Hands on Series 2026
You asked, and we listened! At the Tech Tools for Life Conference held in June 2025, we received feedback from many attendees for more technology demonstrations and smaller sessions.
This year, Tech Tools for Life is proud to announce our Hands on Series 2026. CT Tech Act Project AT Partners will host workshops throughout the year, across the state, on various Assistive Technology topics and themes. Please check back often as a calendar of the Hands On sessions will be shared soon.
Check below for upcoming sessions and registration details!
Hands On Series #1
Living Without Limits
Living Without Limits works with member agencies serving individuals with disabilities to deliver integrated AT services. Agency members receive ongoing training, live and online courses. They also receive updates on the best practices in the use of technologies and emerging of AT solutions.
Hands on, Aprons On: Cooking Without Limits
Join us for an interactive, hands-on assistive technology event designed to showcase cooking safety and navigation for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This seminar is geared towards case managers, assessors, and primary caregivers to understand the assistive technology that could overcome the barriers to independence.
Participants will be assigned a “disability” and a cooking station with various assistive technologies, tools, and instructions to discover solutions that make cooking accessible for all.
Come cook, learn, and experience how assistive technology can open the door to independence – one recipe at a time!
Hands On Series #2 and #3
State Education Resource Center (SERC)
SERC’s AT Corner is a place to see and interact with Assistive Technology devices for school, learning, and independence for Educators, family members, students and community members. The low-, mid-, and high-tech AT devices are designed to meet the needs of a broad range of abilities.
MARCH 26, 2026
9 AM - 3PM
786 S. MAIN STREET, MIDDLETOWN
FREE
Low Cost, No-Cost AT: For Educators
Do you know how to access the best technologies for your children’s education? Did you know that many assistive technologies cost little or nothing to you or your school? This hands-on session is designed for educators and families of students with disabilities, learning differences, and any kind of academic challenge in school.
Participants will learn about low‐cost and free technologies including open-source software, online resources, apps, and accessibility features built into the technology many of us use every day. These valuable tools, including low-tech options, support student learning in school and at home by providing an alternative means of accessing the same classroom curriculum as their peers. SERC will display and demonstrate various assistive technologies in this session, and participants will have the opportunity to create and take home their own customized version of assistive technology.
Audience: Grades Pre-k-12; General and Special Education Teachers, Technology Coordinators, Student Support Services Professionals, Paraeducators, and Families
APRIL 23, 2026
9 AM - 3 PM
786 S. MAIN STREET, MIDDLETOWN
FREE
Low Cost, No-Cost AT: For Libraries
How do you make your activities more accessible to all patrons? Did you know that many assistive technologies cost little or nothing to your library or your patrons? This hands-on session is designed for librarians and their patrons serving individuals with disabilities, learning differences, and any kind of academic challenge in school.
Participants will learn about low‐cost and free technologies, including open‐source software, online resources, apps, and accessibility features built into the technology many of us use every day. These valuable tools, including low-tech options, support activities in everyday life. SERC will display and demonstrate various assistive technologies in this session, and participants will have the opportunity to create and take home their own customized version of assistive technology.
Audience: Grades K-12; Community Librarians and Patrons
Hands On Series #4
ACES & EASTCONN
The ACES Assistive Technology Services Department consists of multiple highly trained Assistive Technology (AT) professionals with backgrounds in Speech Language Pathology, Special Education, and Occupational Therapy.
The EASTCONN Assistive Technology (AT) Team offers a wide variety of services designed to provide districts with the expertise and support needed to not only match students with disabilities with the appropriate AT tools and services to meet their needs but also to ensure that they are able to effectively use the AT so that they are able to increase, maintain and improve functional capabilities as well as access, participate and progress in the general education curriculum.
MAY 8, 2026
205 SKIFF STREET, HAMDEN
$20.00 USD
Hands On Creating Visual Supports Using AI
Visual supports play a critical role in supporting communication, learning, independence, and engagement for individuals with diverse needs. This hands-on professional development session will introduce participants to using AI-powered tools to efficiently create personalized, meaningful visual supports for use in educational, therapeutic, and everyday settings.
The session will focus on practical strategies for designing visuals such as schedules, task supports, communication aids, and instructional materials. Participants will actively engage in creating visual supports, explore real-world applications, and discuss how AI can be used to save time while increasing accessibility and individualization.
This session is designed for educators, related service providers, professionals working with individuals with special needs, and anyone who benefits from or uses visual supports. No prior experience with AI is required.
This workshop is being held at three separate times. Please register for the time you would like to attend using the information below.
Hands On Series #5
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Eastern CT
UCP’s AT Center is called ATLAS, which stands for Assistive Technology Lending & Accessibility Services. They offer innovative programs, tools, medical devices and technology to help people with disabilities in CT improve the quality of their lives.
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
10 AM - 2 PM
39 SOCIETY ROAD, NIANTIC
REGISTRATION COMING SOON
Hands on with Wearable Technology for Accessibility
In partnership with the CT Tech Act Project, this 90-minute training and presentation will introduce wearable technologies that support accessibility for people with disabilities. Participants will learn about current devices, practical use cases, and selection considerations, followed by a hands-on demonstration period where attendees can explore and try devices with guidance from facilitators.
Hands On Series #6
NEAT Center at Oak Hill
At The NEAT Center at Oak Hill, you can learn about the latest technologies, products, equipment and services that assist people with day-to-day activities that they have trouble doing themselves, either because of a disability or the effects of aging.
OCTOBER 2, 2026
33 COVENTRY STREET, HARTFORD
REGISTRATION COMING SOON
Hands On Smart Home and AT For Leisure
The Hands-On Series continues on October 2, 2026 with Hands on Smart Home and AT for Leisure, an interactive session designed to spark creativity and independence. Explore smart home technology and assistive technology that make leisure activities more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. From voice-controlled devices to adaptive entertainment options, you’ll get hands-on experience with tech that brings convenience and fun into everyday life. More details coming soon!
