TechACCESSory Fall 2003: Notes from the Chair

Notes from the Chair

I have recently been elected Chair of the Board of Directors of TechACCESS and I am excited to continue my work on the board to look ahead at the growth potential for the agency and the opportunities for the staff and board.

Thank you is not enough for the amount of time and work that outgoing chair, Sharon Charette has provided to TechACCESS. Sharon's dedication to the board and staff has been tremendous and I am happy to report that Sharon will remain on the board of directors.

This issue of TechACCESSory provides a preview of this year's Assistive Technology Conference being held on November 20th. The conference will spotlight a new concept called Universal Design or Learning (UDL) so mark your calendars ...this is an event not to be missed.

In past issues of TechACCESSory, Universal Design has been highlighted. Universal Design is an architectural concept that stresses making all buildings accessible to all people, regardless of their physical abilities. UDL, a similar, relatively new concept, applies to the basics of learning and is a more inclusive process that will drive the objective that no child is left behind. In 2001, the No Child Left Behind Act was passed to ensure that all children have a fair and equal opportunity to obtain a high-quality education. The article in this issue of TechACCESSory about assistive technology in the classroom provides suggestions to accomplish the goals of this law and address the needs of children in the classroom.

Increased awareness of AT and how it can make a profound difference in the academic achievement of children with disabilities can help teachers become better advocates for addressing the needs of their students. With increased funding for assistive technology and awareness of available technology, children with disabilities will, hopefully, never be left behind again.

Jeanne Cola, Chair