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S2E6 - Small Tools, Big Independence: Navigating the World with Mila & Megan Stier
This episode, "Small Tools, Big Independence: Navigating the World with Mila & Megan Stier," features a powerful conversation with 2nd-grade student Mila Stier, a "Tech Pro," and her mom and advocate, Megan Stier. The discussion focuses on the evolution of assistive technology (AT) from early childhood through elementary school, emphasizing student autonomy and the crucial role of family advocacy. Megan shares advice for parents navigating the IEP process—stressing the need to "build your tribe" and partner with the school district—while Mila details her "tech toolbox," including her iPad, and how she uses accessibility tools for independence in the classroom. The episode concludes with the "Superpower Search" game, where Mila identifies AT features as her superheroes, and Megan shares inspirations for the future, including advocates Judie Human, Anthony Ferraro, and Molly Burke.
Show Notes
Meet the Guests
Mila Stier: A 7-year-old 2nd-grade student with a visual impairment who uses technology to find creative ways to do things independently. Mila shares her perspective on using accessibility tools like her iPad every day for reading and writing.
Megan Stier: Mila's mom, an advocate, and an everyday problem-solver. She shares her real-world insight into how assistive technology shapes a child’s independence, inclusion, and confidence at school, offering advice to parents who are navigating the IEP process.
Resources & Links
Advocacy Inspirations & Community
Judie Human - Crip Camp Documentary (Megan's biggest inspiration) - https://judithheumann.com/cripcamp/
Anthony Ferraro - Blind Skateboarder, Paralympic Athlete, Musician - @asfvision on Socials
Molly Burke - Blind Make-Up Influencer - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwf9TcLyS5KDoLRLjke41Hg
Facebook: Recommended for community networking and finding other people in that space.
Reach out to the Show
Have a question about the intersection of AT, mental health, or advocacy? We'd love to hear from you!
Speakpipe (Voice Message): https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi
Google Form (Written Question): https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27
Listen and Connect
Website: https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atcentertcnj
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATCenterTCNJ
Email: [email protected]
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/
View all episodes
By The AT Center at TCNJThis episode, "Small Tools, Big Independence: Navigating the World with Mila & Megan Stier," features a powerful conversation with 2nd-grade student Mila Stier, a "Tech Pro," and her mom and advocate, Megan Stier. The discussion focuses on the evolution of assistive technology (AT) from early childhood through elementary school, emphasizing student autonomy and the crucial role of family advocacy. Megan shares advice for parents navigating the IEP process—stressing the need to "build your tribe" and partner with the school district—while Mila details her "tech toolbox," including her iPad, and how she uses accessibility tools for independence in the classroom. The episode concludes with the "Superpower Search" game, where Mila identifies AT features as her superheroes, and Megan shares inspirations for the future, including advocates Judie Human, Anthony Ferraro, and Molly Burke.
Show Notes
Meet the Guests
Mila Stier: A 7-year-old 2nd-grade student with a visual impairment who uses technology to find creative ways to do things independently. Mila shares her perspective on using accessibility tools like her iPad every day for reading and writing.
Megan Stier: Mila's mom, an advocate, and an everyday problem-solver. She shares her real-world insight into how assistive technology shapes a child’s independence, inclusion, and confidence at school, offering advice to parents who are navigating the IEP process.
Resources & Links
Advocacy Inspirations & Community
Judie Human - Crip Camp Documentary (Megan's biggest inspiration) - https://judithheumann.com/cripcamp/
Anthony Ferraro - Blind Skateboarder, Paralympic Athlete, Musician - @asfvision on Socials
Molly Burke - Blind Make-Up Influencer - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwf9TcLyS5KDoLRLjke41Hg
Facebook: Recommended for community networking and finding other people in that space.
Reach out to the Show
Have a question about the intersection of AT, mental health, or advocacy? We'd love to hear from you!
Speakpipe (Voice Message): https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/403552/2/r42311zspy55gjvi
Google Form (Written Question): https://forms.gle/hHXocfqCfo5JftJ27
Listen and Connect
Website: https://atcenter.tcnj.edu/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atcentertcnj
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ATCenterTCNJ
Email: [email protected]
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/