Reading is a critical component of every student’s school day—but for many students with special needs, it can be a significant challenge. Fortunately, technology offers powerful solutions to support struggling readers. This session will explore a continuum of reading supports, ranging from low-tech to high-tech tools, including several free and easily accessible options. Participants will also be introduced to the SETT Framework (Student, Environment, Tasks, and Tools) as a guide for making informed decisions when selecting appropriate assistive technology. Join us to discover practical strategies and tools to help all learners access and engage with reading!
Reading is a critical component of every student’s school day—but for many students with special needs, it can be a significant challenge. Fortunately, technology offers powerful solutions to support struggling readers. This session will explore a continuum of reading supports, ranging from low-tech to high-tech tools, including several free and easily accessible options. Participants will also be introduced to the SETT Framework (Student, Environment, Tasks, and Tools) as a guide for making informed decisions when selecting appropriate assistive technology. Join us to discover practical strategies and tools to help all learners access and engage with reading!
Writing can be one of the most challenging tasks for students with disabilities, impacting their ability to fully participate in classroom learning and demonstrate their knowledge. This session is designed for staff who want to better understand how assistive technology (AT) can break down barriers and open doors for students struggling with writing tasks. Participants will explore a range of AT tools—from low-tech supports like graphic organizers and adapted writing tools to high-tech options such as word prediction, speech-to-text, and accessible word processing platforms. Real-world examples will show how these tools align with IEP goals, UDL principles, and evidence-based practices to support student independence, engagement, and academic success. By the end of the session, educators will leave with practical strategies and resources they can immediately integrate into their classrooms to help students write with confidence and demonstrate their full potential.
McKinney-Vento Regional Coordinator, South Cook- ISC
Dr. Lynn Zeder is currently serving as the South Cook McKinney-Vento Regional Coordinator. She is a retired assistant superintendent from Orland 135 and has previously worked as junior high ELA teacher, media specialist, assistant principal, principal, director of curriculum, and... Read More →
