WELCOME
I am an assistive technology professional with a background as a speech language pathologist. I see throughout special education a growing inequity between the students who are able to receive and learn assistive technology to support them and those who do not. This website is written similar to how I like to have a conversation. There is a lot of text, though if you read through a page, consider it like we just had a chat about the subject at hand. I can't have a conversation with EVERYONE, but I can put this website up.
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While Federal Law does require consideration of assistive technology in EVERY Individualized education plan many teams either skip this part, or do not perform consideration with fidelity. This is often not done in a harmful way, it is simply that not every team has someone with expertise at hand. In more rural areas, in smaller districts, or when students are doing well with human provided accommodations AT is not always as big of a concern.
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So, if you are doing well, why worry?
Because, for me, education is about the big picture. If you are going to invest time in a desk chair from Kindergarten through Senior year, you need to be able to exist for the rest of your life after without having to hire a person to be able to do what you did in school (reading, writing, other tasks)...and that is where Assistive Technology can help Increase, Maintain, or Improve your skills.
AT Specialist, CA
I felt so seen, lol. You are a fantastic public speaker, very easy to listen to.
AAC Consultant, AZ
Thank you so much for all you do to make this world go 'round! You need to take your show on the road all the time. It is such a great balance of fun and education!
AT Specialist, VA
I had the pleasure of attending your presentation virtually and wanted to reach out to thank you—it was absolutely fantastic. I learned a great deal... Thank you again for such an engaging and informative presentation.
Finding the Right Tools for You
Assistive technology does not necessarily teach you anything or give you an advantage over others. What it does do is take your strengths and challenges into account to find technology and tools which help level the playing field so you can achieve your highest potential. Tools are out there to support many areas: reading, writing, math, organization, recreation, communication, and more. As we see trends moving back and forth between high tech and low tech there are tools which can match your needs, and you have a right to them regardless of what way the educational wind may blow if it can help you independently accomplish your learning!
Step one is to help identify the TYPE of tool needed, then the fun can begin!
Learning and Training
Time in education is at an all time premium. If improving assistive technology consideration, services, and training is on your professional development radar we have a range of trainings to choose from. These can be presented in a variety of formats including presented in short recorded video sessions which can be done in before or after school meetings.
Whether it is ways to make sure to consider at an IEP meeting, or how to implement an eye gaze AAC device in a gen ed classroom, there is available support.
Improving Organizational Processes and Knowledge
There are some aspects of assistive technology which are pretty easy to navigate. An experienced team definitely has the capability to perform assistive technology consideration in an IEP. Though sometimes, due to a student's unique needs, new team members, or just the changing nature of everything in education more training is needed. I love to learn, I stay as current as I can on an array of tools as well as with the conversations and policies which can affect assistive technology, and I am happy to collaborate, coach, and plan with your team. When I walk in to work with a team I know that I have never met a school team which has intentionally withheld a tool or opportunity from a child. If anything it is all about learning and growth. There is no judgement in starting where you are whether it's in a pile of parent complaints or looking to tweak a few things. We can make it better for your students! (and your staff!)