This video discusses the drawbacks of using hand-over-hand guidance to teach students with communication devices. The speaker argues that it only promotes passivity and disconnect from their own bodies. Instead, she suggests waiting for the student to access the device independently, using motivators like bubbles, books, or photos of people. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of setting a precedent for professionals, parents, and teachers to recognize the child’s capability and potential. The speaker’s approach is based on her experience evaluating over 1,000 children and encouraging them to access their communication devices independently.
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The Special Education Technology Center
The Special Education Technology Center (SETC) provides training, an assistive technology lending library, and consultation services to help connect parents and educators with appropriate assistive technology to support preschool through 12th grade students with disabilities. We provide coaching to districts on the use of accessible technology tools to increase engagement in curriculum and instruction. SETC’s work integrates AT and accessible tech with statewide initiatives, such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). https://specialedtechcenter.com/