Nearly ten Ohio County Schools employees are part of a team that received a $35,000 grant to purchase assistive technology to trial with students. Read on to learn more about exactly what that means and how it can benefit our kids!
Speech Pathologist, Jennifer Nick, Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Michelle Hogan, and Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Arianne Goneau recently sat down with us to explain the benefits of assistive technology and how this grant came to fruition.
“Former WV State Speech Coordinator, Lee Ann Brammer, contacted me last fall regarding becoming a pilot team for the state,” states Nick. This means Ohio County Schools is one of only 3 counties in our state to have not only access to, but training on a variety of tools useful to students. The grant offers technology that can assist students in their learning. “What we and these tools offer doesn’t necessarily change the curriculum,” states Hogan, “but it makes the curriculum accessible.” Goneau continues to elaborate by explaining an FM System, a device that a teacher wears (similar to a stage microphone) while teaching that connects directly to a student who may have trouble hearing. “Having up-to-date FM systems can help tremendously for a student who may not even realize just how much they were missing,” she states.
As part of the pilot, these women in conjunction with Speech Pathologists Stephanie Sada, Megan Dunaway, and Megan Hummel, Occupational Therapist Casey Smith, Physical Therapist Lori Glass, and Consultative Specialist Sue Huntley aim to assist special education teachers in Ohio County Schools with any communication or assistive technology needs.
The grant allowed this group to purchase assistive technology to develop a unique lending library. Whether a teacher wants to try a communication device, an FM system, or a specific piece of technology, like an iPad or Switch, or curriculum, the lending library is a great asset for students who can benefit.
“Assistive technology allows students constant access to their educational environment,” states Hogan. “When we are contacted for a consultation, we will observe, complete an evaluation and make recommendations for assistive devices,” she adds.
Professional development plays a large role in teaching others how to use the tools. “With the help of the state department, we received training at WV School for the Deaf and Blind, helped to develop the guidance document and referral protocol, and adapted the forms for our county needs,” states Nick.
We are thrilled to be one of the few pilot programs in our state, and we look forward to continuing to provide as many students as possible with tools they need for success.
Thank you to all our phenomenal teachers on our Assistive Technology Team!
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