The 2025 edition of the ATIA Conference provided a lot of great information as well as some new devices which can better support all our individuals. Presentations and activities brought forth some of the leading experts in the field to share insights as well as look toward the future in this time of uncertainty. Recognition was given to outstanding members in our field like Deb Fitzgibbons from OTAP being recognized with the Joy Zabala Award and Caroline van Howe who is retiring from her role at ATIA. It was great to see so many of the names that we all recognize in the field, leading presentations and evening events as well.
One of the topics that arose this year was the uncertainty around funding and the future of Special Education. Funding has been an issue for us for a very long time and so there are some things that we can look to do to keep us in alignment with supporting our individuals as best we can. Ironically, that aligns with my blog from earlier this year on “future-proofing” your AT. Two of the main ideas from that blog were also thoughts discussed in Florida. The first idea we can focus upon is reviewing what we have and seeing how those devices can be re-purposed or used in multiple manners. Those of you who have heard me speak or read some earlier blogs know that assistive technology can be utilized in manners well beyond the single use for which they might have been purchased. Feel free to reach out to me after you have put together a list of what you already have and we can discussed alternative uses of those products. That list can also supply you with the information you need to understand some gaps where other types of devices would be helpful. That way, districts are not constantly ordering the same products when the budget allows while not addressing those gaps.
The next idea is to use your state or regional lending libraries. All states have some form of a lending library. Some of the ones you may be aware of are groups like AzTAP working in conjunction with Northern Arizona University, the T/TAC teams in Virginia, OCALI in Ohio, and so many others. These lending libraries have the devices and the expertise to support you with your questions and concerns when working with your students. There are also some companies that offer trial programs. Be sure with those cases that you understand the expectations. For example, at School Health, we have a program for certain devices that has a set time frame for the trial along with an agreement to be signed and shipping back to the office after the trial ends. Other groups may have fees associated with the trial. I am concerned with groups that simply hand things out without anything being signed. I have heard that there are newer companies that will do this and then send out an invoice later without discussion. Be sure you know what the “rules of the road” are when using a program for trialing devices before purchasing as this is still the best way to ensure you are getting what the individual needs.
Another discussion point that arose surrounded new devices and how to distinguish between something that has merit for our individuals and something that was just “thrown together” in an attempt for the designer to make money off a perceived need. It is always interesting to see some of the new products at shows like ATIA and follow them to see how long they make it. App developers tend to be the ones with the greatest turnover. There have been several developers who wanted to work with me. However, when I asked for their research and pilot study information, the only sound I received was that of the dial tone after they hung up. As you are evaluating apps, do not be afraid to ask where they tested this and if there are any additional costs associated with the app down the road. You also want to make sure that if any information on the students is kept, that all federal regulations are being met, including having the cloud where information is stored be secure and located within the US.
Of the new products I would recommend, there were two which stood out. First, C-Pen has added another device to its portfolio. The Reader3 was launched at ATIA with some fanfare. They have updated some of their features including adding a touchscreen and word-by-word translation for 5 imbedded languages which can be accessed offline and another 40+ online. It still has the features of the Reader2 which makes it an easy transition for many of our individuals. I know that some of our schools prefer not to have internet accessibility and that is why the Reader2 is still being manufactured with the same high standards.
The second product that meets a need for our individuals and stands out as very robust is the CMPSR. This device looks like a joystick on a power wheelchair but does some amazing things. It connects to your iPad through Garage Band and allows the user to play the instruments in Garage Band simply by moving the joystick in color-coordinated directions. The easy to access button combinations also permit shifting into chords from notes. Now, more individuals will have the opportunity to actively participate in their school bands as well as perform solos with “real” instrumentation and not just symbols or drums. We are starting to see more groups focus on creating access to the arts as that is certainly needed.
What comes next for our educational environments? We are definitely in a time of uncertainty. Know that we at School Health are here to support you! Jodi Szuter and I will be at CEC in Baltimore along with other conferences throughout the year. You may see each of us individually at some state conferences as well like MI CEC and the Region X Conference in Texas. Feel free to reach out to see when we will be near you or when we can support you on a professional development day through a virtual or in-person presentation based on your needs.
We want you to have the opportunity to put your energy into supporting your students by allowing you to have us to support you on the technology and its variety of applications within the classroom. You can reach us at jszuter@schoolhealth.com or rheipp@schoolhealth.com.