In this issue:

Accessible Materials Made Right (AMMR): Implementation Story

Assistive Technology (AT)

To those of you who were on summer break, welcome back! To those of you who worked all summer, hello again! Now is a really great time to schedule time on your calendars to regularly identify, problem solve, and address possible AT needs. Remember that expecting one person (e.g., an AT specialist) to carry the weight of providing assistive technology for each student who requires it is not only a burden, it’s unrealistic! We encourage you to connect with other educators who can share their expertise and knowledge.
 
If you are curious who could be a helpful voice on your AT team, check out The AT Skills Inventory (pdf). This inventory is a compilation of information from eight national professional organizations, e.g., American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). that can help your team identify who can contribute knowledge and skills related to assistive technology as well as identify areas of improvement. While this inventory doesn't reflect every skill that each professional brings to the table, this document can serve as a great starting point for meaningful conversations.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Including Building Blocks to Autonomous Communication and Comprehensive Literacy for Autonomous Communication

• The AAC Learning Center Moodle offers a variety of free modules on a variety of topics related to supporting individuals with complex communication needs. *You will need to sign up for a free account to access the Moodle.


• Project Core offers free professional development modules focused on the implementation of AAC (including core vocabulary) as well as the emergent literacy strategies based upon the work of Doctor's David Koppenhaver and Karen Erickson. 


• The Dynamic Learning Maps Professional Development (DLMPD) website offers free modules focused on emergent and conventional literacy strategies based upon the work of Doctor's David Koppenhaver and Karen Erickson. 


• The Cerebral Palsy Education Centre online portal offers three modules focused on supporting individuals with complex bodies including those with cerebral palsy and sensory processing challenges. You will need to sign up for a free account to access the modules).

Delta Math

Foundations of Math (FoM)

As you launch into the new school year, consider using the Math Accessibility Framework to plan instruction for students with disabilities. The framework is a great tool for special and general educators to use to ensure high expectations and strong support for students with disabilities. The lesson planner guides teams through a series of considerations when planning instruction. It includes taking a close look at the math content and goals of the instruction, student considerations (including strengths), strategies to support the student with the lesson goals, and a plan for how and when the strategies will be implemented. The Accessibility Strategies for Mathematics document can be a great supplemental resource as you begin using this framework for planning math instruction.

Perspective

*Perspective is written by David Shachar-Hill. David is a Michigan State University graduate in the area of social science. Prior to that, he attended Okemos Public Schools where he received special education services from 7th grade on. So far he has lived in six cities. 

I grew up in the 90s and wasn’t ever very interested in computer games or proficient with technology. When I was nine years old, I became seriously ill with cancer and all academics took a back seat while I underwent a series of major medical treatments. I had developed multiple severe disabilities because of my aggressive cancer treatment. Three years later, I re-entered school and formal education, where I was first introduced to assistive technology as a special education student in need of tools to compensate for my newly acquired disabilities.

At the time, the assistive technology programs looked nothing like they do today. They were very glitchy and cumbersome, especially to someone who had never been very technologically inclined and with disabilities added to the mix. There were times when I became very frustrated and discouraged. I had a very good special education team supporting me but sometimes even they weren’t able to immediately find solutions. I feel that in those early days of assistive technology, it may have been better if AT professionals and students learning new technology had more effectively collaborated on finding solutions.

In hindsight,I realize that although those times were challenging, I started to learn some very important general skills such as patience, perseverance and willingness to try something new. I strongly believe that, as in my case, different students come to use AT from different circumstances, experience, and backgrounds and that instructional technology professionals and educators should bare this in mind when working with students.

The specific AT programs that I utilize today are different (thankfully much improved), but I’ve needed those same skills I began to exercise back then. I realize that I wouldn’t have been successful in school given my multiple challenges without embracing modern assistive technology. My situation may be unusual, but I know that many people with similar disabilities and challenges are likewise benefited by technology.

Resource

Looking for something to listen to on your commute to work or on your lunch break? Here are three podcasts that can help get you thinking (even more!) about your learners:

• Think Inclusive - This podcast, hosted by Tim Villegas, aims to build bridges between families, educators, and disability rights advocates to create a shared understanding of inclusive education and what inclusion looks like in the real world.
  
  
  • Recommended listen: Remix: TIES Center & Including Students with Extensive Support Needs in General Education


• Talking With Tech - This podcast features Chris Bugaj and Rachel Madel and their interviews with a wide range of perspectives throughout the AT and AAC world. Some episodes focus on coaching while others are meaningful conversations with individuals who have impactful ideas.
  
  
  • Recommended listen: Episode 224: Small Talks VI: Andy Smidt, India Ochs, Lory Chrane, Mark Nichols, and Tali Kellerstein


• LOMAH - Hosted by Kim Albrecht, this parent-driven podcast explores disability-related topics in ten-part series. Some podcasts focus on education while others are centered around home, community, and quality of life.
  
  
  • Recommended listen: Any of their series focusing on expanding the boundaries often placed around AAC use, including Using the Entire AAC Device and AAC with Spoken Communication.

Lending Library Update