October was National Augmentative/Alternative Communication Month. In recognition and celebration, learners at Countryside Elementary School engaged in an experience where they explored augmentative/alternative communication. Led by speech language pathologist, Tia Freeman, and supported by an ensemble of other educators including Specialized Instructional Facilitator – Assistive Technology, Jennifer Dunstan, students explored the Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning: Words for Life application. The students learned how the app was organized, explored how to find words, and discussed what it meant to be a supportive communication partner to their peers who are using the application to help them learn language. If you’re interested in leading a similar event, reach out to the Specialized Instructional Facilitator – Assistive Technology who works at your school!
Monthly Archives: November 2023
Switch Creation by Students at Lightridge HS
Some learners interact with items by pressing or otherwise activating a switch. With guidance from the Specialized Instructional Facilitator – Assistive Technology, seniors who participate in the Maker Space Club at Lightridge High School worked to create switches to be used to engage in a variety of activities. Once created, some of the switches were provided to adapted physical education teachers to be used in their lessons. This initiative not only amplified the hands-on learning experience of the seniors but also directly impacted the educational environment for students with physical disabilities. The project provided an authentic opportunity for students to apply their learning to promote inclusive education in a way that addresses a real-world challenge. If you’re interested in learning more about how something similar can be done at a school you support, contact your SIF-AT.
Using Heading Structure to Support Accurate Screen Reading Video
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights provides a video series on a variety of topics related to digital access in education, including how people with disabilities use technology along with identifying and remediating barriers to access. This short video describes how to use heading structure on a web page or other digital file so everyone can accurately navigate the material.