AT Support Available for Students During School Closures

AAC At HomeAssistive Technology
Written By Janice Reese


Assistive technology and adaptive equipment can facilitate learning in a variety of ways for students with disabilities who need technology to maintain or improve their functionality. For example, a student who needs a device to facilitate communication may use an iPad with an app such as Proloquo4Text. This and other similar apps can be used by students who are unable or have difficulty speaking to communicate through typed text. State and Territory AT Programs have information about augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) options, including apps. SEAs can contact their AT Program to learn more about AAC apps that are available for loan as well as training and support available to students, parents, caregivers, and teachers.

Through the CARES Act, funding has been made available to SEAs to aid in distance learning, including the purchase of educational and assistive technologies for students with disabilities, including adaptive equipment. State AT Programs are prepared to contract with SEAs to aid with such services and supports that help students with disabilities fully engage with remote instruction and learning.

If you are serving students with AT needs and need device loans or training support, contact your local Tennessee Tech Access Center for assistance.   Click here for more details and to find your local program!

Janice Reese

My name is Janice Reese and I LOVE assistive technology! I worked as an Occupational Therapist for more than 15 years, earned a Master’s degree in Education Technology, and I’m RESNA certified as an Assistive Technology Profession (ATP). I have worked in the school system for many years now and I love using technology to enhance the lives of children with disabilities. Since my first love is teaching, I’ve spent just as much time training wonderful teachers everywhere to use these tools in their classrooms. AT4Kids, llc was founded in 2008 in an effort to provide quality instruction and resources for teachers, therapists, student users and parents who wanted to know more about using AT.

I currently serve as Director of the Center for Assistive Technology, a state-supported program of the Little TN Valley Educational Cooperative. LTVEC is a non-profit agency whose goal is to provide rehabilitation services and accessibility supports for students with special needs in east Tennessee. My AT4Kids blog is designed to be as a one-stop resource for ideas and information for those wanting to learn more about the use of AT with children in the special education setting.

I hope to offer helpful hints, program and product reviews, AT recommendations, links to great new finds on the web, and lists of resources for “all things AT”.

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