This will serve as the last issue of the Special Ed Tech Newsletter. In its place, expect to receive even more special education ed tech news combined with original, high-quality content from LRP’s sister publication District Administration. From news of emerging technology to curated articles on strategy, leadership, and the most pressing issues facing schools today, DA Tech provides the information you need to stay informed in the rapidly changing field of education technology. You do not need to do anything during this transition. You will soon begin receiving DA Tech in your inbox weekl ..read more

The benefits of “smart speaker” assistant devices like Google Home and Amazon’s Echo for individuals with disabilities have many special educators eyeing their potential use in the classroom. Consider these practical and legal implications of their use. Read more at District Administration ..read more

The National Future of Education Technology Conference, taking place Jan. 14-17, 2020, in Miami, has released its call for proposals on inclusive practices and special education. The deadline to submit your session idea is April 30. More ..read more

Students with significant intellectual and developmental disabilities took part in a variety of coding and robotic challenges at PS 373R in Staten Island, New York last month. The event was part of the school’s third annual Technology Fair. Read more at silive.com ..read more

A retired special educator in Chatanooga, Tenn. purchased LAMP Words for Life for students who are nonverbal in a developmental communications class. Students communicate using the program on iPads and other classroom devices. Read more at Fox 17 Nashville ..read more

The National Future of Education Technology Conference® announces the call for proposals for FETC® held Jan. 14-17, 2020 in Miami, Fla. As an education system, we move ahead by sharing and learning from each other, writes Lenny Schad, program chair for the Future of EdTech Information Technology track. “Our goal is to not only provide tactical and practical learning opportunities at FETC 2020, but highlight strategic thought-provoking ideas and frameworks that enable real and sustainable changes to occur,” Schad said. More ..read more

The longer students attend Brooklyn Laboratory Charter School, the better they do. Many enter in sixth grade performing years behind grade level. By the end of middle school, though, they’re doing better than their peers in District 13. And that’s despite the fact that nearly 30 percent of Brooklyn Lab’s students have disabilities that qualify them for special education services – double the portion of students in District 13 who do. Read more at The Hechinger Report ..read more

Intentionally designing inclusive instruction that includes technology tools and supports for all students can reduce barriers for students with disabilities. However, when tools are universally available, IEP teams sometimes struggle to understand when to include those tools in students’ IEPs. More ..read more

After investing eight years and more than $130 million, the New York City school system is shelving a glitchy information system that was supposed to track special education students, but fell far short of expectations. Read more at Ed Week ..read more

Talking calculators, digital pens, word prediction software – these are just a few assistive technologies (AT) that are transforming classroom environments and tailoring lessons to suit the needs of students with learning difficulties. Read more at Study International ..read more