Simmons CollegeAssistive Technology for

Special Education

What is Assistive Technology?

• Assistive Technology Device:

“Any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is use to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities.”

Low-tech Pencil grip -> Mid-tech communication device ->High-tech eyegaze control of computer

• Assistive Technology Service:

“Any service that directly assists a child with a

disability in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive

technology device.”

Awareness -> Assessment ->Implementation

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 1997

Consideration of Assistive Technologyis the LAW

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

(IDEA 1997reauth)

ALL students, regardless of their abilities, must be given the opportunity to become involved with and progress in the general education curriculum. Every student must have access to what is being taught. – IDEA

In order to support the inclusion and participation of students with disabilities in regular education classrooms, ALL Individual Education Programs (IEPs) developed for children identified as needed special education services MUST indicate that Assistive Technology has been considered.

We believe Assistive Technology is Important

There is no such

thing as an

average student.

ALL children can

learn.

We must honor all

learning differences

and support

all students

in the classroom..

“Just because I

can’t speak doesn’t mean I don’t have

anything to say…”

We believe in using the SETT Framework

StudentEnvironmentTaskTools

We Believe in Universal Design for Learning

Accessible, Flexible and Customizable Curriculum:

GoalsMethodsMaterialsAssessments

AsTech Program info

• Degree: • MSEd OR• EdS (If you already have a Masters Degree. Program is the

SAME.)• NOTE – this degree does NOT lead to licensure

• Off-Campus• Next cohort at TEC Walpole, MA to launch May 2017• Next cohort at TRI Williamstown, MA to launch January 2017

• Cost per course is approximately 60% of on-campus cost (about $1800-2200 per course including books/materials)

• All Courses meet on Weekends, most are blended with online coursework and reduced face-to-face meeting times. (Fridays 5-10, Saturdays 8:30-4:30 and some Sundays 8:30-4:30)

• 4 Semesters/15 Months

• 9 Courses/36 Credits

• 15-20 person cohorts (~225 graduates to date)

• 7 Faculty Members

• AsTech Launched 1998

Courses:

• SPND 422

• SPND 458

• SPND 456

• SPND 473

• SPND 470

• SPND 475

• SPND 453

• SPND 423

• SPND 463

AsTech for Life:

Professional Learning

Community!

Simmons College AsTech Course Descriptions

http://www.simmons.edu/academics/graduate-programs/special-education-assistive-technology-ms-or-eds

SPND 422 – Jennifer Edge-SavageDifferentiated Instructional Strategies Using Technology Across the Curriculum

SPND 458 – Rachel KuberryCurriculum Access Using Assistive Technology Devices

SPND 458 – Karen JanowskiCurriculum Support for Learners with High Incidence Special Needs Using Technology

SPND 470 – Jeanne TuthillCurriculum Modifications Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication Technologies

SPND 473 – Jennifer BuxtonProviding Specialized Curriculum and Environmental Access Using Customized Technology Tools

SPND 453 – Kelly FonnerLanguage and Cognitive Development and Alternative Assessment using Technology

SPND 475 – Brenda DoucetteEvaluation of Internet Resources and Educational Software for Curriculum Support

SPND 423 – Bob TuckerUsing Multimedia to create Curriculum Interventions for Learners with Special Needs

SPND 463 – Mike MarottaUniversal Classroom Design: Creating an Accessible Curriculum in the Inclusive Classroom

Nationally RecognizedSimmons AsTech Alumni

Samuel Sennott '07GS: Simmons Alumnus Invents iPhone Application

A graduate of the assistive technology program, Samuel Sennott '07GS is co-developer of the Proloquo2Go ™, a communication application for the iPhone and iPod Touch that helps individuals who have difficulty speaking.

The phone application has a basic screen with a variety of graphics that represent a vocabulary of more than 7,000 items. Portable and easy to use, the user touches the graphic on the screen, and it talks and can even automatically conjugate verbs.

The application currently is available in the English language through Assistive Ware, with work underway to support other languages. Sennott credits his Simmons degree for guiding his vision. "Madeleine Pugliese (clinical instructor and Assistive Technology Program Coordinator at Simmons) and her team provided instruction in this cutting-edge technology. They also gave me a framework of how to help people and teach them, using technology tools that will last me a lifetime. Although it was a highly technical degree program, it stayed focused on both the people who are being served, and the teachers. This focus is truly something to model after."

Sennott recently completed his Ph.D. at Pennsylvania State University and is now and Assistant Professor of Special Education at Portland State University, Oregon. One of his research interests is Google Glass and its applications for students with special needs.

Simmons AsTech Alumni become…

Better Technology-Using Educators

Private Practice Assistive Technology Specialists

District Based Assistive Technology Specialists

Higher Education Faculty

Leaders in the Field of Assistive Technology

Instructional Technologists able to support ALL students

Assistive Technology Product Developers

Corporate Assistive Technology Professionals

Regional, National and International Conference Presenters

State and National Policy Leaders

…What do you hope to accomplish with your degree?

Applying to the AsTech Program:

Apply online: https://simmonsgrad.hobsonsradius.com/ssc/aform/B0B042d7B70c0x67020CG.ssc

Completed Application Document

Resume

Transcripts

Statement of Purpose – most important

Two Recommendations

GRE is NOT required

Application Fee is WAIVED if you attend an open house (online or in person)

Simmons College AsTech Program

Transforming Education

We believe with the right combination of general education technology tools, good educational strategies and the appropriate assistive technology, all students can successfully access the curriculum and become lifelong learners.

Thank you! Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any further questions.

Jennifer Edge-Savageedge@simmons.eduAssociate Professor of Clinical Practice, Director, Simmons College AsTech Program, Education Department