Webinar Wednesday: CTD Answers Your Questions About AT!

This webinar is a Q & A session with Center on Technology and Disability (CTD) director Jackie Hess. In this session, Jackie answers both AT questions previously submitted as well as those asked during the live presentation. Topics include relevant laws, classroom practice, AT for libraries, recommended apps, and much more. (Click here to download a copy of the PowerPoint).

CTD's Assistive Technology Module

New to the field of assistive technology or looking to gain more insight? Then look no further. The incredible folks at CTD have done it again, this time providing the ultimate resource in Assistive Technology. Their training module includes guides, reference charts, vidoes and webinars. Be sure to read below and click on the hyperlinks to explore each module and resource further. 

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY MODULE LINK

CTD created an Assistive Technology Module for Personnel Preparation Programs in participating colleges and universities. Now they are making it available to all educators and trainers interested in a “ resource package”. The resources can be downloaded and copied or distributed electronically through the link for the module at: http://ctd4teachers.com/ or read below and click on the individual links!

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY MODULE
FOR PERSONNEL PREPARATION PROGRAMS

THE IMPORTANCE OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TO STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD

There are more than 6.7 million students ages 3–21 who receive special education services. That represents 13 percent of all public school students. That number does not include the additional millions with undiagnosed disabilities and/or those with diagnoses who do not receive formal special education services. It also does not include students in private schools. A small percentage of these students currently have access to assistive technology (AT). A far greater number would benefit from AT if it were made available to them.

In the past, the term “assistive technology” referred to a limited range of specialized, often expensive items that were designed to help students with relatively severe disabilities perform tasks that they could not otherwise do. In recent years, developments in technology have changed all that. Assistive technology now refers to a wide range of devices, software, apps, and services that are widely available at lower cost. Many items that you might not think of as AT, are. They can be as basic as a magnifying glass or as complex as a robot. They range from no-tech, do-it-yourself items to programmable software programs that can be readily customized by a teacher, therapist, or parent.

If an item allows a student with disabilities to perform a task that he or she could not do otherwise, it can be considered assistive technology. That makes it subject to the laws governing public education, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Whether you choose to teach in a public or private school, in a general or special education classroom, you will almost certainly have students in your class with a range of abilities and disabilities. Some of those students will have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), some will not. Both groups, however, will benefit greatly from your knowledge of assistive technology devices and services.

The materials in this module, will help you:

• Understand the basic concepts underlying the use of assistive technology
• Become familiar with the words and terms associated with AT
• Understand your role as a teacher in helping to identify and integrate the use of appropriate AT in your classroom
• Learn about the laws governing AT in public schools
• Participate as a knowledgeable professional in the IEP teams to which you will be assigned
• Become a role model, peer mentor, and school leader in the use of AT
• Change the lives of students with physical, sensory, cognitive, and emotional/behavioral disabilities

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY 101
AT makes it possible for children with disabilities to take part in life’s activities. It can strengthen developmental, functional, and learning skills. Get started on your AT journey by learning the basics.
DOWNLOAD THE PDF

VIDEOS FROM THE TEACHER PERSPECTIVE
CTD has created a series of videos that we believe will help strengthen your understanding of assistive technology. Each video focuses on AT use in the classroom and reflects the perspectives of teachers.
WATCH THE VIDEOS

AT & THE IEP TIPS FOR TEACHERS
As a teacher, your input is invaluable to the IEP process. These tips will help ensure that your observations about the performance, strengths, & challenges of the student are documented to help them succeed.
DOWNLOAD THE PDF

KEYRING OF ILLUSTRATED AT DEVICES
These keyrings can be used for training & peer support to begin exploring a wide range of AT tools. Examples range from low- to high-tech and span ages and types of support.
DOWNLOAD THE PDF

CTD WEBINARS FOR EDUCATORS
CTD webinars provide an excellent way to hear from AT experts who present at major conferences, who advise state and local education agencies, and who conduct in-service teacher training.
WATCH THE WEBINARS

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY GLOSSARY
It is important to understand the “language” of AT to be an informed advocate for a child’s technology needs. Learn about the kinds of AT that are available and how they can be used.
DOWNLOAD THE PDF

A Teacher's View of Assistive Technology

In this 15-minute video, published by the CTD Institute, teachers of students with a range of learning needs discuss the ways in which assistive technology can help. The teachers featured in the video provide examples of low to high-tech tools that are easily integrated into a classroom environment.

Intro to Assistive Technology from the CTD

November is Assistive Technology Awareness Month and what better way to start the month than by sharing this short video from the CTD Institute. The video is moderated by Chris Bugaj, an Assistive Technology Specialist and author of the recent title The New Assistive Tech: Make Learning Awesome for All, who outlines basic topics and concepts for using assistive technology with students with disabilities. Students, teachers and other service professionals can benefit from this overview video.

Looking to learn more, be sure to read some previous Where It's AT posts focused on "What is AT..."

