The Impact of Assistive Technology in the Classroom and Community

 Lorie Brew, Tammi Morton
 
Discover how assistive technology (AT) provides access that leads to successful outcomes. Listen to parents from FAMILIES TO THE MAX: Pennsylvania Statewide Family Network as they share their children's experiences using AT in the home, school, and community. Learn how to consider assistive technology during the IEP process. With presuming competence, their stories will illustrate the infinite possibilities on how AT is creatively catered to individual needs.
 
Credits: Act 48, ASHA, Psych
Audience: Special Education Teachers; General Education Teachers; Speech Therapists; Family Members, Parents, Guardians; Paraprofessionals

Speaker Bios: Lorie Brew is the PEAL Center’s Project MAX Coordinator for the Eastern Pennsylvania. Much of Lorie’s knowledge about disability-related issues come from individuals with disabilities themselves, families who support someone with a disability, as well as her own personal experience of raising a child with Autism. Lorie is dedicated to the principles of Project MAX, which are presuming competence and leading change in the education system towards inclusive settings. Through Project MAX Lorie supports a statewide parent network based on its principles. Lorie has two adult children and lives in Philadelphia with her husband Wayne. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and Human Services.
 
Tammi Morton is a graduate of Allegheny College. She has a M.A. in Education, where she focused on developing a curriculum for adults with intellectual disabilities. She began her career working with a variety of children as a therapeutic staff support (TSS) for Northwestern Human Services. Her experience prompted Tammi to write about Autism and intellectual disabilities. She is the author of two books about the Autism Spectrum and wrote with Dr. Mark Dombeck for MentalHealth.net. Tammi is a parent of a child who has a disability. Her work experience runs the gamut from Early Intervention to adult habilitation. Tammi places high value on listening to others, understanding their needs, and respecting their learning styles. She strives to make meaningful connections. As a Project MAX Coordinator at the PEAL Center, Tammi hopes to instill the belief that every student has the capacity to learn.