Autism Services Smart Schools Investment Plan
The School Technology Team brings together administrators, teachers, parents and students, when appropriate, to support the implementation of the school’s technology initiative. The team will meet at least annually in order to review the instructional technology plan as well as share needs and advising the school on key aspects of technology use by students and staff.
We envision that technology is available to:
- assist teachers in designing assignments that are empowering—and engaging.
- provide students and teachers access to an expanding, global learning community.
- create equitable opportunities for all students to access the general curriculum while addressing their diverse learning styles.
- encourage self-direction.
- promote collaboration and increased productivity.
- foster curiosity while empowering creativity and innovation.
- provide a platform for communication and self-expression.
- provide a link between the school, home and community.
- collect information to assess and respond, enhancing learning.
- improve the effectiveness of administrative tasks.
- provide skills and proficiencies necessary for life beyond school.
Striving to build and maintain a strong infrastructure, our integrated use of technology should foster:
- personalize learning;
- the application of knowledge, curation and creation beyond the classroom;
- authentic learning;
- responsive teaching; and
- responsible, digital citizenship
Autism Services has utilized adaptive technology with students with multiple disabilities for many years. The use of iPads that include Proloquo 2 Go, an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) app, serve as an essential tool for daily communication while developing language skills. Instructional technology and, specifically, voice recognition/dictation software have been vital to assist students in generating text with greater ease. Additional resources and supplies that supplement the curriculum or provide accommodations have also helped keep students with disabilities connected to the curriculum. Students have immediate access to a wide range of visual tools, vocabulary-enhanced programs, and text that can be delivered at a readability level students can access and comprehend (i.e., Unique Curriculum and n2y). Technology also allows text to be read aloud, meeting the needs of students with auditory processing or other needs.
Questions or comments about Autism Service’s Smart Schools Investment Plan can be submitted to Thomas Ess, Executive Director, 40 Hazelwood Drive, Amherst, NY 14228.