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Technology—and especially the subset of technology tools known as assistive technology—can be an effective, if not necessary, element of the writing curriculum for students with disabilities. Assistive technology (AT) can be defined as a technology (including the training and support to use it) that allows someone to accomplish a critical educational or life task. Since writing is so integral to school success, AT is often indicated to assist students with disabilities. In this article, CITEd looks at how technology can support students’ writing.

The Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) 2011 Webinar Series has added a new collection of live, interactive, online educational events. They cover a broad range of topics to help you enhance your knowledge of assistive technology and the skills needed to support the products and process.  ATIA has tapped into national leaders in their field to bring you this outstanding collection of webinars.  Upcoming webinars for JANUARY through JUNE - You can go to our website for complete session abstracts, learning outcomes, and speaker biographies: Don't miss our new "There's An App for That" Series with Dr. Therese Willkomm and Phyllis Watson who bring you in-depth discussions of the apps for selected functional areas.  Sign-up for all three at one time and receive a discount! AT11-WEB01:  Apps for the iPad, iTouch, & iPhone on Remembering, Prompting, Organizing, Assessing, and Increasing Productivity - REGISTER Thursday, January 13, 2011   1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time Overview:  Productivity at home, school and work is affected by how well we are organized and can remember essential tasks that need to be performed.  This webinar will demonstrate apps that can help with executive functioning such as reminders and prompts to completing essential tasks.  In addition, the webinar will also review various apps related to organization, time management, and online assessment tools.  - Full abstract AT11-WEB04:  Apps for the iPad, iTouch, & iPhone on Alternative and Augmentative Communication - REGISTER Thursday, February 17, 2011   1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time Overview:  There are over 30 different apps that can benefit individuals who experience various communication impairments.  This webinar will review 20 of the most successful apps for children and adults.  In addition, apps related to sign language will also be discussed. - Full abstract AT11-WEB08:  Apps for the iPad, iTouch, & iPhone on Reading, Writing and Arithmetic - REGISTER Wednesday, March 23, 2011   1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time Overview:   This webinar will demonstrate apps that can assist in reading using text to speech, narration, and audio books; apps that use voice recognition or text expanders to increase writing ability and speed; flash card apps and math tutorial apps; and apps that will quiz you. - Full abstract

In my work helping to develop policies on accessible workplace technology, I have sometimes fallen into the trap of looking just at the “little picture.”  By that I mean that sometimes I’ve focused too much attention on making sure that information and communications technology is (ICT) is compatible, or interoperable, with assistive technology specifically screen readers.  I know I’m not the only one who has made this mistake, because I come across a lot of information suggesting that once a website is found to work with a screen reader or another type of assistive technology, the accessibility discussion can simply end there.  Millions of people around the world use assistive technology, so it is understandable that interoperability is a very important issue.  But it sometimes commands so much attention that we forget to look at the “big picture” of fully accessible ICT or the biggest picture of all, universal design.

There are many assistive technology (AT) products available, and new tools are frequently released on the market. The first step to narrowing down your search for appropriate AT tools is to analyze several factors: your child's individual needs, the particular task(s) she must accomplish, the AT tools that address her challenges and the settings where she will use the technology. Once you have identified these key factors, you will want to focus on the quality, usability and reliability of the AT tools themselves. Here's how to be a savvy consumer.

What:This presentation addresses the components of a successful Assistive Technology (AT) evaluation, who needs to be involved, models for effectiveness and how to make sure that the evaluation results support successful implementation. Webinar attendees will learn the difference between consideration and evaluation, how to leverage IEP team or 504 team participation in the evaluation process and how to translate data collection and findings from the AT evaluation into successful implementation within a plan based on the environments and tasks the individual is likely to encounter.  This webinar will examine questions parents and advocates should ask to guide and inform participants in the evaluation process. We will explore the legal obligations of schools to provide assistive technology evaluations and examine the factors that often go awry as well as suggestions for moving the process forward in the best and most effective manner possible. Time is provided for questions from participants.Registration: Cost: $50Your purchase includes one web access and one toll-free phone line for live 90-minute event, materials and unlimited access to Webinar archive. Gather a group in one location so many can participate for one low price!Click here for secure online purchasing!When:Wednesday, February 8, 2012 12:00 pm - 1:30 PM MT Contact:The Advocacy InstitutePhone: 540-364-0051Email: info@advocacyinstitute.org

Click here to register for this event What: The successful use of devices for the school-aged child with special needs relies heavily upon collaboration of rehabilitation therapists in the private and school-based settings, as well as home. This course will explore assistive technology as a collaborative process and clarify roles of providers. Learner Outcomes Participants will identify devices designed to enhance the child's motivation, participation and quality of life. Participants will explore ideas for assistive technology funding and training across settings The participant will identify methods of collaboration for the family, private and school-based therapists to improve the child's successful use of devices. Session sign in begins at 15 minutes prior. This session requires you to call in to access the audio. When: Friday, July 22, 2011 10:00am Mountain

Welcome to the QIAT-PS website. This project, Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology in Post Secondary, offers tools and resources on quality implementation of assistive technology in the Post Secondary environment. QIAT-PS is a collaborative effort of hundreds of professionals from a wide variety of higher education and K-12 schools and based on the successful implementations of assistive technology indicators in K-12 public schools.