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.
Visit talkingwithtech.org to access previous episodes, resources, and CEU credits that you can earn for listening to TWT episodes!
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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
Mark Nichols: Supporting AT and Universal Design in Higher Education
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
Brittany Dube: Author, YouTuber, and Part-time AAC User
Colleen Warn - Improving Equity in AAC Evaluation and Implementation
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