Last week, Tracy Humphreys met with us to discuss technology and inclusion. She is a parent who has become an advocate for students with various disabilities to gain access to an equitable education. There was so much value in Tracy’s experience as a parent, and the struggle of having your kids “classified” so that they can get the support that they need. As a parent of a struggling learner, I confirm that in-school assessments are not done until grade 3 because teachers are always hoping that students will mature into their learning. And it is true that students DO learn at different paces. I was told that “boys take longer” to get to various stages. My son was in grade 4 before he was assessed since Covid put a wrench in the wheels of any sort of psychological school assessments and supports, since “the results would be thrown off”. Sigh… anyway, the take away from meeting Tracy was that there is more that can be done for some students, and it is up to the teachers to communicate effectively with parents by passing on those resources.

I wish we had discussed some of the assistive technologies available for these students, and will hopefully see evidence of in my practicum.

The EDCI336 resource is most helpful!

Assistive Technologies