@attipscast's latest book is a catalyst for rethinking special education, general education and AT. Feel free to add your questions for him and for everyone else in the chat. #ATchat
@attipscast's latest book is a catalyst for rethinking special education, general education and AT. Feel free to add your questions for him and for everyone else in the chat. #ATchat
Well, I like to start positive. You asked what are some positive changes we've seen in AT over the last 20 years. Might that be a good Q1? What have you seen? #ATchat
A-1 I think the most positive thing that resonates with me is that the lines are blurred between assistive and technology, and we’re just looking at solutions and bridges to circumvent barriers for all learners. A lot of demystifying has occurred #ATchat
#atchat A1) Now I haven't been around for 20 years (I am not THAT old) but in the last 5 or 6 years there is definitely a greater awareness for what AT can do and its benefits in education!
Totally! I was thinking the same thing. Major tech companies are starting to figure out that people are different. They are building in more usability, accessibility, and inclusively designed options from the get-go (not an afterthought). #ATchat
#atchat been awhile! the chat conflicts with toddler supper time but that seems to getting earlier and earlier these days so hopefully it will be regular again!
In reply to
@KarenJan, @JudithSchoonov1, @attipscast
Thank you for joining us again. I love what you added last week. Please feel free to add what you see are the differences with technology use, as a long-time user. #ATchat
A-1 I think the most positive thing that resonates with me is that the lines are blurred between assistive and technology, and we’re just looking at solutions and bridges to circumvent barriers for all learners. A lot of demystifying has occurred #ATchat
yes, having the option to get aac apps for devices we might already own makes it much more affordable than high tech aac used to be in the past #ATchat
A-1 I think the most positive thing that resonates with me is that the lines are blurred between assistive and technology, and we’re just looking at solutions and bridges to circumvent barriers for all learners. A lot of demystifying has occurred #ATchat
Agreed - I often say in presentations: tech used to be black/white with regards to AT. Now it is all gray! The lines have blurred - now it's just technology #ATchat
A1- I might add the movement toward a coaching model for those looking to provide assistance in an effort to build capacity & to empower the learner is another positive change #ATchat
#ATchat personally i would say something to prioritize is making sure AT users are fully involved in design for all AT products and that our feedback impacts any updates
Not sure this is moving quite as quickly as the technology development but there’s at least recognition of the limitations of the expert model. #ATchat
The greatest impetus was to attempt to shift the thinking away from "tools to fix non-inclusively designed instruction" toward #designthinking. Let's design inclusively. Let's be educational experience designers. Let's get ALL educators thinking about inclusive design! #ATchat
Yes, isn't it great that we can prepare transition students to use affordable, readily available technologies when they graduate from public school system. #ATChat
Isn’t that always the way? Something new occurs, and then how to use it best as well as looking at novel possibilities comes after. Not quite the proactive approach UDL embraces, but we’re getting there! #ATchat
Worked with a HS student today who didn't realize their Samsung Galaxy phone had a Calendar and Reminders app. The tech is readily available but students don't necessarily know it or how to use it for learning and independence. #ATchat
@VickiBostonSLP What makes you say that movement away from an expert toward a coaching model is happening slowly? Are you not seeing that change? Curious. #ATchat
In reply to
@JudithSchoonov1, @VickiBostonSLP, @VickiBostonSLP
So true. The myth that kids know all about technology is just that .... a myth. They know the tech they USE. We still need to educate on the power of the device they hold in their hands #ATchat
Embracing inclusive design is a paradigm shift for many educators. Your book should be read by all. I'm wondering how you came up with the title and if it limits your audience? #ATchat
The greatest impetus was to attempt to shift the thinking away from "tools to fix non-inclusively designed instruction" toward #designthinking. Let's design inclusively. Let's be educational experience designers. Let's get ALL educators thinking about inclusive design! #ATchat
My cohort of this year’s 1st year SLP students actually gave a few comments in feedback surveys on how they enjoyed hearing about the Myth of Average & UDL & they expect it will be useful to them. Progress!
