Assistive Technology Guide to Maximize Learning for Students with Autism

This comprehensive guide, co-authored by education specialists Carolann Cormier, MS, CAG, CCC-SLP and Nicole Natale, MS, CCC-SLP, ATP, focuses on the use of assistive technology for students with autism spectrum disorder. It is a valuable resource for all aspiring or practicing special or regular education teachers, paraprofessionals, therapists and families. Packed with easy-to-implement strategies and ideas, the guide contains information on twelve relevant topics including: Overview and Consideration of Assistive Technology; Assistive Technology for Communication; Visual Supports as Assistive Technology; Assistive Technology for Reading, Writing and Math; Assistive Technology for Computer Access; and Assistive Technology for Executive Function and Implementation Strategies. The guide contains research, practical strategies, resources and helpful forms to assist with implementation and can be used to supplement instruction by college professors, professional developers, coaches and mentors. It is applicable to substitute teachers, college students, and practicing special education and related services staff. This is a product of the Technical Assistance and Brokering Services (TABS) division of the Capital Region and Education Council (CREC), an education service center in Hartford, CT, a leader in education innovation providing expert solutions locally, nationally and internationally.

Carolann Cormier, MS, CAG, CCC-SLP, and Nicole Natale, MS, CCC-SLP, ATP, are Speech Language Pathologists and Educational Specialists with the Technical Assistance and Brokering Services (TABS) Division of Capitol Region Education Council (CREC). Carolann has had the privilege of working with individuals with autism, and other special needs that benefit from the use of assistive technology, for over thirty years, with the last fifteen of them at CREC, first at the River Street-IPM Division and then at TABS. In addition, Carolann has worked with adults through the Department of Developmental Services for much of her professional career and taught as an adjunct professor at three Connecticut universities. Nicole currently works with students with disabilities and their educational teams related to assistive technology (AT). Nicole focuses on building the capacity of districts and district teams in AT in order to improve outcomes for students using assistive technology. Nicole provides technical assistance, assessment and intervention services, as well as many workshops and trainings throughout the state of Connecticut and beyond, to increase knowledge about assistive technology.