Tech Tuesday

Format

Virtual

Presenters

• Michelle Austin, M.A., CCC/SLP Speech-Language Pathologist/Assistive Technology Specialist
• Laura Lavery, M.A., Education Specialist/Assistive Technology Specialist

Overview

The Assistive Technology Act of 2004 defines an assistive technology device in the following way: …any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. (29 U.S.C. Sec 2202(2))

Assistive technology (AT) in the classroom helps to ensure students with disabilities have the same opportunity for education as students who do not have disabilities. AT helps schools and teachers deliver on the promise of educational equity. Exploring how students with learning disabilities and other impairments use assistive technology in virtual and physical classrooms illuminates its vital role. AT can help improve a child's participation, well-being, confidence and self-esteem by improving a child's functioning and opportunities for play and social interaction, and give children a level of autonomy and self-determination to direct their own care and ambitions.

The Diagnostic Center, Central California will be hosting a series of learning opportunities which focus on assistive technology to support individuals in the areas of organization, engagement, learning, reading, writing, mathematics, and communication each month for the 2024-2025 school year. Each monthly session will be scheduled from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Select Topic links to register for specific sessions.

Date	Time	Topic & Registration
September 24, 2024	3:30 to 4:30	AT to Support Organization and Learning
October 22, 2024	3:30 to 4:30	AT to Support Augmentative and Alternative Communication/Communicative Competence
November 19, 2024	3:30 to 4:30	AT to Support Reading Disorders/Dyslexia
January 21, 2025	3:30 to 4:30	AT to Support Writing/Dysgraphia
February 18, 2025	3:30 to 4:30	AT to Support Literacy for Complex Communication
March 18, 2025	3:30 to 4:30	AT to Support Math/Dyscalculia
April 22, 2025	3:30 to 4:30	AT to Support Autism Spectrum Disorders
May 20, 2025	3:30 to 4:30	AT to Support Transition

If you would like to submit a question or request more information on a specific assistive technology area/topic in advance, please send an email to techtuesday@dcc-cde.ca.gov and be sure to:

• Include the date and topic in the subject area.
  
• If student specific, leave out any identifying student information (e.g., name, date of birth, gender, etc.).