The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 (IDEA 97) requires Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams to consider the assistive technology needs of all students referred for special education services. When assistive technology is needed by the student to receive a free appropriate public education, it must be included in the student's IEP as a part of the goals and objectives, as a related service or as a supplementary aid/service. In an effort to assist school districts in meeting IDEA requirements, the Arkansas Department of Education and the Easter Seals Outreach Program are providing the regional training listed below.
WORKSHOP I - ASSESSMENT ISSUES AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Times: 9:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Presenter: Bryan Ayres, M.Ed. Education Consultant, Assistive Technology Task Force Chair.
Audience: Special Education Teachers, Speech Language Pathologists, Assessment Personnel, Special Education Administrators, Early Childhood Coordinators
Content Summary: To meet the requirements of IDEA, this workshop will review a number of assessment guides and protocols that can assist teams in meeting these requirements. Participants will be challenged to use case studies and selected assessment tools and processes to consider assistive technology needs.
Dates and Location (Lunch will be on your own at each site):
10/30/01 - Western AR Education Service Cooperative, Branch
11/14/01 - Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative, Plumerville
11/28/01 - Northeast AR Education Service Cooperative, Walnut Ridge
12/7/01 - Wilbur D. Mills Education Service Cooperative, Beebe
1/25/02 - Southeast AR Education Service Cooperative, Monticello
2/8/02 - South Central AR Education Service Cooperative, Camden
2/15/02 - Southwest AR Education Service Cooperative, Hope
2/22/02 - AR River Education Service Cooperative, Pine Bluff
3/6/02 - Northwest AR Education Service Cooperative, Springdale
WORKSHOP II - SPECIAL EDUCATION SOFTWARE SEMINAR
Times: 9:00 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.
Presenter: Bryan Ayres, M.Ed. Education Consultant, Assistive Technology Task Force Chair.
Audience: Special Education Teachers, Speech Language Pathologists, General Education Teachers, Related Services Providers, Media Specialists
Content Summary: There are a number of software programs that are currently popular among professionals and families who work with students who have disabilities. These workshops offer hands-on experience in a computer lab setting to provide hands-on experience using three different types of software. The software selections are titled "Boardmaker", "Writing with Symbols", & "Community Success." The workshops are limited to no more than 20 participants at each site.
Dates and Location (Lunch will be on your own at each site):
11/16/01 - Western AR Education Service Cooperative, Branch
12/12/01 - Northwest AR Education Service Cooperative, Springdale
1/11/02 - Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative, Plumerville
1/31/02 - Easter Seals Outpatient Services, Little Rock
2/6/02 - AR River Education Service Cooperative, Pine Bluff
2/20/02 - Southwest AR Education Service Cooperative, Hope
2/27/02 - Southeast AR Education Service Cooperative, Monticello
4/3/02 - DeQueen/Mena Education Service Cooperative, Gillham
4/12/02 - Wilbur D. Mills Education Service Cooperative, Beebe
4/17/02 - Dawson Education Service Cooperative, Arkadelphia
4/19/02 - South Central AR Education Service Cooperative, Camden
4/24/02 - Northcentral AR Education Service Cooperative, Melbourne
5/2/02 - Northeast AR Education Service Cooperative, Walnut Ridge
5/7/02 - Crowley's Ridge Education Service Cooperative, Harrisburg
5/10/02 - Great River Education Service Cooperative, West Helena
5/15/02 - Ozarks Unlimited Resources Education Cooperative, Harrison
Contact Bryan Ayres, Education Consultant, Easter Seals Outreach toll-free for further information at 877-533-3600 or by e-mail at bayres@ar.easter-seals.org. Registration forms are attached.