Pathway to Technology

Should I update my software? How do you create an accessible PowerPoint? How can I start a blind preschooler on an iPad? Is there an accessible app that . . . ? This session introduces participants to Paths to Technology, a teacher-friendly resource that answers these tech questions and more! Paths to Technology is a Perkins eLearning website created to assist educators, families and students to learn about and stay current on ever-changing technology for students with visual impairments and blindness. Read posts, watch videos, use lesson plans, follow curriculums; Paths to Technology has a wide variety of posts covering all types of technology for students with visual impairments of all ages and abilities. With the recent increase in need for accessible digital materials for remote instruction, Paths to Technology now has a Resource Library with available teacher-created educational materials, non-visual digital maps and lessons! This session will provide an overview about the website, how to find desired topics on the website and how YOU and/or your students can share information with the Paths to Technology community!

Objectives:

1. Participants will learn how to register on Paths to Technology, sign up for the weekly email, and how to tag Favourite posts.
2. Participants will learn how to search to find desired posts on Paths to Technology.
3. Participants will learn how to incorporate Paths to Technology into tech-related student lessons.

Practical Tips for Promoting Literacy Skills

In this two-hour session, we explored activities and tips to facilitate the development of literacy skills in children with visual impairments, including those with additional disabilities. While training programs for teachers of students with visual impairments typically teach the braille code, basic information about cortical visual impairment (CVI), and more, teachers in the field often discover that they have not had specific preparation in teaching braille skills or adapting materials for students with CVI.

Beginning with an overview of the Paths to Literacy website, participants examine strategies designed to address a range of educational goals, from basic concepts in early childhood to beginning braille, tips for those with low vision, dual media learners, and more. We discussed strategies for adapting materials for students with CVI, and looked at creative ideas for teaching writing and expressive language to students with visual impairment and Autism Spectrum Disorder. There will be an emphasis on using the website as a resource, with information on how to search effectively.

This event addresses the following Standards from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers: 1.1.2, 1.2.2, 1.3.2, 1.4.2, 1.5.2, 1.6.2, 2.6.2, 3.2.2, 3.3.2, 3.4.2, 3.6.2, 4.1.2, 4.4.2, 4.5.2, 5.1.2, 5.2.2, 5.3.2, 5.4.2, 6.2.2, 6.2.6, 6.3.2, 6.4.2, 7.4.2. It fits within the Priority Area of Children/ Student with Disabilities. This event is evidence and research based.