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Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC)
Providing professional learning, resources, and technical assistance to educators

Assistive Technology

GMU TTAC is supporting Region 4 by integrating Assistive Technology (AT) into all VDOE/TTAC initiatives (VTSS, Specially Designed Instruction: Literacy/Math, Inclusion/High Leverage Practices, Early Childhood, etc).

Assistive technology (AT) makes it possible for individuals with disabilities to read, write, calculate, speak, see, hear, move, and/or play. AT can provide access to play, school, community and work activities, and can support communication with others.  Students with disabilities are capable of participating in the general education curriculum with the help of AT supports. 

AT ranges from low-tech tools (pencils, highlighters, and graphic organizers) to high-tech tools (computers, apps, AAC systems). A student’s AT needs and the technology available can change over the years. 

AT Network

The Assistive Technology Network of Virginia addresses AT related priorities of VDOE by developing resources and documents for AT Considerations and Assessment. Supporting local and regional AT teams with information, resources, and training, including the annual TechKnowledgy Conference, and Integrating AT solutions across the curriculum.

AT Consideration and Assessment

TTAC is providing training and technical assistance in the use of the VATTS (Virginia Assistive Technology Tools and Strategies) document and supporting resources, designed to guide an IEP team through the consideration and documentation process.

To help school divisions who are getting started with their AT Assessment processes and expanding their AT equipment collection, TTAC has put together AT kits and accompanying professional development trainings that covers the AT consideration framework, and specific considerations for the various categories of AT.

The TTAC Assistive Technology Assessment Kits are a collection of assistive technology materials for access, literacy, and communication. They are intended to be used by professionals, who support special education students in K-12 classrooms in the Virginia Department of Education’s Region 4, to learn about Assistive Technology Consideration and Assessment and to conduct AT trials. School division personnel can explore and learn about the devices, included in each kit, to enhance their own knowledge base and to make decisions about how to expand their division's AT equipment library. Each Kit includes a Go Talk, iPad with AAC apps, Talkable 4, Big Mack Communicator, Talking Brix Communicator, Reading Pen, switches, low tech tools such as heavy duty VELCRO®, and many other items.