The Manhattanville student chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) sponsored a workshop on Assistive Technology at the Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD) in Valhalla, NY, on Thursday, October 8, 2008. Ten School of Education students attended along with special education faculty members, Dr. Austin, Dr. Malow and Dr. Gómez.

Students and special education professors at the Assistive Technology Workshop

The workshop, lead by Occupational Therapist Izel Obermeyer, introduced Manhattanville education students to a three tiered approach to assistive technology for students with special needs - start off with low levels of technology and move to medium and high levels on a case by case basis as needed.  The student's received information and strategies that are "low tech" practical solutions for the classroom teacher such as pencil grips and slant boards.

Demonstration at workshop

In addition, the students had the opportunity to explore a variety of medium and high tech augmentative communication systems, including optical recognition software.  The workshop with WIHD was arranged by Dr. Vance Austin and was made possible from a grant secured by Dr. Malow, Manhattanville student CEC advisor, from the New York State chapter of CEC.

Students learning to use the adaptive equipment