yes i found out about aac from other autistic people not from professionals, community sharing knowledge is awesome and having internet now makes that much easier #ATchat
Now a follow up question for the group. How do we get kids talking about this and sharing experiences? I feel like often our AT users don’t have an opportunity to share out much #ATchat
Not in Tennessee the way I saw it in Massachusetts, no. I had to fight in a grant application to go away from having an expert go into schools & do evaluations as the primary way to “build capacity.” And continue to have those discussions now that we have the grant. #ATchat
Yes - our student's can be the experts. Worked with a MS student yesterday who totally "gets" the tech for his reading challenges. I talked with the team about how they should go to him for help with the tech. He loved that idea (and so did they!) #ATchat#studentsasexperts
I worked closely w/ @iste on the title. We considered many, many different titles. It was tricky. Yes, in some ways, the term "Assistive Technology" in the title might cause a general educator to say "oh, that book isn't for me" But really, it is totally written for you!! #ATchat
#ATchat i didn't know about it officially until my early 30s
just trying to speak all the time paired with writing notes to people but i didn't know why (didn't know i was autistic)
i wrote a blog post about finding aac https://t.co/quVQTV8cbD
I see the "expert" model hanging on in my district because they will not pay to have someone on staff to do AT consults as part of job description. End up with outsourced evals. Waste of $
In reply to
@VickiBostonSLP, @attipscast, @JudithSchoonov1
I believe people r still uncertain of their roles. They r self-conscious about whether they really understand or know enough about technology. Don’t forget, many educators were working in schools pre-tablet. With our help, & those who “boldly go”, they will get there. #ATchat
#ATchat but that was exhausting since speech is so much harder
i would take planned regular days off from speaking for awhile, couldn't explain to people why but i guess knew i needed a break
What if there wasn't a thing as an "AT Evaluation"? When an IEP team (or any team) is stuck, they just "request assistance" instead. Then the person coming in can coach. Thoughts? #ATchat
That is one thing I would change about IDEA - take out AT Evaluations. We talk about evaluating in areas of suspected disability and we don't have AT Skills to assess. #ATchat
What if there wasn't a thing as an "AT Evaluation"? When an IEP team (or any team) is stuck, they just "request assistance" instead. Then the person coming in can coach. Thoughts? #ATchat
But the mindset is currently that there is an "expert" to call. I am asked to do a lot of AT stuff, but not in my contract as edtech. I won't do evals without compensation, so they end up outsourcing instead of using coach model. #atchat
What if there wasn't a thing as an "AT Evaluation"? When an IEP team (or any team) is stuck, they just "request assistance" instead. Then the person coming in can coach. Thoughts? #ATchat
I think this is an intriguing thought. I feel like we spent so much time trying to get teams to recognize we need to consider AT and this may feel like we are moving backwards to them. #atchat
Yes, and this grant is very focused on AAC & really only AT as it refers to accessing the AAC system, so that helps. Lots of coaching around presuming potential. #ATchat
Yes it "could" be, but that is a different definition from everything else is IDEA. How would we differentiate without changing the vocabulary? #ATchat
It sounds like you I really describing the essence of the SETT framework. SETT doesn’t necessarily say assistive technology it says student, environments, tasks, and tools. @joyzabala#ATchat
Truthfully, I think it might depend on the situation. Sometimes I think it is okay to just say 'You need X" but then coach them though how to use X. But other times, we need to coach them through the selection process "What do you think would work?" #ATchat
We have have issues when advocates insist on evals, regardless of in house "expert". Not sure why, not all do, but enough that some parents think that they need to push for this. #atchat
I find that is the biggest area of need. Shifting mindsets to build a culture of presuming potential is what is needed first. I spend a lot of time on this as well. #ATchat
We have have issues when advocates insist on evals, regardless of in house "expert". Not sure why, not all do, but enough that some parents think that they need to push for this. #atchat
Truthfully, I think it might depend on the situation. Sometimes I think it is okay to just say 'You need X" but then coach them though how to use X. But other times, we need to coach them through the selection process "What do you think would work?" #ATchat
Karen I only wish they would use an AT implementation plan! I write them for the team, they get filed and forgotten. No follow up. Altho I get your frustration... #ATchat
It sounds like you I really describing the essence of the SETT framework. SETT doesn’t necessarily say assistive technology it says student, environments, tasks, and tools. @joyzabala#ATchat
reading your blog post. What strikes me is you were never exposed to the technology that could have helped. Students don't know what they don't know (Teachers, too). How do we build agency in the face of lack of awareness? #ATchat
I’m kind of glad to hear that you are still working on this - I feel a sense of urgency to build this culture of presuming potential, but it is a work in progress #atchat
In reply to
@attipscast, @VickiBostonSLP, @JudithSchoonov1
Building team capacity by promoting a collaborative approach is what I am doing with teams across MI in partnership with @AltShiftEd It has been a great learning experience so far. Follow our #ATinMI hashtag to connect with these amazing edus #Atchat
yes totally! i mean i think for one thing when it comes to aac, everyone in speech therapy for any reason should be considered a potential candidate, options presented to them instead of only pushing speech
& fostering community where students get to meet older AT users #ATchat
Yes- if no one in the school thinks this child will communicate symbolically with any independence, they won’t try to model or create opportunities or elicit unless I’m in the room. Regardless of whether they know how to do those things. Culture & mindset matters. #ATchat
In reply to
@cfrost_disteach, @attipscast, @JudithSchoonov1
This applies to focusing on designing the educational experience rather than slapping a tool in place too. We have to ask "Are there other ways we can achieve the same end? What else can be adjusted?" #atchat
In reply to
@cfrost_disteach, @VickiBostonSLP, @JudithSchoonov1
#ATchat ...some of that building community and increasing everyone's awareness of AT options is that we need less accessibility barriers in society and also deinstitutionalization so that we are actually a part of the community and more people are likely to find out about AT
I’m not sure I’m ready 2 rename r profession. I think until the mindset changes, we still need 2 lead by example. We r still in the process of demystifying AT and opening peoples eyes to possibilities. You DL is still not completely embraced. There’s work to be done. #ATchat
If anyone figures out the magic wand training that builds this culture overnight, please share! In my experience, it’s time & small steps forward. #ATchat
In reply to
@SGregorySLP, @attipscast, @JudithSchoonov1
that would be great!
