IU 28 Assistive Technology Updates

Summer has been a great time of rest and renewal. Now, it's time to start the school year off strong! Please remember that Assistive Technology must be considered at every IEP meeting! If AT is appropriate or if it should be explored, please check the corresponding box on the IEP Special Considerations page! To find out more information, check out PaTTAN's publication, Assistive Technology in the IEP. (Opens in new tab.)

The compliance date for State and local government entities with a total population of 50,000 or more is extended from April 24, 2026, to April 26, 2027. The compliance date for public entities with a total population of less than 50,000, or any special district government, is extended from April 26, 2027, to April 26, 2028. You can learn more by viewing this website. (Opens in new tab.)

Learn more about making your digital content accessible by visiting the NCADEMI website (opens in new tab)! Or, if you have access to Alludo, please consider taking the Accessibility 101 course!

Digital accessibility of educational materials for students with disabilities is a shared priority.

And with the first conformance deadline for the updated ADA Title II requirements coming up

this April, digital accessibility is no longer optional.

NCADEMI has built a practical, evidence-based pathway for state and local education teams to

build capacity for digital accessibility. Through their free, interactive, virtual series, Powering

Digital Accessibility through Systemic Action, teams learn how to implement the Quality

Indicators for the Provision and Use of Accessible Materials in PreK-12 Systems. A readiness

protocol helps teams understand their starting point, and self-assessment tools guide goal-

setting and continuous improvement over time.

While the series is universally available for independent use, NCADEMI is launching a free

virtual Professional Learning Group (PLG) for state and local education teams seeking targeted

technical assistance. The PLG provides structure, expert guidance, and shared accountability to

help teams make sustained progress. Learn more about NCADEMI’s PLG.

NCADEMI is continually releasing new resources and learning opportunities for improving digital

accessibility in PreK-12 education.

In addition, PaTTAN has partnered with Tech Kids Unlimited to be able to offer an accessible Drone Pilot Curriculum! Remember... STEM is for ALL students!

uPar is an online tool that can be quickly given to students in order to see if text-to-speech technologies will be a valid accommodation! Watch the video to learn more!👇

Check out THIS FREE RESOURCE PAGE to get you up and running!

Email Jayna for more information, jgreenfield@iu28.org

Bookshare is a website where students with a certified print disability can get accessible books for free! Check out their website to learn more!

Beginning in January 2025, IU and district personnel wishing to sign out iPads or other equipment from the AT Lending Library will need to use the MyTurn website at: https://ARINIU28.myturn.com.

Users will need to create a FREE account, by clicking "Create Account" at the top of the homepage. Please email Jayna with questions, at jgreenfield@iu28.org.

For more information, click here.

For a tutorial video, click here.

If you plan to send the trial AAC iPad home for use in that environment, please have parents/guardians complete this form, AT/AAC Home Use Agreement. (Note: The LEA is still responsible for lost/stolen/damaged items, but this will help the family to understand the importance of proper use and care.)

Due to vision, reading, physical, or learning disabilities, students may qualify for free braille, audio, or digital books through Bookshare! Please click this link to learn more, and email me with questions!

https://www.bookshare.org/help-and-learning-articles/abcs-of-bookshare-for-educators

The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) has recently released guidance on Assistive Technology Devices and Services, in accordance with IDEA. You can check it out here!

Tarheel Reader is now "Monarch Reader!" The wait is over...and the transition is done! Check out the new website here to access accessible, digital books!

Stay Tuned!!

Free Virtual On-Demand PD Opportunity on Accessible Educational Materials (AEM)

Educators can take a free 2 hour-course about AEM and Bookshare from the Iris Center! Click here to learn more!

SLPs do not have to attend only ASHA CEU approved courses to count towards their required professional development? They can choose courses relevant for them, as long as they are related to their scope of practice, and then log their own hours for their certification maintenance! For more information, read this article and watch this 15 minute presentation to learn more!!

Learn how to make a dual switch for students with disabilities! This project is rated as advanced and is suitable for all those who have strong skills in 3D design and 3D printing, as well as basic skills with the BBC micro:bit.

Check out this website for more specific details and requirements.

The following courses are available. Please let Jayna know if you are interested!

• AT 101
• Augmentative & Alternative Communication Basics
• Free AT Tools for Reading & Writing

Jayna's Virtual Office

Jayna's AAC & Distance Learning Site:

AAC & Distance Learning: Resources to Support Your Students & Families

Resources compiled by Jayna Greenfield, MS, CCC-SLP/L

Go to this Sway

PaTTAN: https://www.pattan.net/assistive-technology/

Pinterest: @atjayna

Email: jgreenfield@iu28.org
Website: www.iu28.org
Location: 2895 West Pike Road, Indiana, PA, USA
Phone: 724-463-5300