The SEAT Center annually provides an array of assistive technology (AT) training opportunities to its partners and other organizations. These training activities include, but are not limited to, such diverse topics as specific software applications, AT planning, and vendor demonstrations.

ITPS Competency 9: Assistive Technology

The Instructional Technology Passport System (ITPS) is a compliance system using authentic performance-based assessments designed to promote ethical and effective use of instructional technology by teacher candidates at Illinois State University. This system requires all teacher candidates, including elementary education, middle school education and secondary education, to demonstrate specific competencies in their coursework at different institutional gateways before graduating (i.e., admission to professional studies, admission to student teaching, and exit from student teaching).

ITPS Competency 9 focuses on the effective use of AT. The SEAT Center coordinates implementation of this competency. For more information, visit the ITPS 9 Web site.

Teacher Education Coursework

AT coursework is embedded throughout the undergraduate and graduate experiences for special education majors. Some courses that specifically target assistive technology include:

SED 379 - Understanding and application of characteristics, identification, and intervention strategies to the educational assessment, programming, and teaching of individuals with physical disabilities and/or special health care needs.

SED 377 - Issues, intervention strategies, and technologies that can impact the communication skills of individuals with disabilities.

SED 479 - Assessment of AT programs and the needs of individuals with disabilities for assistive technology, including software, hardware, and relationship to educational goals.