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Back to School Bash
September 3, Laramie WY
Undine Park, 4PM-7PM
Come celebrate school being back in session and check out all of the cool opportunities for kids and families in Laramie! There will be food, games, giveaways, and more. This event is FREE and open to the public.
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Parent Information Center Conference
September 19, Casper WY
Are you a parent, caregiver, or educator of a child with disabilities? You are not alone, and this conference is designed especially for YOU! Join us for an empowering day of community, connection, and collaboration as we navigate the journey of special education together.
Whether you attend in person in Cheyenne or join us virtually, this is your chance to gain valuable tools, hear from incredible speakers, and connect with other families who truly "get it."
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High Efficiency Trail Assessment Process (HETAP training
September 10-11, Casper, WY
WATR is excited to sponsor an upcoming two-day HETAP (High Efficiency Trail Assessment Process) training in Casper, Wyoming, September 10–11, 2026.
This hands-on training will introduce participants to the equipment, technology, and practical process used to assess and document trail accessibility. Participants will gain experience collecting meaningful trail data in the field and learn how that information can support accessibility planning, improvements, communication, and informed outdoor recreation decisions.
This is a great opportunity for parks and recreation organizations, land managers, outdoor organizations, accessibility professionals, and others who want to build their capacity to understand and improve trail accessibility. Organizations are especially encouraged to send a staff member or representative who can bring these skills back to their team and help expand trail assessment capacity within their community.
Registration is $200 per participant and includes two days of instruction, hands-on field training, software and data analysis instruction, lunch both days, and light breakfast/snacks.
Space is limited, so we encourage interested organizations and individuals to register soon. We look forward to building a stronger network of people across Wyoming who can help make our trails more welcoming, accessible, and usable for everyone.
Questions? Contact Shelby Kappler at skapple1@uwyo.edu or 307-766-5770.
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Fall 2026 and Spring 2027
UW ECHO in Assistive Technology series:
AT in the Workplace
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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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September 19- Overview of Types of Assistive Technology in the Workplace
Brittany Brigham and Terri Wofford
This session provides an overview of assistive technology (AT) that can support individuals with disabilities in the workplace. Participants will explore a variety of AT considerations designed to assist with job tasks such as reading, writing, communication, time management, organization, and more. Examples include built-in accessibility features (such as speech-to-text and text-to-speech), screen readers, magnification tools, adapted keyboards, equipment mounts, and other workplace accommodations.
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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
Xander Captioning Glasses
Xander designs simple, wearable assistive technology to simplify communication, enhance understanding, restore confidence, and empower people with hearing challenges in daily conversations.
The product has one primary purpose: to assist people who have hearing challenges, enabling them to understand speech and participate in conversations in a natural way. XanderGlasses translates speech to text in real-time and projects accurate captions of conversations that are visible to the wearer only.
No WiFi or Internet needed. A stand-alone device. You only need a Wi-Fi connection for software updates or to use the companion app for customization.
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Featured Device or Durable Medical Equipment from Reuse
Motus T-Grip Gardening Tool (free)
The T-grip mounts at the upper end of the garden tool handle and gives pushing and pulling control to the back hand. Offers arthritis and back pain relief and reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and tendonitis.
Shipping charges will apply.
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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
| | Community Participation Opportunity- Share Your Experiences in a Documentary Film | |
A film producer and director, Briana Figarella, reached out about a documentary project she is developing as an Associate Producer with Emmy® Award-winning filmmaker James Rutenbeck. The project is a series of short documentaries created in collaboration with non-speaking autistic people across the U.S., with the goal of promoting understanding of neurodivergent individuals and fostering community engagement.
They are currently seeking non-speaking autistic individuals who may be interested in participating, as well as organizations that can help identify potential participants or support distribution of the completed films.
If you know of someone who may be interested or would like to learn more, please share this information with your networks. Briana can be contacted at brianafigarella@gmail.com.
For more information, please feel free to contact James Rutenbeck, Independent Producer/Director
Lost Nation Pictures, Ltd
www.lostnationpictures.com
978-204-8935
| 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 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
As of December 2025, 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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