you would have to explain more about the format, i'm used to modding a different chat where all participants answer pre-set questions, this seems a little more spontaneous, but i'd love to help #ATchat
I guess that’s where the coaching comes in? I’m trying to balance that initial eval procedure, that becomes a trial or dynamic assessment, that then becomes coaching. If that makes sense #atchat
In reply to
@cfrost_disteach, @KarenJan, @attipscast
We discussed this Knoster Model for Managing Complex Change last week during our #pecsAT4NH session w/ me, @attipscast and @JenniferSavedge Every team should have access to this! #Atchat
In reply to
@cfrost_disteach, @VickiBostonSLP, @attipscast, @JudithSchoonov1, @attipscast, @JenniferSavedge
You have joined the past two weeks where we have had a more freewheeling chat with guest "experts" in our field. We usually have pre-set questions. #ATchat
So how do you change mindsets ... that AAC does not require prerequisites? And that AAC is also beneficial for students who have some verbal language #atchat
In reply to
@VickiBostonSLP, @cfrost_disteach, @attipscast, @JudithSchoonov1
definitely small steps, but for aac at least one thing i'd suggest is make sure professionals have a chance to hear from adult aac users
so they can hear from us firsthand what it is like to not be given consistent access, what it means to us to have aac, etc #ATchat
In reply to
@VickiBostonSLP, @SGregorySLP, @attipscast, @JudithSchoonov1
Is assistive technology a profession? Is it a field? I point to the tweet from @mmatp earlier tonight about "Hello! My Name Is" stickers. Everyone has some knowledge of AT. #atchat
We do something similar with competing pathways in the behavior world. Have never seen it visualized like this for AT purposes. Will be contemplating this for a while. #atchat
In reply to
@mmatp, @VickiBostonSLP, @attipscast, @JudithSchoonov1, @JenniferSavedge
Is assistive technology a profession? Is it a field? I point to the tweet from @mmatp earlier tonight about "Hello! My Name Is" stickers. Everyone has some knowledge of AT. #atchat
Invite them to listen to the @talkingwithtech podcast :) #ShamelessPlug But seriously, show them that you are not the only ones saying that. AND...ask them more guiding questions to help them come to the same conclusions #ATchat
In reply to
@SGregorySLP, @VickiBostonSLP, @cfrost_disteach, @JudithSchoonov1, @talkingwithtech
yes I agree. Such an important task for the coach. Highlight their expertise, in addition to working to promote their successes and support them when they struggle #Atchat
In reply to
@JudithSchoonov1, @attipscast, @KarenJan
definitely small steps, but for aac at least one thing i'd suggest is make sure professionals have a chance to hear from adult aac users
so they can hear from us firsthand what it is like to not be given consistent access, what it means to us to have aac, etc #ATchat
In reply to
@VickiBostonSLP, @SGregorySLP, @attipscast, @JudithSchoonov1
That’s a great point. I think seeing more advanced AAC users is so powerful. I am starting to search in my community, but may have to start Skyping people in! #atchat
In reply to
@endeverstar, @VickiBostonSLP, @attipscast, @JudithSchoonov1
Just realized no one had replied. Things I’ve found useful/powerful: video success stories, both nearby & further afield, adult AAC user testimonials- great in person but video/YouTube also effective, parent testimonials & other SLPs/teachers. #ATchat
Well, I think the intent is meant to imply "not to lose" function. But yes, it is problematic if people interpret it to meant "not necessarily make progress." Is that how you're seeing it interpreted? #ATchat
yes skyping people in is totally legit! both for professionals to learn from and for students to see a role model, learn that they can totally grow up to be happy adult aac users, their way of communicating isn't weird or bad #ATchat
In reply to
@SGregorySLP, @VickiBostonSLP, @attipscast, @JudithSchoonov1
