simmons college assistive technology program information spring 2015
Post on 16-Jul-2015
97 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
Simmons CollegeAssistive Technology for
Special Education
What is Assistive Technology?
• Assistive Technology Device:
“Any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is use to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities.”
Low-tech Pencil grip -> Mid-tech communication device ->High-tech eyegaze control of computer
• Assistive Technology Service:
“Any service that directly assists a child with a
disability in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive
technology device.”
Awareness -> Assessment ->Implementation
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 1997
Consideration of Assistive Technologyis the LAW
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA 1997reauth)
ALL students, regardless of their abilities, must be given the opportunity to become involved with and progress in the general education curriculum. Every student must have access to what is being taught. – IDEA
In order to support the inclusion and participation of students with disabilities in regular education classrooms, ALL Individual Education Programs (IEPs) developed for children identified as needed special education services MUST indicate that Assistive Technology has been considered.
We believe Assistive Technology is Important
There is no such
thing as an
average student.
ALL children can
learn.
We must honor all
learning differences
and support
all students
in the classroom..
“Just because I
can’t speak doesn’t mean I don’t have
anything to say…”
We believe in using the SETT Framework
StudentEnvironmentTaskTools
We Believe in Universal Design for Learning
Accessible, Flexible and Customizable Curriculum:
GoalsMethodsMaterialsAssessments
AsTech Program info
• Degree: • MSEd OR• EdS (If you already have a Masters Degree. Program is the
SAME.)• NOTE – this degree does NOT lead to licensure
• Off-Campus• Next cohort at TEC Walpole, MA to launch May 2017• Next cohort at TRI Williamstown, MA to launch January 2017
• Cost per course is approximately 60% of on-campus cost (about $1800-2200 per course including books/materials)
• All Courses meet on Weekends, most are blended with online coursework and reduced face-to-face meeting times. (Fridays 5-10, Saturdays 8:30-4:30 and some Sundays 8:30-4:30)
• 4 Semesters/15 Months
• 9 Courses/36 Credits
• 15-20 person cohorts (~225 graduates to date)
• 7 Faculty Members
• AsTech Launched 1998
Courses:
• SPND 422
• SPND 458
• SPND 456
• SPND 473
• SPND 470
• SPND 475
• SPND 453
• SPND 423
• SPND 463
AsTech for Life:
Professional Learning
Community!
Simmons College AsTech Course Descriptions
http://www.simmons.edu/academics/graduate-programs/special-education-assistive-technology-ms-or-eds
SPND 422 – Jennifer Edge-SavageDifferentiated Instructional Strategies Using Technology Across the Curriculum
SPND 458 – Rachel KuberryCurriculum Access Using Assistive Technology Devices
SPND 458 – Karen JanowskiCurriculum Support for Learners with High Incidence Special Needs Using Technology
SPND 470 – Jeanne TuthillCurriculum Modifications Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication Technologies
SPND 473 – Jennifer BuxtonProviding Specialized Curriculum and Environmental Access Using Customized Technology Tools
SPND 453 – Kelly FonnerLanguage and Cognitive Development and Alternative Assessment using Technology
SPND 475 – Brenda DoucetteEvaluation of Internet Resources and Educational Software for Curriculum Support
SPND 423 – Bob TuckerUsing Multimedia to create Curriculum Interventions for Learners with Special Needs
SPND 463 – Mike MarottaUniversal Classroom Design: Creating an Accessible Curriculum in the Inclusive Classroom
Nationally RecognizedSimmons AsTech Alumni
Samuel Sennott '07GS: Simmons Alumnus Invents iPhone Application
A graduate of the assistive technology program, Samuel Sennott '07GS is co-developer of the Proloquo2Go ™, a communication application for the iPhone and iPod Touch that helps individuals who have difficulty speaking.
The phone application has a basic screen with a variety of graphics that represent a vocabulary of more than 7,000 items. Portable and easy to use, the user touches the graphic on the screen, and it talks and can even automatically conjugate verbs.
The application currently is available in the English language through Assistive Ware, with work underway to support other languages. Sennott credits his Simmons degree for guiding his vision. "Madeleine Pugliese (clinical instructor and Assistive Technology Program Coordinator at Simmons) and her team provided instruction in this cutting-edge technology. They also gave me a framework of how to help people and teach them, using technology tools that will last me a lifetime. Although it was a highly technical degree program, it stayed focused on both the people who are being served, and the teachers. This focus is truly something to model after."
Sennott recently completed his Ph.D. at Pennsylvania State University and is now and Assistant Professor of Special Education at Portland State University, Oregon. One of his research interests is Google Glass and its applications for students with special needs.
Simmons AsTech Alumni become…
Better Technology-Using Educators
Private Practice Assistive Technology Specialists
District Based Assistive Technology Specialists
Higher Education Faculty
Leaders in the Field of Assistive Technology
Instructional Technologists able to support ALL students
Assistive Technology Product Developers
Corporate Assistive Technology Professionals
Regional, National and International Conference Presenters
State and National Policy Leaders
…What do you hope to accomplish with your degree?
Applying to the AsTech Program:
Apply online: https://simmonsgrad.hobsonsradius.com/ssc/aform/B0B042d7B70c0x67020CG.ssc
Completed Application Document
Resume
Transcripts
Statement of Purpose – most important
Two Recommendations
GRE is NOT required
Application Fee is WAIVED if you attend an open house (online or in person)
Simmons College AsTech Program
Transforming Education
We believe with the right combination of general education technology tools, good educational strategies and the appropriate assistive technology, all students can successfully access the curriculum and become lifelong learners.
Thank you! Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any further questions.
Jennifer Edge-Savageedge@simmons.eduAssociate Professor of Clinical Practice, Director, Simmons College AsTech Program, Education Department
top related