Webinar Wednesday: Supporting Students with Dyslexia: Standards, Accommodations, and Strategies

In this archived CTD webinar, AT Specialists Diana Petschauer and Kelsey Hall demonstrate AT tools to support students who experience dyslexia with regard to developing goals and choosing appropriate accommodations as part of students’ IEPs. Presenters also discuss interventions designed to close achievement gaps by providing well-researched programming that is explicit, systematic, and multi-sensory in nature, with plenty of opportunities for practice. (Click here to view the slides.)

Webinar Wednesday: Writing Strategies for the Reluctant Writer

In this archived CTD webinar, participants explore some of the reasons students develop a reluctance to express themselves in writing, among these is dysgraphia. Regina Richards, M.A., shares a variety of high-tech and low-tech strategies for reversing writing reluctance. Also discussed are handwriting, spelling, and information organization (generating ideas and planning/translating the ideas into written format). Learn proven strategies that may be immediately implemented. 

Get the presentation slides and handout.

CTD Answers Your Questions About AT!

Join the Center on Technology and Disability as they answer your questions about Assistive Technology (AT)! Send them your top three questions, and their team will host a live Q & A event on September 18, 2018 at 4pm EST to answer them.

Visit the CTD website to submit your questions and then RSVP using the button below...

Get your AT Key Rings from CTD!

Who doesn't love free resources? You can now order your free CTD AT key rings for training, peer support, parent workshops, personnel prep classes and other activities in which you’d like to share these handy, colorful examples of assistive technology. Examples range from low- to high-tech and span ages and types of support.  Interested in ordering 5?.... 25?..... 50?... or more?  Follow the link below and place your order!  

Benefits of Text-To-Speech Tools with Beth Poss

You can watch the interview with Poss below, or view the interview transcript.

Biography

Beth Poss is a faculty member for the Center on Technology and Disability and an early childhood special education administrator for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in Maryland. As a member of the MCPS curriculum writing team, she helped design and implement a curriculum aligned with the Common Core State Standards and the principles of Universal Design for Learning. As a certified Speech Language Pathologist, she served as a member of the MCPS assistive technology team for 10 years.

Poss is also an adjunct faculty member for Johns Hopkins University, and presents nationally and internationally on best practices in professional development, early childhood special education, assistive technology, instructional technology, and Universal Design for Learning.

Webinar Wednesday: I Can Read That! AT Supports for Struggling Readers

I Can Read That! AT Supports for Struggling Readers

Click to RSVP for this Event

In this session, participants will learn how to use the built in accessibility supports in their mobile devices to support struggling readers, a free screen reader,  as well as how to adjust settings in three library apps; Google Play Books, Kindle App, and Libby/Overdrive so that readers can confidently say, “I can read that!”

Diana Ree-Reeder is a former low incidence disabilities teacher turned assistive technology (AT) resource teacher.  She has a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Assistive Technology from George Mason University as well as a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education.  Ms. Ree-Reeder has worked in Fairfax County Public Schools for her thirteen year career, with the last nine as an AT resource teacher.  She has worked with students from preschool to high school but primarily serves students in elementary schools. Ms. Ree-Reeder works with students with high and low incidence disabilities in her schools to find AT that will increase their academic achievement and enhance life skills through data driven methods.  She has presented at district, regional, and international conferences to share her knowledge with others. 

Event Date: 

Tuesday, May 15th, 2018 - 4:00pm to 5:00pm EDT

Webinar Wednesday: Assistive Technology Trends

Stephen Hawking said "the future is indefinite and exists only as a spectrum of possibilities."  But what are those possibilities, you ask?  Well, as technology becomes more ubiquitous and readily available for everyone to purchase, we will explore some of the current and future general technology application trends that could be considered assistive technology.  Some technologies to consider are wearables, digital assistants (smart speakers) and even the worlds of Virtual and Augmented Reality. 

Click to RSVP for this Event

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Kirk Behnke delivers professional development, technical assistance and cultivates learning opportunities regarding Accessible Educational Materials, accessible and assistive technologies and Universal Design for Learning within the US, Middle East, Europe and Indonesia. His passion is helping to facilitate excellence in learning for all, whether it is in a classroom or presentation room. He has developed and implemented the “Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program (ATACP)” at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) and later adopted by the University College of Dublin, Ireland. Kirk has worked in a variety of settings, including CAST, Region 4 Education Service Center, CSUN, and Temple University where he received his M.Ed. in Education/Special Education. He also holds an Assistive Technology Professional credential from RESNA, a Certificate in Assistive Technology Applications (CATA) from the University College of Dublin, Ireland and is currently contracting with the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA). 

Event Date: 

Thursday, April 19th, 2018 - 4:00pm to 5:00pm EDT

Webinar Wednesday: Creative Technology for Inclusion and Engagement

Creative Technology for Inclusion and Engagement

Click to RSVP for this Event

Most of us know about many of the most common technologies to help students with disabilities. This presentation will explore creative technology to help struggling learners better access the curriculum and engage in the learning process. You will learn about how to include students in art, and music with technology and engage students with various disabilities. Participants will learn about high-interest technologies that will motivate student and the psychology of educational technology. If you are looking for something new and different, this presentation is for you.

