| The diversity within the field of assistive technology
and the rate at which information changes makes it absolutely necessary that there
be a vehicle for sharing information within the district. This could be a newsletter
(in either electronic or hard copy format), a column or section within an existing
newsletter, a web site, an electronic bulletin board, a corner within each staff
lounge, a time slot at staff meetings, or any other vehicle that can be effectively
used to disseminate information. NewslettersWhen
creating a newsletter, it is important to keep it short. If something is too long
and complicated, it goes on that "stack" on the desk. (The one that
you are going to get to later!) One piece of paper (two pages, front and back)
is the best length if we want something to be read immediately. Many school districts
are effectively using a monthly newsletter to keep their teachers informed and
interested in assistive technology. Other districts have found it effective to
include assistive technology in an already existing newsletter. This may make
it inexpensive to disseminate information, as the budget for the newsletter is
already there. - In Janesville, Wisconsin, Kathy White, AT Coordinator,
has been creating newsletters on different uses of assistive technology for three
years to disseminate information throughout her district. They are now on a central
website, making her newsletters, fact sheets, and assessment forms are all easy
to find.
- Milwaukee Public
School's Assistive Technology Program and the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative
publish a newsletter six times during the school year. It includes information
about new technology, ideas for implementation, new web sites, lists of training
opportunities, and other information related to assistive technology.
- IntelliWorld:
A free e-mail newsletter for the IntelliTools' global family of special education
professionals, teachers and parents.
Professional
Groups It is important for individuals who are striving to learn more
about assistive technology to be connected to others with the same interests and
goals. Collegial support is a key ingredient for success in any endeavor. It is
especially important as individuals work to increase their use of various software
and hardware. In large school districts it may be necessary to connect teachers
and therapists from throughout the district who share common interests or who
are working to apply assistive technology with similar populations. In smaller
districts a collegial network must be established across districts. In many areas
interested persons meet on a county or regional basis. Attending a meeting on
a regular basis that is focused on applications of assistive technology helps
the teacher or therapist gain much needed information about the technology itself.
Perhaps even more important, it creates a network of individuals who know each
other and are comfortable calling or emailing each other to ask questions and
explore ideas. In many states professional organizations help to create
these networks of support. Several professional associations exist in the areas
of augmentative communication, computer access, rehabilitation, and general disability
issues. Each of these national organizations has branches or subdivisions in many
states. You can find out more about them by visiting their websites.
American
Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
4720 Montgomery Lane
Bethesda, MD 20824
(301) 652-2682
Fax:
(301) 652-7711 AOTA is a nationwide organization of occupational therapy
professionals. Membership includes a special interest section on technology. ASHA
(American Speech-Language-Hearing Association)
10801 Rockville
Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 897-5700
(800) 498-2071
Fax: (301)
571-0457 National association of professionals working in speech, language,
and hearing fields. Membership includes many specialists in augmentative communication.
Council
for Exceptional Children: Technology & Media Division
1920
Association Drive
Reston, VA 22091-1589
(888) CEC-SPED
Fax: 703-264-9494 The
Technology and Media Division of the national association of special education
teachers, university faculty, researchers and administrators, focuses on the technology
needs of students with disabilities. Publishes "Journal of Special Education
Technology". United
States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (USSAAC)
P.O. Box 5271
Evanston, IL 60204-5271
(847 869-2122
Fax: (847 869-2161
The purpose of USSAAC is to bring together individuals who are committed
to providing augmentative + alternative communication for people with disabilities.
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