Statewide AT Community Comes Together to Learn, Share, and Innovate

Educators from across Washington, including assistive technology specialists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and teachers, came together this May for our biannual Statewide Assistive Technology Meeting. This dynamic event brought together 96 participants representing over 60 school districts to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another. The meeting opened with a powerful reflection on inclusion, as participants shared what it looks like in their schools. From accessible playgrounds and peer-led motor groups to community-based AAC instruction and peer partnerships based on genuine shared interests, the collective vision was inspiring. One participant shared, “All modes of communication are accepted… Gen ed students are learning how to use AAC to communicate with peers.”

We also heard exciting updates from Smartbox and Proloquo, who demonstrated how AAC can be integrated into general education classrooms and provided customized tutorials highlighting the unique features of their tools. Guest speakers explored the evolving intersections of AI and AAC, as well as custom mounting solutions for students using assistive technology. During the “unconference” portion of the day, participants first gathered in job-alike groups to discuss hot topics and real-world challenges. In the afternoon, they joined self-selected breakout rooms focused on topics such as supporting successful transitions and implementing universal technology supports. These statewide gatherings continue to foster meaningful collaboration and build collective momentum toward more inclusive and accessible learning environments for all. Insights and resources from these conversations are being shared in this newsletter, as well as through upcoming trainings, tools, and guides, to support your work and amplify impact across our state.

In this issue

Accessibility Tip: Start with Built-In Tools
Evergreen Uses AI to Support AAC Access
Use AI to Personalize and Engage
Book nook

Mark your calendar

Awe and Wonder Podcast Series 6

New season available now!
E arly Intervention

Asynchronous Classes

NEW — just in time for summer! Starting in
July, SETC will offer six different asynchronous courses, all available for clock hours!

Accessible Content for All: Building
Equity & Engagement with Tech Tools
Unlocking Literacy for Students with
Disabilities- Series & Conventional
AI & Curriculum Adaptation: Merging AI
& Curriculum to Personalize Learning
AT in the Schools: Intro, AT
Consideration, AT Assessment
Communication for Complex Needs:
The Keys to Success (Deafblind focus)

Use AI to Personalize and Engage

AI tools can be powerful allies in creating accessible, engaging learning materials. At the May AT meeting, educators shared how they’re using AI to:

Generate personalized social stories and visual schedules using student interests and core vocabulary.
Adapt content into songs or stories with academic vocabulary to support AAC users.
Create step-by-step guides with images using favorite characters to boost motivation and comprehension.

✅ Pro Tip: Try tools like MagicSchool AI, Suno (music generator), or Goblin Tools to simplify tasks like creating visual supports, lesson materials, or age-respectful content—all while centering student voice and interest.

Accessibility Tip: Start with Built-In Tools

A key takeaway from the May Statewide AT Meeting: don’t overlook the powerful accessibility features already built into tools like Google Chrome and Microsoft Office. These include text-to-speech, voice typing, word prediction, and screen readers, often at no additional cost. Educators highlighted how built-in tools can reduce barriers and support inclusion without adding new platforms to learn or manage.

Evergreen Uses AI to

Alyssa, an SLP and AAC coach in Evergreen School District (Vancouver, WA), shared how she is helping staff model language and increase AAC access in general education, by using AI tools like ChatGPT to generate quick, customized supports—such as core word modeling guides for daily routines, math, and science. By combining descriptive teaching with AI-generated resources, Alyssa empowers educators with ready-to-use tools that promote meaningful inclusion.

Book nook

For younger students Dear Mr. Blueberry is a cute story of a very unexpected thing that a girl encounters on summer vacation, and her correspondence about it with her teacher. Here is a video Read Aloud for Dear Mr. Blueberry. Older students might enjoy Grand Hotel of Feelings. Feelings check into the hotel where the Manager is very skilled at handling them. You can preview The Grand Hotel of Feelings on this YouTube Read Aloud.