[Athen] Pamphlet supporting transitions from elementary through post secondary

[Prof Norm Coombs]

EASI (Equal Access to Software and Information) has a pamphlet discussing 
the transitions students have to pass through in moving all the way from 
elementary school through college.  You can get a copy of this seven-page 
booklet by sending email to easi1 at easi.cc.  Below is an excerpt that 
relates mainly to colleges and universities.

As you'll see in this section of the document, schools need to be ready to 
provide adaptive computers and properly designed information technology to 
provide adequate support for these students.

In December, EASI has a month-long, online course called "Train the 
Trainer".  Yes, besides having equipment, colleges need staff who are 
familiar with it and capable of providing training on it for 
students.  Read about Train the Trainer and register online at:
http://easi.cc/workshop.htm

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Changes and Challenges
Educational Transitions the EASI Way


Becoming an Advocate
Sometimes faculty and service providers are thrust in the role of 
advocating for equipment and support services for their students with 
disabilities. These tips are aimed at service providers who lobby for the 
adaptive computing equipment and support that disabled students may need.

1. If no one at your school is particularly knowledgeable or interested in 
adaptive computer technology, bring the information to your school. 
Research it yourself. Find a computer resource center in your area, and 
bring brochures and other information on adaptive computer technology to 
the IEP team, Disabled Student Services Office or Academic Computing Office.

2. Research and share success stories about other students with 
disabilities who have benefited by using adaptive computer technology. See 
what other schools and universities are doing and suggest that your school 
can follow the same path.

3. Discuss assistive technology with teachers, campus computing center 
directors and professors, and give them information on picking accessible 
software and integrating the computer into the classroom curriculum.

4. Invite faculty and staff to your lab and show them how adaptive 
technology works.

5. Encourage school administrators and service providers to check out 
federal, state and private agencies for help in paying for adaptive 
equipment and training on the equipment.

6. Most importantly, keep informed of assessment and funding sources that 
are available to help obtain the best possible education students with 
disabilities.

Outreach and Awareness Programs
All schools -- from elementary to university -- can improve the services 
offered to students with disabilities by coordinating their services and 
providing links between elementary schools, middle schools, secondary 
schools, and colleges.

Both community and four-year colleges should create outreach and awareness 
programs to link up with feeder schools so they can coordinate technology 
and other support services.
Early identification of incoming disabled students and early, coordinated 
planning for their educational support will help smooth transitions and 
ensure that each student gets the best possible education.

How to Establish Links
There are several ways for colleges and universities to establish links 
with feeder schools.
Disabled Student Services offices and Offices of Adaptive Computing 
Technology can set up open houses during the year to bring in students with 
disabilities, teachers, guidance counselors, and transfer center staff for 
tours and demonstrations.

Outreach strategies should focus on the role of assistive technology in 
college and should highlight using assistive technology to do class and 
home assignments, for research, and as an all-around aid for students with 
disabilities.
It is also a good policy to incorporate adaptive computing technology 
service information and demonstrations into regularly scheduled campus 
tours and orientations and publications.

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Again, to obtain the electronic pamphlet send email to easi1 at easi.cc

To read the syllabus and register for Train the Trainer, go to
http://easi.cc/workshop.htm


Norm Coombs
norm.coombs at gmail.com