***Our next workshop is December 2, 3:30-5PM in Room 424, Platt Middle School.***

WORKSHOPS ON ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

We are offering a series of "drop-in workshops” on featuring three options: Assistive Technology and Literacy, Assistive Technology and Communication, and Assistive Technology—Switch Access. You can show up on any of the specified dates and tell us what you are interested in. We will work with you either via a prepared presentation, problem solving sessions, or a "make & take" kind of approach (or a combination)—whatever would be most helpful.  These workshops have no prerequisites and are not a cumulative or ongoing class.

(Please register in AVATAR so that we know that you will be coming)

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:

September 23rd

October 28th

December 2nd

January 27th

February 24th

April 13th

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.