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Happy Fall, everyone! Welcome to the October edition of the AT Forward. As the leaves begin to turn and a new school year gets into full swing, we're excited to bring you the latest updates and resources to support students with assistive technology. This month, we're highlighting some key professional development opportunities, including our micro-credentialing program with a brand new badge in Advanced AAC to help you better serve your students' communication needs. We'll also be sharing tips and tools for integrating assistive technology seamlessly into your daily routines including a new monthly tip called AT News and Accessibility. Let's make this a great month for empowering learners!
Table of Contents
- Upcoming Assistive Technology Professional Learning Events and Announcements
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Corner
- Assistive Technology Resources
- Sometimes All We Need To Do Is Start A Conversation…
- Feature Match: Reading updated 6/25
Upcoming Assistive Technology Professional Learning Events and Announcements
AT Forward Community of Practice (CoP) Meetings
Mark your calendars for the upcoming AT Forward CoP meetings!
Tuesday October 7, 2025 (12:00pm-1:00pm) AAC: Implementation Guide
Join Dawn Merth-Johnson, Kathy White, Dana Boe and Jennifer Seale as we build upon last year's discussion on AAC assessment, offering a practical decision tree to navigate the complexities of successful implementation. This session aims to equip attendees with actionable steps and comprehensive support for robust AAC integration.
Click on this link to register in advance for this meeting.
Wednesday October 15, 2025 (12:00pm-1:00pm) Tear Down Reading Barriers with Bookshare
Lara Rondberg will provide an overview of Bookshare, a demonstration of the platform, and an opportunity to learn how two Wisconsin school districts are partnering with Bookshare to improve outcomes for students.
Click on this link to register in advance for this meeting
Tuesday December 2, 2025 (12:00pm-1:00pm) What’s new in AI?
Frank Devereaux will provide a foundational understanding of the potential of AI to both support educators and create transformative learning experiences for students. This session is designed for special educators who are ready to move beyond using AI for productivity, efficiency, and writing IEP goals and are ready to explore the practical applications of AI in the classroom.
Click on this link to register in advance for this meeting.
Thursday January 8, 2026 (12:00pm-1:00pm) Technology, Access, and Best Practices for Students who have Low Vision
Amy Snow will present this session focusing on best practices for those preparing or modifying electronic documents for students who have low vision, color deficits, or other impediments to visual access. Tablet settings and use of other devices to access hard-copy printed materials will also be addressed. Specific goals include: use of font, spacing, color, and text attributes (i.e. bold or italics) when creating documents for either electronic or hard-copy access as well as vision accessibility settings on tablets or computers to increase access to electronic files.
Click on this link to register in advance for this meeting.
Tuesday February 3, 2026 (12:00pm-1:00pm) AAC Assessment Guide
Kathy White and Dawn Merth-Johnson will explore a comprehensive decision tree specifically designed to empower speech-language pathologists in conducting thorough and effective Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) assessments. The session will also highlight numerous updated resources for each crucial area, ensuring SLPs have the tools to make well-informed decisions for their students.
Click on this link to register in advance for this meeting
Thursday February 19, 2026 (12:00pm-1:00pm) Feature Matching: ADL and DHH
Matt Palma and Laura Plummer delve into the critical process of feature matching for individuals who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) . The process of how to ask targeted questions guiding teams toward selecting assistive technology tools based on their inherent features, rather than specific brand names will be explored. Participants will learn to identify key characteristics of AT that align with the unique sensory, communication, and functional needs of DHH learners ensuring thoughtful and effective tool selection for enhanced independence and participation.
Click on this link to register in advance for this meeting
Tuesday April 28, 2026 (12:00pm-1:00pm) Coaching for Sustainable Assistive Technology Impact
Paige Buckingham will explore the dynamic intersection of Assistive Technology (AT) and coaching. During this session, we will examine the distinctions between coaching, collaboration, and consultation and reflect on their roles in fostering collective efficacy within their teams. The session will also highlight ways to empower educators and staff to tell their AT success stories using meaningful data that communicates student impact and drives sustainable practices. Participants will walk away with actionable tools to build trust, spark engagement, and lead with purpose in their coaching roles. Presented by Paige Buckingham.
Click on this link to register in advance for this meeting
Wednesday May 6, 2026 (12:00pm-1:00pm) Accessible Gadgets for Gamers: Evaluating and Applying Video Game Accessibility in Therapeutic Settings
Erik Johnson presents how technology-based interventions are rapidly becoming a cornerstone of modern practice, as smartphones, tablets, assistive technology, and even video games offer powerful new ways to foster independence and engagement. This session will empower educators and therapists to integrate non-traditional, digital tools into their clinical practice, especially through the lens of accessible gaming. Attendees will explore how video games can be adapted to meet diverse needs, learn strategies for evaluating accessibility, and walk away with practical applications that enhance therapeutic outcomes through innovative technology.
Click on this link to register in advance for this meeting
Other Assistive Technology Professional Learning Events or Announcements
WisTech, under direction of the Statewide Assistive Technology Advisory Council, has developed assistive technology (AT) coursework for providers in Wisconsin to become WisTech AT certified and ATP (assistive technology professional) verified. These certifications build and recognize the experience and knowledge needed to provide high-quality, consumer-driven, and comprehensive AT services.
WisTech offers AT certifications depending on the provider's background experience:
- WisTech Verified ATP Certification
- WisTech AT Certification
The curriculum for the certifications will be hosted online through Canvas, an online learning management system and access to the internet and a computer are requirements.
