In this insightful episode of AT Talks, we delve into the vital role of Assistive Technology (AT) within Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), with a special focus on the critical process of AT Consideration. Join us as we provide comprehensive guidance for educators, parents, and specialists on how to effectively ensure students receive the essential AT support they need to thrive. We'll be answering relevant questions from our mailbag, offering practical strategies and valuable resources. Plus, don't miss an illuminating interview with Vanessa Lombardo, Director of the AT Center at TCNJ, who shares her expertise on integrating AT into educational settings and the profound impact it has on student success.

Shownotes:

• Microsoft Speak: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-the-speak-text-to-speech-feature-to-read-text-aloud-459e7704-a76d-4fe2-ab48-189d6b83333c

• Chrome Select to Speak: https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/9032490?hl=en

• iOS, Spoken Content: https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/hear-whats-on-the-screen-or-typed-iph96b214f0/ios

• Read&Write Google Chrome add-on: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/readwrite-for-google-chro/inoeonmfapjbbkmdafoankkfajkcphgd?hl=en-US

• In iOS and MacOS, reminders app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/reminders/id1108187841

• First Then Visual Schedule HD: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/first-then-visual-schedule/id355527801

• Choiceworks: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/choiceworks/id486210964

• ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association): https://www.atia.org/

• IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and its provisions for AT: https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/individuals-disabilities/idea

• Specialized tools known as AT: https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/programs/additionalsupports/assistivetech/

• Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/civil-rights-laws/disability-discrimination/disability-discrimination-key-issues/disability-discrimination-providing-free-appropriate-public-education-fape

• QIAT Matrix 1 - Consideration in the IEP process: https://qiat.org/indicators/matrix-1-consideration-of-at-needs/ 

• Flow Chart - Pacer Center: https://oercommons.s3.amazonaws.com/media/courseware/relatedresource/file/PACER_Center_AT_Consideration_Flow_Chart_Ie5mIl5.pdf?ResponseContentDisposition=attachment%3Bfilename%3D%22PACER_Center_AT_Consideration_Flow_Chart_Ie5mIl5.pdf%22

• Myths and Facts Surrounding Assistive Technology Devices and Services: https://sites.ed.gov/idea/files/Myths-and-Facts-Surrounding-Assistive-Technology-Devices-01-22-2024.pdf

• AT Summit with DRNJ ATAC for October 7th at TCNJ.: https://at4nj.org/at-summit-for-education/#:~:text=The%20ATAC%20team%20is%20excited,Inclusive%20Technology%20innovations%20in%20education!

  
  

Have a burning question about a specific device, a challenge you're facing in the classroom, or an idea for a future episode? Leave us a message on Speakpipe or fill out the Google Form below, and you might just hear your question answered on an upcoming episode!

Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi 

Google Form: https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27 

Website: https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Instagram: @ATCenterTCNJ

YouTube: ⁨@ATCenterTCNJ⁩

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/611UCzjjZl8OoazdYWeGFM

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tcnj-at-talks/id1832750422 

YouTube Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4lnPwiTrq_Z_GbmqQEQ3vW1eEus7hIU2

The Assistive Technology Center at The College of New Jersey is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and is partially funded by IDEA, Part B. https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/

Welcome to AT Talks! In our first episode, "Welcome to the AT Center - Unlocking Potential with Assistive Technology," meet your hosts, Brian, Vanessa, and Madison, and discover the TCNJ Assistive Technology Center's mission to empower educators with AT knowledge and support. Learn about our professional development opportunities, including in-person and virtual workshops, and our personalized coaching model. Join us as we explore how AT can create inclusive learning environments and help students reach their full potential. At the end we play a fun Game called "AT Acronym Attack", where Brian quizzes Madison and Vanessa on their Assistive Technology Acronym knowledge, make sure you listen to the end to learn who wins!

Shownotes:

• NJ CART - https://njcart.org/learning-modules

• Lampwords for Life - https://lampwflapp.com/

• Our Professional Development events are eligible for PD hours through the TCNJ’s School of Education - https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/faqs/ 

• Additionally, our presentations focused on AAC are eligible for ASHA Professional Development Hours (PDHs). If you are an ASHA member, these PDHs count towards your certificate maintenance interval. 1 PDH is equivalent to 0.1 ASHA CEUs - https://www.asha.org/certification/pdhs-for-asha-certification/

• Apple Personal Voice - https://support.apple.com/en-us/104993

• Please Save the Date for our AT Summit with the AT Team at Disability Rights New Jersey, October 7, 2025 - https://at4nj.org/at-summit-for-education/

Have a burning question about a specific device, a challenge you're facing in the classroom, or an idea for a future episode? Leave us a message on Speakpipe or fill out the Google Form below, and you might just hear your question answered on an upcoming episode!

Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi 

Google Form: https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27 

Website: https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Instagram: @ATCenterTCNJ

YouTube:   ⁨@ATCenterTCNJ⁩

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/611UCzjjZl8OoazdYWeGFM

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tcnj-at-talks/id1832750422 

YouTube Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4lnPwiTrq_Z_GbmqQEQ3vW1eEus7hIU2

The Assistive Technology Center at The College of New Jersey is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and is partially funded by IDEA, Part B. https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/