Videos

How is the U.S. Department of Education approaching technology and innovation? The potential of personalized learning is gaining traction.

During the 2009 conference keynote address on The Federal Perspective on Technology and Innovation, Karen Cator addressed the importance of establishing a new research and development agenda.

This panel on public/private partnerships discussed instances of success, proposed frameworks and models of change for consideration, and answered questions about how states can leverage their own resources to implement their own types of partnerships.

The panelists discussed how the demographic shifts and other business pressures are changing their perceptions of the disability market and offered advice on how to take advantage of the changes to maximize opportunities.

Alan Brightman discussed the different perspectives of disabilities he’s encountered, ways in which businesses have alleviated or added to accessibility issues, and provided examples of how wrong it is to impose limits on someone who wishes to accomplish something (e.g., become a jazz musician).

This panel explored both the assessment data on U.S. students’ performance as well as the pressures from businesses to have a better trained workforce. The audience engaged the panel in the Q&A session to provide federal and state policy advice.

Secretary Thomas E. Perez, Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation, gave a rousing address that stressed the role of workforce creation and economic stability is dependent upon an investment in human capital and the harnessing of technology to make the most of the opportunities and information.

Three panelists explored what the future holds for education, technology development, and around-the-corner solutions.

Jim Stovall, Co-founder and President, Narrative Television Network (NTN); Author, The Ultimate Gift, gave a rousing inspirational and motivating keynote address to set the tone for the conference.

Hear Yong’s thoughts on innovation, how technology is defining new talents, and why we all should embrace change.

Representing the Federation Employment and Guidance Service, Inc. (F·E·G·S), the largest human service organization in the United States, Al Miller demonstrated the power of leveraging public-private partnerships to improve the overall quality of life and maximize independence for individuals with special needs. Based on his tenure of over 40 years at F·E·G·S, Al outlined the blueprint for integrating technology that leads to greater incentives for innovation.

This session provided an excellent vehicle for participants to hear from leading national philanthropic organizations regarding the impact of investment in shaping the marketplace of ideas and innovation.

Today, more than ever, it is critical that technology products, devices, and tools have evidence pointing to their effectiveness. Panelists discussed the latest findings driving the field, and the best practices gleaned from the research. A lively conversation followed outlining effective strategies to communicate research-based findings in user-friendly terms to public and practitioner audiences.

Jim Fruchterman’s model for Benetech, a leading solution representing socially motivated technology applications, is a visionary example of leveraging the power of the social network to enhance lives. As a leading social entrepreneur and technology developer, Jim highlighted his experiences in creating ground-breaking solutions that allow all individuals to achieve equality in society.

“Teachers should not be afraid of technology, teachers should be groundbreakers…willing to go the extra mile…” Watch this video to learn how practitioners, service providers, and researchers face assistive technology challenges and overcome them with innovative implementation strategies.

Today’s educators realize that assistive technology alone cannot teach students 21st century skills. Education technology must be a “tool in the toolbox” of teachers to maximize student engagement and achievement. Watch this video to hear educators discuss this issue.

Schoolwide strategies supported by administrators, teachers, and parents create the collaboration necessary for integrating assistive technology into the school day. Watch this video to learn how to apply strategies in your setting.

Watch this video to learn how Sean, a high school junior, approaches daily life with a disability. He uses computerized Braille copies and other AT products in school to learn geometry and develop 21st century job skills. Teachers and mentors also discuss their challenges in helping Sean achieve more independence.

See this video to learn how assistive technology helps Stacey bridge differences with peers to build relationships and actively participate in her 6th grade class. She uses an array of devices from hearing aids to a voice amplification system and an Alpha Smart 3000 that are integral pieces in her oral and writing progress.

Aaron faced “intense technology needs” entering public school, but with the help of assistive technology devices like IntelliKeys, a power wheelchair, and even video game controllers he is able to achieve more independence. Now as an 8th grade student, Aaron writes and races with his teachers at school and plays video games with his siblings at home. Watch this video to see how.

Voice-output assistive technology of varying difficulty levels help Angie, a 5-year old with cerebral palsy, participate in class and communicate with her family at home. With the appropriate training, even her older sister can program culturally specific recordings so Angie can use them in conversation. Watch this video to see how.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) recognizes the importance of assistive technology for students with disabilities by requiring that assistive technology devices and services be considered in the development of every child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). This Fact Sheet accompanies the 2001 I Can Soar materials.

This is the user’s guide from the I Can Soar Video.