Category: Updates

Two prominent early intervention models for toddlers with autism show a very similar impact, whether delivered at 15-hours or 25-hours per week intensities, a study has found. Read More…

Understanding sounds in language is a critical building block for child literacy, yet this skill is often overlooked. Researchers have now developed a new software tool to assess children’s phonological awareness — or, how they process the sound structure of words. Read More…

Google is introducing new technology designed to help people who are nonverbal communicate with those around them while also making strides toward more inclusion at the company. Read More…

The Special Education Technology Center at Central Washington University is hosting three great professional development opportunities:

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Designing for Equity in Remote Learning through a UDL and Accessibility Lens

August 19, 2020 – 2:00-4:00pm

Objectives:

• Discuss three key principles of Universal Design for Learning concerning Online/Remote Learning
• Be able to name at least two accessibility considerations when selecting and/or designing the digital curriculum.
• Learn about tools to assist with needs assessment and decision making around access to online learning
• Target two resources to share with their district or agency in support of student engagement and accessibility

Cost:  $25 per district

Register here

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Conversations around Remote Learning, Accessible Technology, & Meeting the Needs of ALL Students

August 20, 2020 – 2:00-4:00pm

Objectives:

• Provide resources on accessibility solutions for online learning
• Generate solutions to accessibility challenges for students with learning disabilities to access curriculum, including attention and organizational issues
• Share resources for supporting inclusion of all students in online learning.
• Discuss and generate supports for staff, students, and parents for success in online learning
• Share resources for supporting inclusion of all students in online learning.

No Cost

Register here

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Believe in Assistive Technology: Strategies for Children with Significant Disabilities Across ALL Learning Environments

SETC Fall Conference

September 25, 2020

Objectives:

• Consider meaningful ways to connect with parents and caregivers for effective online service delivery model
• Understand key issues around access methods, including how movement and positioning can improve engagement in learning for students with complex bodies
• Learn five Augmentative and Alternative Communication options, including low tech, light tech, cost-conscience tech, AAC apps, and high-tech options.
• Experience implementation strategies for expanding language and increasing literacy skills for in-person or online service delivery models.
• Observe demonstrations of online AAC therapy strategies for students with visual impairments.
• Investigate free and cheap AT and Online resources to meet student needs.

Cost:  $45 per person

Register here

 

 

Educators understand that failing is a huge part of the learning process. This is especially true for my fellow STEAM and robotics educators, whose students are often asked to try something, fail, try again and eventually succeed. We call this “meaningful failure,” and it is one of the best ways for students to build resilience and confidence. Once they succeed, they feel confident in their ability as a learner.  READ MORE

Where we learn matters. This truth has exploded as we have waded through the realities of emergency remote learning. As a profession, we have honorably pivoted to meet the needs of students, but all of us have experienced the soft spots of our strategy. We have seen students lack access to technology and Wi-Fi. We have watched as students with additional challenges, including those with physical or learning disabilities, fade from technology-rich learning, and we have even seen our most driven students burn out from the daily grind of hours on video conferences and completing assignments online.  READ MORE

A student with a disability who is recovering from contracting the novel coronavirus may have lingering issues that may interfere with his learning. The student and his family may also have concerns about his mental health and interactions with other students. Start thinking now about how you will address returning a student to learning after recovering from COVID-19, experts advise.  READ MORE

Even for live sessions, it’s important to record the class so students can benefit from asynchronous learning. When school begins in the fall, many states are preparing in-class teaching, online learning, and hybrid approaches featuring some combination of the two on alternating schedules. The sudden transition to distance learning in the spring revealed some best practices, and a mix of professional development and trial-and-error have left teachers better prepared to adapt to disruption than in spring.  READ MORE