Webinar Series: Turning the Page with Assistive Technology for Literacy (Virginia Department of Education, VDOE)

Description:

The Virginia Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Instructional Services, in partnership with the Virginia Assistive Technology Network and Accessible Instructional Materials Virginia (AIM-VA), invites general education teachers, reading specialists, special education teachers, and administrators to attend a four-part webinar series entitled Turning the Page with Assistive Technology for Literacy. Assistive Technology (AT) is designed to provide students with access to content that can positively impact their performance by improving grades, increasing independence, and academic success. The webinars will outline the research base that supports AT for reading and writing, explore low and high tech AT options that support instruction for students of all ages, and explain how to access accessible instructional materials for students.

Once you have registered an acknowledgement of the registration and a link to access the webinar will be sent to your email.

Session 1: October 21, 2021, 4-5 p.m.
Overview of AT- Registration
AT for literacy is an ever-growing field and can be difficult to remain current. This webinar will provide current research that supports AT for reading and writing, and will discuss the intersection of AT and literacy instruction. In addition this webinar will explore the wide variety of low tech AT options for reading and writing, which is often considered the beginning phase in implementing AT for students with disabilities.

Session 2: November 17, 2021, 4-5 p.m.
Exploring Middle and High Tech AT- Registration
This webinar will provide a wide range of mid to high tech AT materials that benefit students of all ages with challenges in reading and writing. Participants will explore text to speech options, voice recognition, contrast tools, picture dictionaries, and a range of digital solutions to support students in the area of literacy. Come ready for hands-on exploration!

Session 3: December 14, 2021, 4-5 p.m.
Implementing High Tech AT - Registration
This webinar will explore high tech solutions, built-in accessible technology present in student devices, and web resources to support your literacy instruction. Resources will be provided to assist with development of a plan for exploring and implementing AT for literacy with your students.

Session 4: January 13, 2022, 4-5 p.m.
Understanding AIM-VA and Its Resources - Registration
With a focus on accessible instructional materials, participants will learn how printed textbooks, reading books, worksheets, and tests used in the classroom are developed into accessible formats such as Braille, large print, or accessible electronic and audio files. Provide students with access to new content that can positively impact their performance by improving grades, increasing independence, and boosting success.