Technology Conference Helps Special Education Teachers

January 18, 2010

More than 100 West and Middle Tennessee educators are in Jackson for a two-day assistive technology conference sponsored by Jackson-Madison County Schools and Lambuth University. The conference continues today in the Wilder Student Union.

Assistive technology is a term used in the special education field to describe the tools used to help students develop communication skills.

The tools range in complexity from picture flash cards to talking computers, officials said.

Sonja Stone, who is assistive technology consultant for Jackson-Madison County Schools, said the purpose of the conference is to provide training for educators.

"Training is what it’s all about," Stone said. "Training has to be consistent and constant."

The featured speaker during both days of the conference is Pati King-DeBaun, who is the founder of Creative Communicating, which is a small business that helps develop and distribute products for children with disabilities.

During her presentation on Thursday, DeBaun showed video samples to highlight examples of helping children using various techniques.

DeBaun said an important aspect of introducing reading to a child with special needs is to not focus on just one word or concept.

"We have to engage students early by exposing them to books within the context of meaningful activities," DeBaun said. "It’s important to select material that is familiar to the ch ild."

Stone said the conference is in its second year and there are plans to continue the effort.

"We have to provide the training that give teachers more of a hands-on approach," she said.

During today’s session, DeBaun will lead a discussion on using research-based strategies to help students with complex communication needs.