Issue 17 | February 2025
Special Education Technology
Center
Inclusive Insights & Access Tips




Families and Educators:
A Vital Partnership
February is a month for celebrating relationships, and in
education, no partnership is more essential than the one
between families and educators. Building inclusive
classrooms begins with trust, collaboration, and shared goals,
ensuring every student—including those with disabilities—
feels seen, valued, and supported.
When it comes to Assistive Technology (AT) and
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC),
family input is key.

Whether it’s selecting AAC vocabulary that reflects a student’s home life or incorporating cultural values into therapy goals, partnering with families ensures we are meeting each child’s unique needs. Families are not just partners in their child’s education— they are experts in their child’s unique needs. They use technology tools regularly and know what works, what doesn’t, and what adjustments are needed. When families and educators collaborate, assistive technology becomes even more powerful—creating seamless support across home, school, and the community.

In this issue
- Families and Educators: A Vital
Partnership - Mark your calendar
- SETC sponsors “Out of My Mind” showing
- Richland School District hosts AAC night
- Access for all at home
- Book nook
Mark your calendar
Community of Practice Series
- 2/4: UDL Leadership: Professional
Learning and Coaching - 2/6: AAC Collaboration Corner: Exploring
the Needs of Part-Time AAC Users - 2/11: Blending Perspectives on Vision,
Speech & Motor: Alternative Access
Webinars
- 2/5: Trauma Informed Care & Assistive
Technology and AAC - 2/19: AT Myth-Busting: AT Consideration
& AT in the IEP
Awe and Wonder Podcast Series 6
Brand new season available now!
More Leaders & Change Makers
Save the Date!
- 3/7 (Zoom): AI Solutions:
Empowering Educators to
Personalize Learning - 3/18 (in person, CWU,
Ellensburg): Tailored
Teaching: Leveraging
AI for Personalized
Learning - 3/15 (Zoom) and 3/29 (In-Person, Bellingham): SETC Literacy Retreats
SETC sponsors "Out of My Mind" showing!
Please join us at SIFF
Cinema Uptown for a
FREE special watch party of the beautiful film, Out of My Mind on Sunday February 23 at 3:00! Everyone is welcome; film is rated PG. Space is
limited, register today!
Highlight reel
The Richland School District is leading the
way in fostering family and community
engagement with AAC! In this inspiring
video, Mariah Thoi shares the success of
their AAC Community Night—bringing
families, educators, and the community
together to support AAC users. Watch to
learn how they did it and get inspired to
start something similar in your district!
Access for all at home
Check out this useful example handout—
great for helping families support access to
Assistive Technology at home! It includes
simple, actionable tips for integrating AT
into daily routines.
Book nook
“How Do You Say It Today, Jesse Bear?” examines
the calendar year and how to give messages of love for each celebration. “Love, Z” is a cool little mystery in which a small robot follows clues to find out what “love” means. It’s great for all ages and is age respectful for older students.