Families are thirsty for information about inclusive technology that supports their children with disabilities. They want to understand and inform the tools schools use. They want to collaborate. Yet, while family engagement is essential—and promoted in the Every Student Succeeds Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act—it is often not operationalized.
During the edLeader Panel “Inclusive Technology: Breaking Barriers and Empowering Learners,” prominent education leaders emphasized the critical role of integrating inclusive technology systems within schools. The discussion centered around the unveiling of the Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems (CITES) framework, an initiative supported by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs.
Presented by Maggie Pickett, MA, CCC-SLP, Senior Technical Assistance Specialist, CAST; Dr. Angel Morgan, Assistant Instructional Professional, Arizona State University; and Erika Chapman, Parent Liaison, Program for Exceptional Children, Florence One School District (SC)
Presented by Luis Perez, Ph.D., Disability & Digital Inclusion Lead, CAST; Sharon Smith, Ed.D., Director of Special Education, Hampton Township School District (PA); and Christine Fox, CITES Project Director, CASTFox, CITES Project Director, CAST
When students with disabilities come to your school, the technology that can help them succeed should be immediately available. Therefore, strategies for identifying and selecting accessible and inclusive tech should be top of mind.
The number of students with disabilities in U.S. schools is growing. Yet the number of teachers, paraprofessionals, and other staff qualified and prepared to teach them is declining, leaving special education learners without the services and support they need.
Presented by Dr. Kari Stubbs, Senior Vice President, STAGES Learning; and Lisa Schmucki, Founder and CEO, edWeb.net
Presented by Janna Greathouse, District Assistive Technology Coordinator, Jenks Public Schools (OK); Samantha Reid, M.Ed., Educational Technology Coordinator, Jenks Public Schools (OK); and Christine Fox, CITES Project Director, CAST
Presented by Dr. Clarissa Rosas, Associate Professor, Education Chair, Special Education, Concordia University; and Dr. Kathy Winterman, Director, School of Education, Xavier University