Assistive Technology

Spring sessions start February 7 and will feature a series on implementing AT devices in education and life transitions.

Myth discussed: 6.

Presenter: Peg Monteith, M.Ed., Education Consultant and Disability Advocate 

This session is about classroom management approaches for students who use assistive technology in general education environments. It will will offer ideas that educators can use to help ensure the effective use of assistive technology in general education environments.  

Myth discussed: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8.

Presenter: Gayl Bowser, Lead Assistive Technology Trainer

In this session you will learn that knowledge about technology use in classrooms cannot be treated as context-free. Good teaching requires an understanding of how technology relates to the pedagogy and content presented in classroom instruction. The TPACK framework is often used by researchers and scholars to address the many aspects of teaching with technology. For those getting started with integration of technology in instruction the description of TPACK can be a useful way to think about all aspects of assistive technology use in classrooms.

Myth discussed: 5.

Presenter: Gayl Bowser, Lead Assistive Technology Trainer

Join Krystyne, Coordinator at the Parent Information Center, for an informative session debunking the myth that children can learn to use assistive technology (AT) devices on their own. This session will highlight the responsibilities of educators and families in ensuring children with disabilities receive proper AT training and support. Learn how Individualized Education Program (IEP) Teams can determine and provide necessary AT services, including device customization, integration with other therapies, and training for children, families, and educators. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights on fostering communication and independence for children using AT devices!

Myth discussed: 5.

Presenter: Krystyne Ethridge, Parent Information Center (PIC) Coordinator, Bachelors in Education with a specialization in Special Education

Join this session to learn more about portable and wearable technologies that teams may consider to support AT across environments.

Myth discussed: 7, 11.

Presenter: Terri Wofford, MS CCC-SLP and Manager of WATR

AAC is not a “one size fits all”!  It is critical to selection of tools and strategies that support a student’s successful communication that teams know what questions to ask and how to answer those questions through collection of meaningful data.  It is equally important to evaluate the effectiveness of a team’s approach to that process. Let’s look at both!  
We will identify the key questions to consider in identifying an AAC device for a student as well as ways to evaluate how well a chosen device meets a student’s needs. We will also look at the Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology (QIAT) indicators for Evaluation of Effectiveness. 

Myth discussed: 5, 17.

Presenter: Jane Korsten, M.A. in Speech Pathology and Audiology from the University of Illinois and a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Kansas.

Join this session to learn about the best practices related to assistive technology (AT) and student transition plans. The session will include who is involved, what should be included in the AT transition plan, and the importance of developing AT self-advocacy skills.

Myth discussed: 12.

Presenter: Terri Wofford and Krista Zwieg

Session information coming soon.

Myth discussed: .

Presenter: Presenter information coming soon.