Improving Your AT Services By Knowing What Research Has Proven

Presenter: Dr. Penny Reed

Cost: $50 for non-AT Academy members, free for AT Academy members

Description: Have you heard that there isn’t any research on AT? That is definitely not true! There is a variety of important research on all types of AT. Using research based interventions can make your AT services more effective. This session will include a review of the types of research being conducted and how each can be of value to you in planning your interventions. Research confirming the impact of AAC and power mobility will be highlighted for students with low incidence disabilities. Research on the effectiveness of AT for reading and writing for students with high incidence disabilities will also be reviewed, including the latest analysis of its impact. Sources of AT research will be shared and references for all studies mentioned will be provided.

About the Presenter: 

Penny Reed, Ph.D., is an independent consultant in the field of special education specializing in assistive technology services. She was founder and director of the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative from 1993 to 2003.  She has been a teacher, consultant and administrator in the field of special education. Dr. Reed has mentored several other states as they developed statewide AT programs. Dr. Reed is co-author of Educational Tech Points: A Framework for Assistive Technology Planning (Bowser & Reed, 1998, 2006, 2012), Assistive Technology Pointers for Parents, (Reed & Bowser, 2000, 2011, 2014), How Do You Know It? How Can You Show It? (Reed, Bowser, & Korsten, 2002), A School Administrator’s Desktop Guide to Assistive Technology (Bowser & Reed, 2004), Considering the Need for Assistive Technology within the Individualized Educational Program (Castellani, Dwyer, McPherson, Reed, Rein, & Zabala, 2005) and other publications.

Agenda

12:30   Welcome and Introductions

12:40   Types of research about AT and what you can learn from each

12:50   Research about AT use with students with low incidence disabilities

• What research tells us about the impact of AAC on the development of speech
• What research tells us about the effects of power mobility on the development of independent mobility
• What research tells us about picture supported text and the development of literacy

2:00     Break

2:15     Research about AT for students with high incidence disabilities

• What research tells us about selecting and using AT for reading
• What research tells us about AT for writing

3:00     Best sources of research about AT

3:15     Wrap-up

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