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Issue 17 | February 2025

Special Education Technology
Center

Inclusive Insights & Access Tips

SETC logo text

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

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.