Advocating for Success Through Technology

At the SCCEC conference, I attended the session Advocating for Success Through Technology by Sandy Hanebrink and Linda McCuen. They provided low tech and high tech solutions to challenges that students with disabilities face each day.

First we were introduced to Touch the Future, Inc. which “is dedicated to providing affordable computer and AT access to individuals with disabilities, disadvantaged communities, and healthy seniors. Touch the Future’s expertise and services are as affordable as they are vital to successful independence within the community.” This is a nonprofit organization that offers a variety of services.

From the Presentation:

Discussion of the following federal policies:

· Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973

· Section 504

· Section 508

· Teachnology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 198

· The Improving Access to Assistive Technology for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004

· Assistive Technology Act Project (ATAP)

· Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

· Carl Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act Amendments of 1998

· Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

· ADA as amended in 2010

· Telecommunications Act of 1996

· 21^st Century Communication and Video Accessibility Act of 2010

Resources:

· ATIA

· Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST)

· NICHCY

· National Public Website on Assistive Technology

· The Family Center on Technology and Disability

· Standards.gov

· Pass It On Center

· SC Assistive Technology Program

· SC AT Loan Program

Easy AT Solutions (from Judith Sweeney)

· “Never teach a task requiring more than 20 minutes to learn.

· Never expect someone first learning how to do something independently to spend more than 20 minutes on it.

· Try to choose tasks that can be completed in 20 minutes or less.”

Finding the Funding:

Finding the Money

Assistive Technology Funding Strategy

Assistive Technology Public Funding Source Guide

Assistive Technology Funding Search Tips

This was a lot of good information and resources. I hope that if you are looking at AT, you will look at some of the resources that were given. I liked that the presenters gave links to sites concerning funding. During these economic times, it is hard to convince powers to be that funding AT is important to student’s success in the classroom.

Do you have any other resources you would like to share? Please do!

Posted on the Successful Teaching Blog by loonyhiker (successfulteaching at gmail dot com).

Original image: 'Feeling Pinched'
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