CreATive Makers

The rising popularity of the Maker Movement in recent years shines a different light on providing assistive technology to improve the functional capabilities of students with disabilities.

Maker tools and resources can be used to create both assistive technology devices and evidenced based activities. Instead of buying expensive commercially made assistive technology, educators can make and customize them to best meet a specific student’s needs.

Many educators have access to maker items within their districts and/or through their local REMC.   Through the CreATive Maker training and resources they will learn on how these can be adapted to meet a student’s physical and or cognitive deficits needs. 

Participants will learn to use Makey Makey and Scratch as tools for activities that are adapted to meet the needs of children with physical and cognitive disabilities. The activities promote increased inclusion for children with special needs into STEM based activities and classes.

Each participant received their own Makey Makey starter kit, supplies and tools. Their corresponding local REMC will receive a Makey Makey kit to add to their Maker kit checkout.

Participation
These one-day CreATive Makers workshops are offered at various locations throughout 2019-20 school year.  The workshops are free and offer 5 free SCECHs. 

February 22 | 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Monroe County Intermediate School District
1101 South Raisinville Road
Monroe, Mi 48161

April 18 | 8:30 am - 3:00 pm   
Gratiot-Isabella RESD
Winding Brook Conference Center 
8240 S Genuine Rd
Shepherd, MI 48883

May 9 | 8:30 am - 3:00 pm   
Muskegon Area ISD
630 Harvey Street
Muskegon, MI  49442

June 6 | 8:30 am - 3:00 pm   
Traverse Bay ISD
Administration Building
1101 Red Drive
Traverse City, MI 49684

Ready to sign up as a participant? Online registration is available here. 

Resources

Effects of Physical Activity on Motor Skills and Cognitive Development in Early Childhood, Nan Zeng, Mohammad Ayyub, Haichun Sun, Xu Wen, Ping Xiang, and Zan Gao

STEM for ALL Children: Preschool Teachers Supporting Engagement of Children With Special Needs in Physical Science Learning Centers, Mary Donegan-Ritter