Description
Published: September 8, 2025.
Length: 90-Minutes
“Get Low!” will explore DIY low-budget, low-tech assistive technology creation. Accompany presenter Sara Lucas-Dreiss as she demonstrates manipulation of high impact materials to fabricate multi-purpose, reusable supports that can easily be replicated. The utilization of the SETT Framework across educational, recreational, vocational, and home settings to determine engagement and participation obstacles and potential solutions will be examined.
Pragmatic and ethical considerations for creation and use of assistive technology, such as availability and cost of materials, basic skills needed, safety, durability, user expectations, and the autonomy & independence of individuals with complex bodies will also be discussed.
Through Sara’s guidance, attendees depart equipped with not only newfound knowledge but also a profound sense of agency to effect positive change in the realm of AT accessibility.
As a result of this activity, participants will be able to:
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Explain three considerations when creating assistive technology.
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Describe at least four low-budget-low tech assistive technology tools.
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Identify five commonly available materials that can be utilized or repurposed to create assistive technology.
Sara Lucas-Dreiss, M.Ed., National Board Certified Exceptional Needs Specialist with 25 years in education as a teacher, specialist, and administrator. Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Specialist & Adapted Art Teacher (Special Education- Low Incidence Disabilities), Consultant, AT Maker.
