This week, Chris interviews Emma Fischer, a special education teacher in Culpeper County, Virginia who supports students in an adapted curriculum program. She enjoys supporting her student’s use of robust AAC, and she wanted to ask Chris about next steps in moving to a career in assistive technology, including possible Master’s Degree options and possible job roles!
Before the interview, Chris and Rachel share an incredible Q&A session with a special guest who has a lot to say about on putting together a good presentation on coaching and AAC!
Key Ideas This Week:
🔑 If you want to transition into an assistive technology role, you may want to consider moving to another area of the country if a job opens up. Typically, there is limited turnover in most AT roles, and it is possible you could go get a Master’s Degree in Assistive Technology and not have a position open in your area.
🔑 Consider Educational Technology as an alternative to assistive technology. There are more Ed Tech jobs than assistive technology jobs overall, and as an educational technology coach you can support all students, including students who have learning needs but are not in special education.
🔑 School administrators can have a really big impact with students, especially if you come from a place of knowledge about AAC and inclusion. Many people say the issue with their admin is their admin’s mindset, not an issue related to mine. Having an admin that understands disability advocacy could be really good. Big trade off is you don’t get to work directly with students as much with.
🔑 There is an artificial line with assistive technology and educational technology where someone has to be in special education to get assistive technology in many cases. As an educational technology coach, you can work with all the students, including people in special education and students who have unidentified learning problems.
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Tracy Kovach: Re-Defining the Role of AAC Professionals (Part 1)
Tali Kellerstein - Using Games to Engage Students and Motivate Communication
Key Takeaways from ATIA 2022 (Part 2)
Key Takeaways from ATIA 2022 (Part 1)
Kris Brock: Using Animated Symbols to Improve AAC Instruction & Comprehension (Part 2)
Kris Brock (Part 1): Using Animated Symbols to Improve AAC Instruction & Comprehension
Jenifer Eaton & Marya Haff (Part 2): Collaborating Effectively with ABA Providers
Jenifer Eaton & Marya Haff (Part 1): Collaborating Effectively with ABA Providers
Kara Cotter: Creating Self-Paced Training for Communication Partners (Part 2)
Kara Cotter: Improving AAC Training Opportunities for Teachers and Families (Part 1)
Ashley Larisey: Effective and Respectful Therapy Materials for Older Students
Tools, Strategies, and Takeaways from ASHA 2021
Rachel Dorsey: Taking a Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach to Therapy
Michaela Ball: Is an AT Certification Worth It?
Small Talks V: Mark Brown, Meryl Schnapp, Jennifer Edge Savage, Kim Albrecht, & Colleen Warn
Alexandria Zachos: Supporting Spontaneous Speech in People Who Script
Cindy Gelormini - Improving Inclusion Through Storytelling
Lory Chrane: Sowing the Seeds of AAC in Uganda
Coaching Call with Anya Ashouri - Part 2: Focusing on AAC Strategies, Not Just Tools
Coaching Call with Anya Ashouri: Getting School Admin Buy-In for AAC
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