Newsletter - SETC

Newsletter: Inclusive Insights & Access Tips

Issue 15 | December 2024
Opening Doors to Literacy: Reading & Writing Opportunities for All Learners
Inclusive literacy begins with the belief that every student can learn to read and write. For students with intellectual disabilities (IDD), traditional teaching approaches may not fully address their unique needs. However, assistive technology provides creative pathways to engage all learners, unlocking their potential and ensuring access to the joys of reading and the power of writing.

Issue 14 | November 2024
Culturally Responsive Technology for Inclusion: Embracing Cultural Humility Incorporating culturally responsive practices is essential for creating inclusive learning environments that honor the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students with disabilities. This begins with meaningful family engagement —actively involving families in the educational process to understand and incorporate their cultural values, perspectives, and needs into teaching strategies.

Issue 13 | October 2024
Celebrating AAC Awareness Month
As we kick off October, AAC Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to shine a spotlight on the critical role Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) plays in supporting students with communication challenges. AAC empowers non-speaking and minimally speaking students to express themselves, breaking down barriers and opening doors to full participation in inclusive educational settings.

Issue 12 | September 2024
Getting to Know SETC

Imagine a classroom where every student, regardless of ability, has the tools to fully participate and thrive— technology is often the key! While some students require assistive technology (AT) tools to reduce barriers to learning, others excel with built-in tech tools. The Special Education Technology Center offers training , an AT lending library, and consultation services to help connect parents and educators to find the right technology to support students with disabilities, ages 3 to 22

Issue 11 | August 2024
Technology Infused MTSS

The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a framework that provides varying levels of educational support to ensure student success through necessary interventions. Defined by
the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), MTSS encompasses a continuum of evidence-based practices, addressing students’ needs through regular monitoring and data-driven decision-making.

Issue 10 | July 2024
Assistive AI: Transforming Inclusive Education

In this edition, we are excited to explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in personalizing learning experiences for students with diverse needs. AI has the potential to generate tailored support, fostering inclusivity, and enhancing engagement for all learners.

Issue 9 | June 2024
Summer Learning with Assistive Tech

As the school year winds down and summer adventures begin, we’re excited to share tips and tricks to keep kids learning wherever they go. Whether you’re heading to the beach, camping in the mountains, or exploring your local park, learning and creativity can be part of the journey.

Issue 8 | May 2024
Seeing Success: Supports for Students with Blindness and Low Vision

Explore a wealth of resources tailored to support educators working with low vision or blind learners. This network of contacts is available to aid in fostering inclusive practices by empowering educators with training and equipment and promoting accessibility for all learners.

Issue 7 | Apr 2024
Pathways to Inclusion: Harnessing Assistive Technology in Autism Acceptance Month

April is Autism Acceptance month; therefore, this newsletter is dedicated to highlighting the critical role of assistive technology in supporting autistic students and promoting inclusive practices within educational settings.

Issue 6 | Mar 2024
Key Guidance on Assistive Technology Myths and Facts

In January, the Office of Special Education Programs and the Office of Education Technology issued important guidance on Assistive Technology (AT) devices and services. In this issue of the newsletter, we zoom in on this guidance and share resources to support school districts.

Issue 5 | Feb 2024
Igniting a Love of Reading

Educators hold the key to igniting a lifelong passion for reading, as emphasized by Kathryn Starke in “Developing a Love of Reading in Students”. Motivation to read can arise from exposure to representative texts, diverse genres, and the use of audiobooks, graphic novels, and switch- accessible texts.

Issue 4 | Jan 2024

Tools and Strategies to Support Inclusive STEM Instruction

Enhancing math and science instruction by ensuring the active participation of all students.

Issue 3 | Dec 2023

Empowering Inclusive Learning Through Alternative Writing Access

Building a truly inclusive classroom involves recognizing and embracing the various ways in which students express their ideas.

Issue 2 | Nov 2023
Wrapping Up Augmentative Alternative Communication
Awareness Month Language

As we conclude AAC Awareness month, we are reminded of the pivotal role AAC plays in fostering inclusivity within the realm of education. AAC not only supports students with disabilities, but also enhances the overall classroom experience by promoting empathy, understanding, and acceptance among peers.

Issue 1 | Oct 2023
Visually Representing
Language

Imagine if real life had captions? What if all classrooms had multiple ways to represent spoken words? Think of all the students who could benefit from language being represented visually!