I Can Soar Video

“Teachers should not be afraid of technology, teachers should be groundbreakers…willing to go the extra mile…” Watch this video to learn how practitioners, service providers, and researchers face assistive technology challenges and overcome them with innovative implementation strategies.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) recognizes the importance of assistive technology for students with disabilities by requiring that assistive technology devices and services be considered in the development of every child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). This Fact Sheet accompanies the 2001 I Can Soar materials.

Today’s educators realize that assistive technology alone cannot teach students 21st century skills. Education technology must be a “tool in the toolbox” of teachers to maximize student engagement and achievement. Watch this video to hear educators discuss this issue.

Schoolwide strategies supported by administrators, teachers, and parents create the collaboration necessary for integrating assistive technology into the school day. Watch this video to learn how to apply strategies in your setting.

Watch this video to learn how Sean, a high school junior, approaches daily life with a disability. He uses computerized Braille copies and other AT products in school to learn geometry and develop 21st century job skills. Teachers and mentors also discuss their challenges in helping Sean achieve more independence.

See this video to learn how assistive technology helps Stacey bridge differences with peers to build relationships and actively participate in her 6th grade class. She uses an array of devices from hearing aids to a voice amplification system and an Alpha Smart 3000 that are integral pieces in her oral and writing progress.

Aaron faced “intense technology needs” entering public school, but with the help of assistive technology devices like IntelliKeys, a power wheelchair, and even video game controllers he is able to achieve more independence. Now as an 8th grade student, Aaron writes and races with his teachers at school and plays video games with his siblings at home. Watch this video to see how.

Voice-output assistive technology of varying difficulty levels help Angie, a 5-year old with cerebral palsy, participate in class and communicate with her family at home. With the appropriate training, even her older sister can program culturally specific recordings so Angie can use them in conversation. Watch this video to see how.

This is the user’s guide from the I Can Soar Video.