This week, Chris interviews his long-time colleague, Mark Nichols, an AAC/AT Specialist who is the Senior Director of Universal Design and Accessible Technologies at Virginia Tech. Chris and Mark talk about the differences and similarities between higher education and K-12 for universal design and AT, the types of technologies that are often very useful in higher education, how to determine how much a university supports inclusion and assistive technology, and more!
Before the interview, Chris shares memories and thoughts about the late, great Joy Zabala with his wife, Melissa Bugaj. They talk about the importance of Joy’s SETT framework, the impact Joy had on AT, and Melissa and Chris’s personal relationship with Joy and how she influenced their personal life.
Key ideas this week:
🔑 You can set up software to identify how inclusive your materials are. Software like Grackle for Google Docs (grackledocs.com) will scan a document to determine if there are accessibility issues (e.g. a pdf image that does not support text to speech) before the document is posted.
🔑 Accessibility and universal design are not just for a select set of people with disabilities - many times, typically developing students will benefit from making materials more accessible. Also, making the solution universal students don’t have to ask for the tool to have it available.
🔑 Consider making a training video for staff that outlines all the ways that universal design and accessibility can make a big difference for students and then gives training on how to use the technology services currently available to make more accessible materials.
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Anu Garla: Benefits of AAC Coaching and Intensive Language Interventions
India Ochs: Lawyer, Social Justice Advocate, Mother, and AAC User
Laura Hayes: How to Shape & Support AAC ”Stimming”
TWT Live: Closing The Gap - Part 3
TWT Live: Closing the Gap - Part 2
TWT Live: Closing The Gap - Part 1
Megan Roberts: Research Supporting Parent-Implemented Interventions
Amanda Soper: AAC Implementation Strategies for People with CVI
Amy Fleischer & Melissa Petersen: Benefits of a Universal Core Board for All Students
Jayme Grant: Effective AAC Assessment, Treatment, and Progress Monitoring - Part 2
Jayme Grant: Using Team-Based Assessments to Determine Long Term AAC Needs - Part 1
Kate McLaughlin - Celebrating Small Successes With Better Progress Measurement
Meryl Schnapp & Mark N. Brown: Becoming a District-Wide AAC Implementation Coach
Heidi Hosick Joyce: Reflective Coaching Strategies for AAC Communication Partners
Beth Poss & Tonya Williams-Walker: Improving Equity for AAC Users
Mike Marotta - Best Built-in Accessibility Features on Devices
Karen Janowski - Strategies to Support Literacy & Inclusivity
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