and special education service providers, including OTs, PTs, SLPs, etc.
Important registration information: ECHO in Assistive Technology is held on the iECHO content management platform. Registering for and joining sessions now requires an iECHO account. You'll be prompted to create your account when you register for the first time. Sessions will occur via Zoom, and you will receive the Zoom link in an email 45 minutes before the session begins through the iECHO platform. This is also where you will access the session materials.
The iECHO platform will allow you to:
- Directly connect to Zoom to join a session
- Access all session materials
A short training video is available on how to register in iECHO.
For more information on ECHO in AT and other Project ECHO Networks you can join, visit:
ECHO in AT website and Project ECHO Networks website
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Wyoming iCanConnect, Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program
The Wyoming iCanConnect program provides communications technology free of charge to income eligible people of all ages who have combined vision and hearing loss. This program will distribute communication equipment to qualified individuals and provide equipment installation, training and support to help recipients make the most of this technology.
If you are a person who has combined vision and hearing loss, you may be eligible for this program that provides equipment that will allow you to use the phone, e-mail, access the internet, or use other communications technology.
For more information, contact Terri Wofford, Manager, (307) 766-2932, WIND TTY (307) 766-2720
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Free Device Demonstrations
Schedule an appointment with WATR to test assistive technology devices. WATR staff are available both in-person in Laramie and through Zoom videoconferencing technology.
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Increase understanding of the types of devices that can help with specific needs, such as speech communication or reading mail.
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Improve knowledge of a device's features, and how those features differ from other devices that perform similar functions.
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Increase understanding of how device(s) can help at work, in school, at home, and in your community.
You can request a device demonstration by using our online request form or contact WATR by calling
(307) 766-2051 or email watr@uwyo.edu
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Device Loans and Reuse through
Wyoming AT4ALL
WATR' s assistive technology (AT) device loan library and reuse listings are available through the Wyoming AT4ALL website.
Please contact WATR for more information on these services by phone (307) 766-6187 or email watr@uwyo.edu.
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Featured Device for Short-Term Loan
Training Ties® Shoe Tying Tool for Kids
Training Ties® is the patented, teacher-invented shoe-tying tool that holds each step in place so kids can learn on their own shoes without starting over every time the laces fall apart.
Why it works
- Holds laces in place while kids learn so they can pause, think, and finish the next step.
- Works on your child's real shoes, not a separate practice board.
- Builds the real skill instead of replacing laces with Velcro or no-tie shortcuts.
- Designed for different learners, including children with autism, ADHD, fine motor challenges, dyspraxia, Down syndrome, and other developmental differences.
- Includes step-by-step video support through a QR tutorial card.
Each Training Tie uses waterproof vegan leather checkpoints that help lock the laces at the critical failure points of shoe tying. Think of them like save points in a video game: if your child gets one step right, Training Ties helps hold that progress while they work on the next step.
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Featured Device or Durable Medical Equipment from Reuse
CanoScan LiDE 120 Photo Scanner (free)
This scanner is no longer supported by Canon.
The CanoScan LiDE120 Color Image Scanner is a compact scanner that offers advanced features and affordability. The "Send to Cloud" functionality, for example, lets you upload photos and documents to the Cloud with remarkable ease.
The LiDE120 scanner provides a maximum optical resolution of 2400 x 4800 dpi2 for dazzling scans of both photos and documents. The Auto Document Fix feature automatically produces beautiful scans with advanced image analysis and area-by-area data correction, while Auto Scan Mode3 automatically evaluates the item being scanned and saves it with the appropriate settings.
The LiDE120 scanner can help you work efficiently with four EZ Buttons that enable you to scan, copy, Send to Cloud or create a PDF in a snap. Plus, it scans fast, creating a letter size color scan in approximately 16 seconds.4 What’s more, the LiDE120 scanner uses one USB cable for both data and power, so plugging in is easy. The LiDE 120 includes My Image Garden5, a convenient softwarepackage that makes organizing your photos fun and easy.
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Accepting Lightly-Used Assistive Technology in Reuse
The WATR Reuse Program is looking for lightly-used assistive technology to make available to others who could benefit from the use of those devices or technologies in their daily lives.
Visit the WATR reuse website to complete the online donation form and provide more information about what lightly-used assistive technology you are wanting to donate. If you have any questions, please give us a call at (307) 766-2051.
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Join WATR's AT Advisory Council!
If you are a user of assistive technology (AT), a self-advocate, a family member, or a professional who serves individuals with disabilities, consider attending our next AT Advisory Council meeting in the spring of 2026. You can join through Zoom or in person to learn about WATR and consider serving on our Council.
What is the role of an Assistive Technology Council member?
- Advise WATR staff about strategies to reach and serve individuals with disabilities, families, and professionals in Wyoming.
- Share input on issues related to device loans, training, demonstrations, research, and information and assistance.
- Lodging and transportation reimbursements are available.
For more information, please e-mail watr@uwyo.edu or call (307) 766-6187
| | Public Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) and New Loan Agreement Forms | | |
PRWORA Eligibility Form
In compliance with new federal regulations, WIND/WATR will need to receive a PRWORA eligibility form from individuals who participate in trainings, receive services, borrow equipment, or benefit from our federally funded projects. Individuals who have existing devices out on short-term loan from WATR, individuals wanting to obtain new device loans, and individuals participating in our demonstration/training events will need to complete the PRWORA Eligibility form. The PRWORA Eligibility Form can be completed online, through a PDF version found on our website, or in person at the WATR lab office (College of Health Sciences, Office 151).
WATR Device Loan Agreement Form
Additionally, we have updated the WATR Device Loan Agreement form, which is used to initiate a short-term device loan request from the WATR program. All requests for new device loans or extensions will require completion of the new WATR Device Loan Agreement, even if you have an existing, current agreement on file. The WATR Device Loan Agreement may be completed online, through a PDF version found on our website, or in person at the WATR lab office (College of Health Sciences, Office 151).
As a mission-driven organization committed to values of inclusion, service, dignity, and collaboration, WIND/WATR sincerely welcomes individuals, families, and community partners to participate in our programs and engage in our activities, so we apologize for any inconvenience this request may represent. At the same time, we are required by law to abide by this new requirement, and we are doing our best to make it as easy as possible. Please let us know if we can assist you in the process.
Thank you for your understanding and willingness to provide the new forms. We appreciate your ongoing engagement with the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities and the Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources.
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