November is Assistive Technology Month.  Assistive Technology (AT) is a broad term that encompasses a wide variety of devices, equipment, or systems used to help people with and without disabilities perform tasks with greater ease and/or independence.

Anya Parmeter is in the second grade at West Sioux Elementary. Anya was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome the week before she turned two after her parents and doctors noticed she was not meeting typical milestones and was losing abilities she had previously acquired.

Anya uses a mix of vocalizations, conventional gestures, picture cards with symbols, and most recently a speech generating device with eye gaze technology to communicate.

Collaborating as a team ensures that Anya has access to her educational environment and equipment through the use of AT devices.  It also encourages participation and engagement with her peers and the activities throughout her day.  Teams need to remember that AT should not be a “fixed” support.  Teams need to continually monitor and adapt to the student and his/her needs.

Learn more about AT and Anya's story by clicking HERE.

Jordan Bursell, Speech-Language Pathologist at Northwest AEA

Amber Coburn, Physical Therapist at Northwest AEA