AccessComputing

Kindergarten Bridge Program: A Promising Practice in Early Integration of Assistive Technology

The Kindergarten Bridge program in the Mount Vernon School District serves children of kindergarten-age, providing them with opportunities to learn the academic and social skills necessary to be successful in school. Each child in the program has an individualized education plan (IEP) with goals and objectives developed to meet their needs.

What is the role of a mentor?

The knowledge, advice, and resources a mentor shares depend on the format and goals of a specific mentoring relationship. A mentor may share with a mentee (or protege) information about his or her own career path, as well as provide guidance, motivation, emotional support, and role modeling. A mentor may help with exploring careers, setting goals, developing contacts, and identifying resources. The mentor role may change as the needs of the mentee change.

Do all postsecondary students with disabilities use disability services?

In short, no. There are many reasons why individuals with disabilities choose not to use disability services. Some do not need accommodations (for example, a student who uses a cane for mobility but can independently climb small flights of stairs may be fully independent in her mobility on campus). Some may not want to identify themselves as having a disability. And some students may be unaware of the availability of disability services.

How do IT companies express their commitment to accessibility?

Many information technology (IT) companies provide public statements related to their products' accessibility to people with disabilities. Although some companies are criticized for publicly supporting accessible IT when it is not a genuine part of their practices, other companies provide leadership in the creation and support of accessible products.

Some of the reasons that companies provide public information about their commitment to accessibility are:

Kennewick Elementary School: A Promising Practice in Using Technology to Improve Teaching

Georgia Boatman, a teacher at Southgate Elementary School in Kennewick, Washington, wanted to increase student participation in her classroom, particularly that of students with disabilities. In collaboration with DO-IT's AccessSTEM project, she acquired an interactive learning tool the Classroom Performance System (CPS) using funds from an AccessSTEM minigrant.

Who is responsible for providing a postsecondary institution with documentation of a student's disability?

It is the student's responsibility to provide documentation required by a college or university. Postsecondary institutions may set their own requirements for documentation as long as they comply with relevant legislation. The assessments, screenings, and reports generated by precollege professionals may not meet postsecondary documentation requirements. Students should contact the schools they are interested in attending for information regarding documentation requirements.

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