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Rapid changes in technology will continue to shape the future of special education services and the integration of assistive technology and instructional technology. An understanding of the shifts in the technology landscape and possible future directions for the field is imperative for state education agency leaders and local education agency leaders.
Use this infographic in combination with the full report, Future Ready Assistive Technology: Fostering State Supports for Students With Disabilities.
Resource developed by the SEA and LEA team at CTD led by American Institutes for Research.
Text for infographic: AT and IT: Where are we headed
Think about it:
What AT and IT did your students (and you) use 5 years ago?
What is possible now that wasn’t possible then?
What might be possible in the next 5 years?
Where are we headed next?
Game changers:
Smaller, more affordable hardware
Reduction in power needs
Innovation in display technology
Improvements in networks and broadband capabilities
New developments in user interfaces and input options
Open-source and social media driven community development
Consumer-level access to tools of development and creation
What does this mean for states, districts, and teachers?
State and district leaders need support to:
Break down silos between AT/IT
Develop policies and guidance on implementation, accessibility, infrastructure, and best practices
Gather data on what works and in what contexts
Classroom teachers need support to:
Understand technology basics – how to’s
Use technology to transform instruction for students with disabilities (AT and IT)
Create and integrate accessible educational materials (AEM) and open educational resource (OER)
