Ershig Assistive Technology Resource Center

WECU Assistive Technology Outreach Project 2008-09

WECU AT Project Introduction

The E-ATRC in Woodring College of Education at Western Washington University maintains a collection of hundreds of assistive technology tools for P-12 students with diverse learning needs and provides training for pre-service educators. The E-ATRC is also available as a resource for local schools and families.

What is the WECU Assistive Technology Outreach Project?

Assistive technology (AT) supports the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. Other students with diverse learning needs can also benefit from these tools when they are available in the classroom. This project will offer AT support to local schools. Project components include:

• Assistive Technology Road Shows – the E-ATRC is equipped to visit school sites to present a brief (20-30 minute) overview to faculty/staff about the benefits of assistive technology for P-12 students with diverse learning needs.
• Collaborative AT Decision-making Packages – E-ATRC staff will also be available to work with IEP teams to consider students’ AT needs via a collaborative decision making process.
• AT Grants to Families – family members can apply for a limited number of small AT grants.

Who can benefit?

• Participating schools can build capacity to meet the needs of diverse learners by increasing AT knowledge and skills with the support of resources available from the E-ATRC. Selected teams will also receive an AT School Starter Kit to help guide future AT decisions.

• Students with disabilities who struggle with P-12 school tasks, such as reading, writing and math, can increase access to learning in the general curriculum with the support of assistive technology tools. 

How can schools and teams participate?

Educational teams serving students with disabilities are eligible to participate. Call (360) 650-2783 or e-mail E-ATRC coordinator Linda Schleef (Linda.Schleef@wwu.edu).

Schleef is a special education teacher and is certified by RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America) as an Assistive Technology Professional.

 

Preparing Thoughtful, Knowledgeable, and Effective Educators
for a Diverse Society