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Announcements

Keith A. Miller smiling and standing by stone fireplace in black suite with white shirt and black and white flowered tie gray hair and glasses.

Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND) Nominations for the 2025 Keith A. Miller Award Has Been Extended To Friday, September 12, 2025


Is there an unsung hero or tireless advocate in your Wyoming community who dedicates time and energy to improving the opportunities and experiences of people with disabilities? If so, please consider nominating them for this award. The Keith A. Miller Award is presented annually to a person who makes a powerful difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities in any way. Categories might include:

  • Exceptional service on committees, panels, non-profits, or agencies
  • Key leadership in advocacy for people with disabilities
  • Notable accomplishments impacting policy or systems at local, state or national levels
  • Extraordinary family members and/or caregivers
  • Dedicated educators, leaders, and volunteers in Wyoming
  • Any other exemplary commitment to improving services, opportunities, or experiences for people with disabilities


If you nominated someone in the past who was not selected, please consider resubmitting the nomination this year!

 

Questions? Contact Brittany Brigham, the Keith A. Miller Award Committee Chair: bwilli26@uwyo.edu


Nominations must be submitted by September 12, 2025.

Join the Wyoming Family-to-Family Health

Information Center Mailing List!


Enter your contact information in the online mailing list form to receive the latest updates and news from the Wyoming Family-to-Family Health Information Center.


Read the August 2025 Family to Family Newsletter.


View the Family-to-Family Health Information Center website.

Lyft Transportation Network is Recruiting Drivers!


Wyoming 211 received a grant to offer transportation through the Lyft Ride United Transportation Access across the state. Lyft provides on-demand ride-sharing services through a mobile app. The goal is to provide 750 rides throughout the year. Unfortunately, communities without Lyft drivers will not be able to access this service, so Wyoming 211 is helping to spread the word about driver recruitment.


Drivers must be at least 25 years old. Wyoming 211 includes a 15% tip for the drivers, which is included in the payment for the client. This is a great way to help meet the transportation needs of our residents. 


If you have any questions, email: manager@wyoming211.org


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Join WATR at this upcoming event!

Wyoming Speech-language-hearing assoc  logo

WyoSHA Annual Convention

September 12-13, 2025, Hilton Garden Inn, Laramie, WY


The WyoSHA Convention is an annual event organized by the Wyoming Speech-Language-Hearing Association for speech-language pathologists and audiologists in Wyoming. The convention provides continuing education opportunities, a chance to network, and a platform to discuss advancements and ethical standards in their professions.


Terri Wofford, M.S., CCC-SLP and WATR Manager, will be hosting a WATR information table at the conference.

Stop by to learn more about the Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources (WATR) program and connect with Terri! She’ll be available to answer questions and share how WATR can support your assistive technology needs.

Register now to join the upcoming fall 2025 and spring 2026

UW ECHO in Assistive Technology sessions! 

Project ECHO logo

UW ECHO in Assistive Technology


Sessions are held virtually via Zoom from

12:00 to 1:15 p.m. MT on selected Fridays.

Sept. 5: Overview of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Context of Assistive Technology with Shelley Haven, ATP, RET, BSME, AT Consultant


Sept. 19: Zoom's AI Companion and User Privacy: Risks and Safeguards with Alec Muthig, University of Wyoming's Information Technology Trainer


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.


**When you register for the fall 2025 series, you will be included in the spring 2026 series.


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

AT Training

WATR Online Fall Course

Assistive Technology and Early Intervention: Gross and Fine Motor Assistive Technology


If you are interested in learning more about assistive technology and early intervention, consider joining our online course this Fall. Please fill out the online sign-up form to receive updates on course dates and registration information.


Sign-up Form:

https://redcap.uwyo.edu/surveys/

Enter Code: FHJD9KLXE


Contact WATR:

watr@uwyo.edu

(307) 766-6187



AT Resources

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

young boy sitting at a table using an iPad for communication

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.

  • Increase understanding of the types of devices that can help with specific needs, such as speech communication or reading mail.
  • Improve knowledge of a device's features, and how those features differ from other devices that perform similar functions.
  • 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

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.

Featured Device for Short-Term Loan


Jupiter Portable Magnifier 


Jupiter is very easy to use. Whether it’s in the classroom, workplace, or at home – this powerful magnifier allows you to continue those activities that bring joy to everyday life, while exploring new opportunities for lifelong education.

Featured Device or Durable Medical Equipment from Reuse


Stamina® InMotion® Compact Strider (Free) 


The Stamina InMotion Elliptical Trainer is an affordable way to get in a low-impact cardio session anytime, anywhere. It’s compact and lightweight enough to use at home or at the office because it stores easily under a desk or in a closet. Plus, you can use it sitting, standing or in the reverse motion to target different muscles.


Pick up only at the Laramie WATR lab.

 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.

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 fall of 2025. 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

Other Projects Affiliated with WATR:


AgrAbility - Accessible Agriculture

GoBabyGo Wyo - Children's Mobility and Sociability

University of Wyoming (UW) Project ECHO - Training

WyRAMP Loan Program

Wyoming Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) Clearinghouse - Students with Print Disabilities

Wyoming Accessibility Center (WAC) - Tier 3 AT/AAC Assessments

Wyoming iCanConnect - Combined Vision/Hearing Loss

Wyoming Technology Access Program (WyTAP) - AT Financing


Newsletters:


Family to Family Newsletter: August 2025

WIND Community Living for All-August 2025

WIND Newsletter-Spring 2025


Resources:



Considering AT in the School Setting Booklet

How to Pay for Assistive Technology Devices

WATR 2022-2023 Annual Report

WATR Publication Page

WIND Facebook page