Date: 10/21/2026 Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Location: Online Type: Webinar Price: Free
Description:
When should AT be introduced to blind and low vision students? As early as possible! Attend this session for inspiration on how to intro tech in natural environments to build sensory skills, self-determination, and positive attitudes toward AT.
Technology instructors and teachers of blind and low vision students are often asked: when should technology be introduced to blind and low vision students? Our answer: As early as possible! Early introductions during the early childhood years can serve multiple purposes, including the development of sensory skills, self-determination, and positive attitudes toward technology that set up students for later success. This session will inspire attendees to develop creative recommendations when working with families and other early childhood providers to infuse the early learning environment with accessible information. Resources and lesson plans will be shared that can support families and related personnel to learn just enough AT to showcase incidental uses of access technology.
Session Focus:
October 21, 2026 – Blind/Low Vision Tech for early learners: Explore how blind and low vision learners access information, with a focus on tools, supports, and design choices that make learning visible and meaningful.
November 18, 2026 – Supporting Students with Alternative Access Needs: Learn how technology can spark access, learning, communication and creativity. Explore tools and setups that support access, engagement, and independence.
December 16, 2026 – STEM Instruction for Learners who are Blind/Low Vision
February 17, 2027 – Engaging Struggling Reader & Writers: Learn how tools can help struggling readers and writers access grade-level text and express their thinking.
March 17, 2027 – Emergent Literacy Tools & Strategies: Explore tools, strategies, and learning experiences that support the development of communication, language, and early literacy skills through meaningful interaction, participation, and access for learners at all stages of literacy development.
Objectives:
- Participants will learn 5 strategies for using AT in natural early childhood environments.
- Participants will brainstorm 3 ideas for introducing AT that can be shared with families and early intervention personnel.
- Participants will learn 3 resources for working with AT, families and early intervention personnel.
Facilitators:
Jessica Chandler – Mary “Jessica” Chandler is the current Associate Director of Outreach, Birth to Five at the Washington State School for the Blind and the Washington State Coordinator of Early Supports for Infants and Toddlers who are Blind or have Low Vision (B/LV) where she is fortunate to companion families during the earliest stages of their journey to support and empower their B/LV children.
Leslie Edmonds – TVI
Contact:
Email Sue Wright at the SETC office
Zoom Link
Clock hours for this webinar and others in this series are available from ESD105 for a small fee. The following Professional Development Enroller link provides more information about clock hours: Pending