Day of Visioning: Increasing Access to Assistive Technology

Question 4: What do you see as needed ‘tomorrow’ that is not available now? Within 5 years?

Discussants noted that there is a need to develop a best practices knowledge base that identifies competencies across disciplines and needed assessment tools. Of particular importance was the need to create equal access to knowledge and tools in 5 years. Equal access could be facilitated in a number of ways, including the (a) removal of economic ‘disincentives, (b) identification of non-negotiable learner needs, and (c) decreasing the uniqueness of AT experts. It was also suggested that efforts should be made to utilize a process of needs forecast that leads to product forecast.

Links:

*Participant*	*Topic (Video Links)*
Jim Thompson	Summary of conversations regarding a needed tomorrow
Marcia Scherer, Cathy Bodine	Interaction regarding AT prescriptive practices
Cheryl Volkman	Accountability of AT practitioners and translations into student success
Caroline Van Howe	Vendors would appreciate plan
Bob Aaron	Partnership building needs
Tom Heimsoth	Comparison of AT field to medical industry and need to search for a new business model
Ted Hasselbring	Need for AT leadership role in developing a plan
Cathy Bodine	Description of preservice and advanced training grants in Colorado