Demonstration Project to Develop a Model Implementation System for Improving Access to Public School and College Classrooms Through the Use of Assistive Technology
The Landmark College Institute for Research and Training would like to thank
Senator Patrick J. Leahy for his assistance
in securing a Congressional Award to support this project.
Goals
The focus of this project was to research, develop, and document best practices at Landmark College, for integrating assistive technology into curricula and classrooms. Once these best practices were determined, the goal was to offer this knowledge to Vermont educators through print and electronic media, including the Internet. This dissemination would be supplemented by consultation and training services.
Summary
The project began with a research and development phase, deploying assistive technology more fully on the Landmark College campus within established Learning Communities. It continued with a dissemination phase, offering a comprehensively documented and fully assessed system to schools and colleges in the state of Vermont that desire to integrate assistive technology into their curricula and classrooms. All Vermont educators have access to the National Institute at Landmark College's website and its Assistive Technology section.
The project included assessment and evaluation activities, the results of which are being used to improve and enhance Landmark College's implementation system.
Dissemination Elements
The Model Assistive Technology Implementation System consists of the following elements:
• A written How-To Manual, documenting best practices for implementing AT within the classroom;
• A technical support component, involving a Technical Services Manual, integrating FAQs, frequently encountered problems or issues, and technical implementation instructions and checklists;
(These two sections of the AT manual will be distributed to Vermont high schools and colleges during the late fall 2003 - early winter 2004.)
• An Assistive Technology Portal with downloadable pedagogical materials and tools, and links to AT web resources at Landmark College and nationwide;
• Training and consultation with 5 AT Partner Schools in Vermont.
Grant staff developed an application and assessment procedure to identify, assess, and select dissemination sites in the state of Vermont. Selection criteria included:
• Prior, established relationship with Landmark College's National Institute, indicative of a pre-established commitment to professional development and service to students with disabilities;
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development for faculty;
• Commitment to technology, and evidence of sufficient technological capacity to benefit from the implementation system.
Selected dissemination sites are:
Brattleboro Union High School in Brattleboro, Vermont:
Brattleboro serves a number of surrounding towns, including Putney, Dummerston, Vernon, and Guilford. Its vocational center draws students from as far away as Whitingham and Dover.
Bellows Falls Union High School in Bellows Falls, Vermont:
Bellows Falls serves several towns, including Saxtons River, Rockingham, Athens, and Westminster.
Mount Anthony Union High and Middle Schools in Bennington, Vermont:
Mount Anthony serves several towns, including Shaftsbury, Pownal, and Woodford.
Woodstock Union High and Middle Schools in Woodstock, Vermont:
Woodstock serves several towns, including Barnard, Bridgewater, Pomfret, Reading, and Killington (Sherburne).
Castleton State College in Castleton, Vermont:
Castleton is part of the Vermont State College system. At Castleton, 61% of the 1,400 full-time undergraduate students enrolled are Vermont residents.
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