072: ISTE24 Insider: Level Up Inclusion with Accessibility Champions and Special Education Game Changers

In this episode, we interview Emily Thomas, a technology integration analyst from Northeast Metro Intermediate School District 916 about her work in her school district with making inclusive makerspaces. She emphasizes creating differentiated instructional materials that cater to various learning needs, from simple step-by-step instructions with images to advanced challenges. Each makerspace kit provides several key, differentiated supports that teachers can use to ensure all the students in their classroom find success with the project. She also discusses how she created and plans these kits and manages them in her current role. By combining supports, differentiation, hands-on learning, and STEAM, Emily's inclusive makerspace initiative has ensured that all students are engaged and learning.

In this episode, we talk to Katy Schmid, Senior Director of National Program Initiatives at The Arc. The Arc is one of the oldest and largest nonprofits for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This episode focuses on its partnership with Amazon to distribute 5,000 free devices to individuals with disabilities. These devices aimed to increase independence, communication, entertainment, and more. Katy discusses the success of the initiative and plans for future expansion, including user testing and providing device feedback. The initiative aims to close the digital divide by providing accessible technology to people who can benefit from these devices. (Episode Transcript)

In this episode, we interview Peggy Stern, the founder and CEO of SuperDville, a social-emotional learning curriculum for students ages 7 to 13 with learning differences.

In this episode, we interview Matt Pierri, founder of Sociability, an app that helps disabled people find accessible places to go and visit. Sociability provides information on various accessibility factors, including physical accessibility for wheelchair access, visual access, hearing access, and sensory accessibility. The app allows users to add their own information and reviews to help others. We talk about Sociability’s mapping days, which are facilitated community activities that help people learn about the app and connect with others. Pierri shares some of the successes of Sociability and the different ways the team is looking to expand the app in the future. (Episode Transcript)

In this episode, we talk to Ethan Pierce about Adaptive Reader, a platform that preserves student dignity and enhances comprehension through leveled novels. Adaptive Reader uses both the power of technology and humans to customize and adapt classic literature to make it accessible for all readers. The platform allows for a side-by-side comparison between the translated text and the original passage. Designed for supporting both students with learning disabilities and multilingual learners, Adaptive Reader is committed to preserving the integrity of the original text while ensuring that all students can access the material. Ethan also dives into the future of the company and the successes it has had with classroom implementation. (Episode Transcript)