As students enter middle school, they face increased writing expectations. Middle school teachers expect students to write lengthier compositions across genres that are more technically correct and thoughtfully written than those required in elementary school. Some students will meet the increased expectations, while others will not. Most students…

This is the fourth in a series of five briefs published by Office of Education Technology (OET) on the key considerations facing educational leaders as they work to build and sustain core digital infrastructure for learning. These briefs offer recommendations to complement the fundamental infrastructure considerations outlined in the 2017 OET…

This tutorial offers speech-language pathologists (SLPs) an opportunity to consider the theoretical constructs of language acquisition theory and the multifactorial determinants that can impinge on the language acquisition process for children with complex communication needs. The system of constraints observed through the lens of optimality…

For students with disabilities (SWD), note taking during content area classes can be a puzzling process. Students often are not certain about what specific content to record, how many details to record, and how to write fast enough to keep up with the teacher. Smartpens are an underutilized type of technology that can help students to become…

The potential of ChatGPT is explored as an assistive technology tool within the framework of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to provide targeted support for college students with disabilities. As colleges and universities strive to promote inclusive practices, the implementation of UDL principles has gained significance. ChatGPT's interactive…

Inclusivity is first and foremost the action of bringing all people together in one space, no matter the ability level, race, background, and so on. Our studio is providing just that in an environment designed for people of all ability levels. This article includes how our organization is implementing specific supports for everyone as well as…

Innovation is crucial for addressing challenges faced by children with visual impairments, as it enables the development of adaptive technologies and inclusive educational tools that enhance accessibility, independence, and learning opportunities. Benetech, a leading innovator in the field of accessible literacy, is on a mission to bridge the…

There is a critical need for Americans to study foreign languages to support the United States' participation in a global economy, commitment to national security, and actions in the political arena. However, there is a lack of American students learning what the US Department of State refers to as "critical languages," which are less…

Students with disabilities typically experience academic, social, and behavioural challenges in school. Some of these students also often experience anxiety and stress associated with school situations and events. Wearable technologies are an emerging innovation in the United States that can support students with disabilities during stressful…

The BrailleNote Touch+ (BNT+) can be a valuable tool for students who are blind who are learning a second or third language. Kapperman, Koster, and Burman (2018) stressed the importance of using a screen reader, as well as a braille display, when learning a foreign language because it allows a student to not only orally learn the language but also…

To efficiently create books and other instructional content from videos and further improve accessibility of our course content we needed to solve the scene detection (SD) problem for engineering educational content. We present the pedagogical applications of extracting video images for the purposes of digital book generation and other shareable…

When the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, teachers around the United States shifted to distance learning practically overnight. In both general education and special education, many teachers did not have tools or strategies in place to provide deaf students with accessible lessons and support. Teachers needed to change their materials quickly and…

There has been a massive shift in teaching quantitative political research since the "Journal of Political Science Education" was launched in 2004. Smartphones were an anomaly, and it was uncommon to have laptops in the classroom. Statistical calculations were sometimes done by "statisticians", i.e., professional staff who did…

In the field of low vision rehabilitation, there exists a plethora of devices to assist with visual reading that are critical to reading success and customization for persons with low vision (along with other education and rehabilitation considerations). In addition, visual efficiency skills and ergonomics are oftentimes prerequisite or…

The Vermont Linking Learning to Careers (LLC) program is a five-year statewide initiative designed by Vermont's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). The program is intended to improve the employment and postsecondary educational outcomes of high school students who have disabilities. LLC provides enhanced services on top of the core state…