Expanding Inclusion in Schools
Educators Learn about AT Tools
A Portland-area school district wanted to improve education for students with disabilities. They hired Community Vision’s AT Lab to support their special education staff with using assistive technology (AT) to increase inclusion.
In April, the AT Lab led an onsite training for the small school district. Teachers, classroom assistants, and therapists learned about a variety of AT tools and the possibilities they create.
These possibilities include making it easier for a student to participate in the classroom. They also include increasing their ability to socialize with other students and to have fun!
Ryan and the Talent Show
Inspired by the AT Lab’s training, a high school teacher and a speech therapist showed an iPad app to one of their students. They had learned about the app, Pictello, in the training. It lets users create talking photo albums.
The student, Ryan, was a senior at the time. He does not have the use of verbal speech. He’s very social, but has a hard time connecting with his peers. Ryan loves music. He wanted to participate in the school talent show by sharing his favorite artists.
Ryan, together with his teacher and the speech therapist, learned to use the talking photo album app. Then, Ryan was able to use the app to give a presentation at the talent show.
Ryan was all smiles up on stage as he shared his passion for music with his fellow students. He received raucous applause from his peers, and the adults said that there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
