Assistive Technology Introduction

The SEEDS workgroup on Early Education Technology (SWEET) was created in August 2005 to address one of the seventeen topical areas identified by early intervention staff throughout the State of California. The purpose of the SWEET is to connect California's early intervention programs and families to Assistive Technology (AT) resources for infants and toddlers with disabilities. Members of the SWEET have collected internet based information, materials and training designed to streamline access to up to date and useful information for EI programs and families. SWEET offers a series of internet links to more information on AT for infants and toddlers by providing a categorized listing of websites that have been peer reviewed by the workgroup for appropriateness and utility in an early intervention setting. SWEET developed principles based on research in the field and the DEC recommended practices on AT that was used as a criteria to measure whether the links would be beneficial to early intervention programs infusing AT into their infant and toddler programs. The links are organized into five areas: training, advocacy/information, best practice, assessment, and resources. Also included are SEEDS visitation sites and consultants that specialize in AT for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. The second phase of the AT effort will include a series of training modules for programs interested in training staff on the topic and for SEEDS consultants conducting onsite training. For more information, please contact Kathleen Sadao, SEEDS program specialist, Facilitator, SWEET at ksadao@scoe.net

Download the free QuickTime player