Assistive Tech Prof Dev Opportunities --- We are here to help you!

​Professional Development:​

This year, instead of specific topics scheduled for specific dates (what we have done in the past), we are going to offer a "drop-in workshop" type of format. You show up and tell us what you are interested in: Literacy, AAC, or Switch Access, and we will work with you either via a prepared presentation, problem solving, or "make & take" kind of approach (or a combination). Please register in AVATAR so that we know you will be coming (and so you can get the CDE recertification hours).

The workshops will be held in Conference Room 424 in Platt Middle School or else our AT Office next door (Room 423) from 3:30-5PM on the following dates:

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September 30th

October 2

​8th

December 2nd

January 27th

March 2nd

April 6th 

Brief descriptions:

OPTION A: ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND LITERACY

This workshop will explore some of the possible assistive technology strategies for helping our students who have difficulties with reading and writing. We will cover Read & Write for Google (a toolbar that can be added to Google Docs and features electronic text reading, word prediction, flexible text and page appearance, and various study skills tools).  We will also cover the basics of how to use the premier online eText library, Bookshare (www.bookshare.org): creating an account, uploading a student roster, and downloading and accessing books at school and at home. Other possible sources of electronic texts will also be mentioned. 

OPTION B: ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION (AAC)

For students who have difficulty with functional communication, augmentative strategies (in addition to speech-language services) might be helpful. This workshop will touch on the variety of possible strategies available: from low tech through high-tech and will focus on the use of the iPad as a communication tool (i.e., using apps such as Proloquo2Go and Pictello). 

OPTION C: ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY: SWITCH ACCESS

Being able to access and activate electronic switches allows students with even the most severe disabilities the opportunity to control their environment and communicate with others. This workshop will give an overview of how to work with these students and will cover different types of switches, appropriate positioning, and it will include a discussion about various activities suitable for students at different age levels.