This presentation will focus on a range of Assistive Technology and strategies for students with disabilities that demonstrate:

1. An increase in active communication and participation
2. A greater degree of engagement with differentiated curriculum that results in improved achievement

At Holy Rosary School, Doubleview, assistive technology is any aided or unaided system which augments the communicative abilities of students. Anecdotal evidence of students both in the Sienna Centre and mainstream classrooms indicates increased communication skills, engagement in learning and a decrease in inappropriate communicative behaviours. The use of assistive technology at Holy Rosary School is from low technology Makaton (Key Word Signing), Boardmaker Symbols on lanyards, Aided Language Simulation boards, alternative keyboards, Go talks, Step by Steps, touch screens, through to the latest gadgets to gain entry into many mainstream classrooms and Special Education Centres; iPads and interactive whiteboards. All provide a range of opportunities for all students to communicate and engage with the curriculum at a level that is appropriate for the individual’s specific needs. A case study of a Year 1 student will demonstrate the rapid improvement of the student’s ability to communicate, initially using low technology and the ease with which he has developed the skills to use high technology devices. Given that motivation and achievement are directly linked, it is important to ensure all students, regardless of ability, are given optimum opportunities to communicate and engage with the curriculum at a level that is motivating and challenging. In the presentation Diane and Sheryl hope to offer a practical approach to communication in the classroom setting maintaining realistic goals, expectations and outcomes.

Diane Kounis has a Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) and a Bachelor of Education specialising in Early Childhood Education and Special Needs. She is a teacher with over 25 years experience working with young children in early childhood settings. Diane has worked with very low functioning children as well as high functioning students in both public schools and with the Catholic Education Office. She is currently teaching at Holy Rosary, Doubleview.

Sheryl Hunter’s teaching background has been the area of Special Education for most of her career in various situations, from being a mainstream teacher of students with disabilities in her class, a teacher in Education Support Units, Centres and Schools for students with disabilities. Her current role as Students with Disabilities K-12 Consultant, based in the Catholic Education Office WA includes the many and varied aspects involved in supporting students with disabilities in classrooms within Catholic schools.  She has a great interest in working with High Support Needs Students and in particular those students with significant communication difficulties and assisting teachers to meet their specific needs through AAC.