Today’s technology offers unprecedented opportunities for general education teachers to strengthen learning outcomes for students with disabilities in their classrooms. Through readily-available devices, teachers and students have access to such AT tools as text-to-speech, speech-to-text, accessible educational materials, and a range of customization options to provide and benefit from differentiated approaches to content. CTD is pleased to share the expertise of Sharon Plante, who will demonstrate the accessibility features available in a range of devices that can empower students to be independent in completing required tasks.  In additional, she’ll introduce valuable educational technology apps, websites and resources across academic areas to support the engagement of students with learning disabilities. We look forward to your taking away practical ideas to support all learners in your classroom.
 

Sharon Plante, an educator with over 20 years teaching experience in special education, currently serves as teacher and Director of Technology at Eagle Hill Southport School.  As a Classroom Educator certified Orton-Gillingham tutor, she uses her training and understanding of technology to empower students with learning disabilities.   Sharon is the co-author of Using Technology to Engage Students with Learning Disabilities, which highlights the incorporation of technology through the Universal Design Model to reach all learners.  She has presented at IDA, Everyone Reading, EdRev, ATIA, New York Chapter of ALTA, and Spotlight on Dyslexia.  Sharon is a member of the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools Commission on Technology. Additionally, she was awarded the 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award from George Mason University College of Education and Human Development