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John F. O’Sullivan is a Librarian, an Assistive Technology Specialist and an author of several books on educational technology. His books include The Educational Technology Guide 2018, The UDL Educational Technology Guide 2018, UDL Technology, The Teacher’s Awesome App Guide, and Teaching Projects with Computers. He currently holds four certifications in education and has taught under each certification. He works for Chelmsford Public Schools at Chelmsford High School. He has worked in the past as a Special Education Teacher and Technology Integration Specialist.

Webinar Wednesday: AT and the IEP Resources and Webinar

All about Assistive Technology and the IEP

AT and the IEP  - Featuring Lisa Lightner   Are you a parent or family member of a child with an IEP? Do you work with students with disabilities and their families? This family-oriented webinar will provide valuable ideas on how to advocate for assistive technology devices and services designed to help students be successful at school.  This Thursday  March 29th, 2018- 1:00pm EST You still have time to RSVP for the webinar. You can access the entire webinar archive as well as all upcoming CTD events by visiting  CTD Webinar Central.

Resources on AT and the IEP Assistive Technology and the IEP When meeting with the IEP team, parents are a child's most effective advocate. It's important that they be prepared and informed. This brief guide informs parents about assistive technology and the IEP.   Also available in Spanish. Assistive Technology and the IEP - Tips for Parents This fact sheet provides tips to help parents navigate the IEP process, particularly with respect to assistive technology.  Assistive Technology and the IEP - Tips for General Ed Teachers This Infographic offers information and tips on how general education teachers conduct and follow through with Individualized education programs (IEP's).  Considering Assistive Technology There are many components to consider in assistive technology selection, such as student history, current needs, and future goals. This article from the Center for Parent Information and Resources gives step-by-step instructions to this process that all members of an IEP team can utilize.  Assistive Technology 101 This illustrated guide describes AT basics in user-friendly language. It discusses how to select AT devices and provides annotated photos of a wide range of AT options. This is a great starting point for those who want to learn about AT and teach others.

Feature Matching Guide and Webinar

Those working in the field of Assistive Technology understand all too well the importance of feature matching when making the determination of getting technology into the hands of those in need of support. As shared on the CTD website, understanding the key needs, goals, and objectives for a student and the key features of an app/device, enables us to match students with the most appropriate device or app to achieve a desired goal. Dr. Therese Willkomm created the resource featured below for app analysis to help guide the process. Before accessing the guide, be sure to view the webinar, Feature Matching of Apps for Students with Disabilities.

App Analysis for Feature Matching Guide

In this webinar, Dr. Therese Willkomm discusses and demonstrates various tools, resources, and strategies to select the most appropriate app based upon desired outcomes, the environment, and the student's abilities. Participants will learn how to perform an app analysis that analyzes apps based measurable student goals and the physical, sensory, cognitive, environmental, and social abilities required to affectively use the app for the intended goal.

To learn more about feature matching, also visit http://matchingpersonandtechnology.com/ which provides more detailed information regarding the feature matching and sample feature matching checklists. 

Sources: Center on Technology and Disability, Matching Person and Technology

Webinar Wednesday: Center for Technology and Disability Webinar Central

Looking to enhance your professional practice or support your child's learning difficulties, be sure to check out these free, real-time and archived webinars on all focused on various AssistiveTechnology topics from the 

Center for Technology and Disability. 

https://www.ctdinstitute.org/cafe

A few of the December topics included....

-Use Audio & Video to Engage Students and Promote UDL

-Giving Instant Feedback to Disabled Students with Technology to Create Engagement and Motivation

-Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Accessibility in Higher Education

-AAC Implementation Plans: Preparing for Successful Communication

-Call to Action: Addressing Digital Accessibility

-Transition Tech Tools to Empower Your Student

-Making it Happen: Addressing Digital Accessibility

-Technologies and Strategies to Help Students Start, Focus, and Finish Strong

Be sure to check out the long list of topics available for viewing! 

Apps for Supporting Autism

Technology, as is often said, is a rapidly growing and changing field. The reality is that as the use of technology becomes the norm in our everyday lives, both in school and at home, parents and educators are quickly seeing how children and students with autism are benefiting from the use of these new and innovative tools. With autism comes a variety of challenges in communication, executive functioning, social skills, behavior/self-management, and learning. Providing direct access to these tools revolutionizes the way individuals with autism learn and communicate. Mobile apps have given parents and educators a myriad of approaches to reach, and teach, children who develop at a rate different than their peers, all while allowing our children and students to learn in a way that best meets their needs. 

The Center on Technology and Disability (CTD) partnered with Diana Petschauer and Stacy Driscoll to carefully construct the AT Support for Autism App Matrix which provides a well-organized matrix of mobile apps and links to other resources that can help those on the autism spectrum address the challenges they face. The matrix was created in conjunction with the CTD webinar: “AT and Apps to Support Learners with Autism”. After reviewing the list, be sure to watch the webinar (below) to see some of the apps demonstrated that are featured on the list. 

Source: Center on Technology and Disability (CTD)

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