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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TRAINING LIBRARY
Adoption vs. Abandonment of AT: Evidence and Soft Skills to Shift the Balance
Sayard Bass
At times assistive technology can become a very front loaded endeavor. We consider the tools, we use knowledge of a person’s strengths and needs to match them with a tool, and we keep up with all of the “top 10 tools to…” lists. On the back end we leave it to the implementation plan, though is that enough? Once we find the tool, how do we make sure it is used? There are implementation plans, training plans, ideas of capacity building, models of change, lessons to be taken from the QIAT indicators, research on adoption of technology in general. How does this mesh with the real experience of working with a team?
This session will view researched factors that lead to adoption or abandonment of assistive technology and take a trip onto the implementation side to view evidence based ideas from other fields and how they can give us new insights to building rapport and relationships to ultimately help our clients.
Building Blocks to Autonomous Communication: Outcomes of a Systematic Approach to Supporting AAC Users
Carolyn O’Hearn
This session provides an overview of a team-based approach focusing on the what, why, and how of supporting learners with complex communication needs. This seven-block model focuses on AAC fundamentals, AT consideration, building communication partner skills, exploring AAC tools, supporting AAC users with alternative access, developing literacy skills, and communicating beyond the classroom.
Participants will learn about the development of the model and an overview of content included in each block. Participants will also learn how to replicate this approach with their own teams, including the use of coaching and the creation of systems that support the sustainability of the effort.
Designing Accessible Content to Include All Students
Kristin Leslie
Do you have students who are facing barriers to accessing core curriculum due to language, learning style or disability? Foundational to Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is the belief that ALL students need access to core instruction. Assuring that students have “accessible versions of educational materials may mean the difference between learning barriers and learning opportunities.” (National Center on Accessible Educational Material).
As educators, we are tasked with providing learning materials that are accessible to diverse student groups. What resources are available to guide educators through this process? The Special Education Technology Center (SETC) in Washington State has created a free online learning course in an Open Educational Resources (OER) format to help educators navigate the process of vetting and creating educational material that is fully accessible to students, staff, and parents. Join us to discuss how to break down access barriers by integrating this professional development content in your classroom and district practices.
Switching to Self-Regulation: Using AT to Create a Sensory-Based Calming Space for Students with Complex Communication and Access Needs
Kelly Clark
Do your students seem to experience a variety of emotions that you struggle to interpret? Do your students have trouble expressing their self-regulation needs due to inconsistent communication or access to assistive technology? Do you need guidance in providing students with accessible tools to regulate themselves?
This presentation will prepare you to advocate for your students’ emotional and regulation needs and provide you with the tools to create a calming space where students can safely practice self-regulation skills in a supportive environment. You will leave with practical strategies for using readily available materials that can be simply switch-adapted to support students’ regulation needs and target a variety of sensory systems.
Unlocking the Magic of AI: Beginning Skills for Educators
Anne Truger
Join us for an exciting webinar where we will explore the world of artificial intelligence and its applications in education. This webinar is designed for educators who are new to AI and are interested in dipping their toes into the AI world.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in education, offering innovative tools and resources to support educators in their quest to enhance teaching and learning experiences. In this engaging webinar, participants will embark on a journey to explore the world of AI and its practical applications in educational settings.
By the end of the session, participants will emerge equipped with the knowledge and inspiration to begin their AI journey, empowered by the possibilities that AI has to offer. This webinar promises to be an interactive and enlightening experience, providing educators with the tools and insights needed to unlock the magic of AI in their educational endeavors. We will specifically focus on the capabilities of MagicSchool.ai and a variety of other tools.
Bringing Literacy to Life: Using AAC & Sensory Elements to Build Connections
Megan Stewart
One of the hallmark features of a comprehensive literacy program is helping learners build connections to what they are reading. However, helping students with complex communication needs build these connections can prove to be a challenge, especially when tasked with integrating varying types of AAC and additional strategies for literacy instruction, while keeping in mind their individual sensory needs.
Throughout this session, participants will examine the benefits of incorporating AAC, literacy, and sensory components into lessons, and discuss how incorporating these elements into lessons increases learners’ motivation, connection to, and engagement within the lesson. Additionally, examples of successful lessons and school-wide activities will be shared with opportunities for participants to brainstorm and construct lessons and activities for implementation in various settings.
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2025 RESOURCE DIRECTORY
A Guide to Over 1,500 Assistive Technology Products for Children and Adults with Disabilities
The ultimate guide for exploring the latest advancements in assistive technology products for children & adults with disabilities. It encompasses everything, from cutting-edge software to innovative hardware. This guide has been carefully curated to facilitate your discovery, research & comparison of the latest assistive technology products on the market today. Check it out today!
FRONT PAGE REPORT
The latest developments and product releases in the assistive technology industry.
Front Page Report
CLOSING THE GAP ALLIANCE PARTNERS
Closing The Gap Alliance Partner Program highlights strategic partners, association, organizations and other non-profits who are committed to serving children and adults with disabilities and their families.
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