Applications are being accepted for enrollment in the WisTech AT Certification and the WisTech Verified ATP courses. Please complete the AT Certification Application Form if you are interested in taking either of the courses. Enrollment is limited to allow for cohorts to engage with each other. An application does not require payment for a course until time of enrollment. Course enrollment options at this time are:
- January 12-April 10, 2026
- March 30-June 26, 2026
The WisTech AT Certification Course cost is $500 and can also be considered a stepping-stone to RESNA ATP Certification. The WisTech ATP Certification is available at no cost. Once certified, renewals for both will be required every two years along with the submission of the required continuing education units (CEUs) related to assistive technology. Renewal cost for each is $50 every two years.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Corner
When working through the process of helping a student and their family look for and secure an AAC device an important part of the process is called Feature Matching. Below is one of the many questions that we proposed in our guidance on AAC assessment.
Do you or members of the IEP team have an understanding of Feature Matching?
Yes - Go to the next question
No - AT Forward has developed an AAC Feature Match that can assist you and your team in making choices in AAC development and acquisitions. Here are a few examples of tools to help you on your journey:
Resources to Share
NEW AT News and Accessibility Tips by Frank Devereaux CESA2
Frank Devereaux is an Educational Technology Integration Specialist at CESA2. He is offering a free monthly technology / accessibility tip. He will share the latest AT news and accessibility tips, highlighting tools, strategies, and resources in educational technology to help support ALL learners.
Micro Credentials
The Assistive Technology (AT) Forward in Wisconsin Micro credential program is a comprehensive initiative funded by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and managed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. It's designed to increase student independence by equipping educators, practitioners, and families with the skills to effectively use assistive technology. The program offers self-paced online courses and coaching support, allowing participants to earn digital badges that demonstrate their expertise. A recent and significant addition to this program is a new badge in Advanced Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), which provides specialized training to help professionals support non-speaking students and others with communication needs, unlocking greater opportunities for literacy, self-expression, and access to information.
To learn more about the program's resources, you can watch a video from the AT Forward project.
QIAT Community, Help Me Out!
QIAT is a nationwide grass roots organization that supports the identification, dissemination, and implementation of the Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology services in school settings. Posting a question is free. Often the people who are answering the questions are users of AT themselves and or family members. Consider joining QIAT to assist you and your team in learning, and connecting with others who are willing to share and coach others.
Sometimes All We Need To Do Is Start A Conversation…
October is ADHD Awareness Month, Down Syndrome Awareness Month, AAC Awareness Month, Dyslexia Awareness Month and Spina Bifida Awareness Month. Specifically October 6th is also World Cerebral Palsy Day. Take a few minutes and explore some of the wonderful technology that can enhance and improve the lives of those with these specific disabilities.
Some technology examples are Unique Wheelchairs that increase participant and access, Navigating the World for Assistive Technology for people with Down Syndrome, examples of AT for people with ADHD, free AAC Awareness month posters, videos and buttons can be found on USSAAC and tools for those who have Dyslexia.
Feature Match / Reading
When conducting an IEP and having the conversation about “whether the student needs assistive technology services or devices," consider asking these types of questions listed in the chart below.
Caveat: Please note that examples of specific tools or programs are for illustrative purposes only. This does not constitute an endorsement of any particular product or vendor and any listed app/website should be vetted prior to student use to ensure compliance with the district’s technology policy.
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Area of Student Concern- Reading Difficulties
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Potential Solution Feature Match
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Are there accessible supports in place to assist with trouble attending to tasks?
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Visual enhancement of text (visual highlighting of text as it is read,) text read aloud for the student
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Are there accessible supports in place to assist with vocabulary skills development
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Auditory word processor that reads the word for the student, defines the word, simplifies the word and or gives the student a picture representation of the word
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Are there accessible supports in place to assist with an English Learner needs to assist learning new vocabulary?
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Word processor that translates text, word processor that adds picture representation of words, word processor that reads aloud in their native language
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Are there accessible supports in place to assist with weak stamina for reading?
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Auto summary of the text, simplification of text, and or have the text read aloud to the student
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Are there accessible supports in place to assist with increased reading fluency or compensate for processing deficits?
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Word processor that reads the text aloud as the students reading/comprehension speed (adjustable)
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Are there accessible supports in place to assist with weak visual tracking skills?
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Word processor that allows for masking of the text in various colors / contrast, text that is read and highlighted as it is read
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Are there accessible supports in place to assist with weak decoding skills?
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Consider things such as Bookshare, or features built into ISO that will read text to a student.
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What is AT Forward?
The Assistive Technology (AT) Forward Project works with self-advocates, educators, practitioners, caregivers, and families to increase student autonomy in utilizing Assistive Technology tools to support access, engagement, and progress in learning. The AT Forward Project provides a variety of free resources and learning opportunities, including Community of Practice (CoP) meetings, micro-credentialing, and monthly email updates. See all past recorded CoP meetings on the AT Forward CoP Video Resource Library. Please help us grow our AT community in Wisconsin and refer others to the AT Forward CoP, by visiting the AT Forward Registration page. From AT beginner to expert, the AT Forward CoP welcomes all knowledge level backgrounds!
Together we can and are moving AT Forward!!
If you have any questions or comments about the AT Forward Project, please contact Kathy White at Kathy.White@CESA2.org or Stacy Duffy at stacy.duffy@cesa2.org.
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