AT in 3
By Matt Newton
AT in 3Mar 31, 2021
Global Accessibility Awareness Day - May 20
Matt highlights Global Accessibility Awareness Day on May 20, along with how to find resources and events to get involved with through: www.globalaccessibilityawarenessday.org.
Teams, PD, and Administrators: Perspectives for AT Teams from Gayl Bowser
Gayl Bowser joins AT in 3 to talk about how to start an AT team and keep it going, how the QIAT can be used in the professional learning of AT teams that are in any stage of development, and way to get reluctant administrators on board in supporting your team.
Joy Zabala Joins AT in 3
Nationally recognized AT expert Dr. Joy Zabala joins Matt to discuss the relationship between UDL and AT, how AT has shown through the pandemic, and the evolution of the SETT Framework.
An Interview with State AT Coordinator Sharon Jones
In this special extended episode, Matt talks with State AT Coordinator Sharon Jones from Virginia Commonwealth University about how she has seen AT being utilized with students in remote and hybrid settings across the Commonwealth, lessons AT providers can take with us moving forward out of the pandemic and back into classrooms, and how the Virginia Assistive Technology Network's resources can support educators and students now and in the future.
Text Predication Coming to Microsoft Word in March 2021
Matt discusses new text prediction features coming to Microsoft Word in March 2021 and how this tool can be used to support students with disabilities.
AT Credentialing for Teachers and RSPs
Matt discusses a number of assistive technology credentialing options for teachers and related service providers.
Highlights from ATIA
Matt reviews his big three takeaways from the virtual ATIA conference this past week and reminds listeners that they can still get free access to many of the resources shared, even if they missed the live conference.
Assistive Technology Virtual Open House
Matt announces the TTAC at Virginia Tech's "virtual" assistive technology open house in February 2021 and discusses the resources you will find there and how to connect to it.
Tech Matrix
www.techmatrix.org is a great free resource from the American Institute for Research for identifying, comparing, and exploring assistive and educational technology tools for students, based on criteria including content area, grade level, and disability category. It is also possible to search for research articles aligned with the use of specific assistive technology, to provide insight into the evidence-based practices behind using these tools with students.
Free UDL Scanning Tool for Online Learning Materials
The Center for Online Learning and Students with Disabilities has developed a UDL Scan Tool to support the examination of K-12 online curriculum and learning—beyond traditional examinations for accessibility. Using the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, the intent of the Tool is to provide a measurement from which to further understand the alignment of K-12 blended and fully online digital materials to the cognitive and learning needs of struggling learners and those with disabilities. Built to include the three UDL principles, nine guidelines, and associated checkpoints, the Tool offers educators, parents, and developers a way to further examine online learning products and a mechanism by which to consider what might be missing in order to best meet the learning needs of ALL individuals. You can access this free online resource at http://www.centerononlinelearning.res.ku.edu/udl-scan-tool/.
ATIA Free Registration Tier Available!
One of the silver linings of moving professional learning opportunities, such as conferences, onto virtual platforms is that it breaks down some of the barriers (financial, travel, family commitments) that many of us have that prevent our attendance. This year the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) is offering its national conference online, but is also offering a FREE registration tier. In this episode, Matt discusses some of the resources available through this free opportunity, how to sign up for it, and how the TTAC and Virginia Tech will offer extensions to learn more.
ATIA Free Learning Pass Registration can be accessed at: http://bit.ly/ATIA4Free
TTAC @ VT Assistive Technology Virtual Office Hours Information: https://www.ttac.vt.edu/index/VirtualOfficeHours.html
A New Assistive Technology in Education Podcast Coming in 2021!
In this short teaser podcast, Matt Newton introduces listeners to the "Newton's "App"les podcast and how it will provide a new avenue for educators seeking professional learning in the area of assistive technology for students in 2021.