2017 Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) Announces First-Ever Special Education Track

The National Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC), a premier ed tech event, today announced the launch of a Special Education track to be featured during its 37th annual event, held January 24 – 27, 2017 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. The inaugural track is designed to meet growing demand among school districts for new and transformative solutions that make learning more inclusive and accessible for all students.

“Technology is having a profound effect on school-based efforts to educate and accommodate students with special needs in inclusive settings,” said Steve Bevilacqua, editorial director of Education Technology for LRP Publications. “The new Future of Ed Tech Special Education program track at FETC 2017 is part of LRP’s significant investment to elevate this national conference, including by expanding the event to address the needs of pupil services administrators and student support staff.”

FETC‘s Special Education track is designed to provide a unique professional learning experience for special ed directors, superintendents, Section 504 coordinators, assistive technology specialists, and special and general educators. Through deep-diving workshops, attendees will gain expert insights on high-level issues in the special education field, including advice to strategically select technology to help students with disabilities access state standards, engage and include diverse learnings on all devices, and collect and track student progress toward Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.

Attendees also will have access to 20 innovative sessions that highlight technology-based practices that provide universal access to instruction and reduce learning barriers for students with special needs.

Featured workshops and sessions of the FETC Special Education track include:

  • How to Strategically Select and Use Technology to Help Special Ed Students Access State Standards: In this workshop, Mary Schillinger, a consultant and former deputy superintendent for Las Virgenes (Calif.) Unified School District, will provide guidelines to help attendees conduct digital literacy assessments and align IEP goals and services to the digital needs of their students. Schillinger also will share tips for selecting the right technology to help students with disabilities access rigorous standards, and identify solutions to improve executive functioning skills needed to master standards-aligned instruction.
  • How to Engage and Include Diverse Learners Across Curricula: As more schools implement ‘bring your own device’ programs, this workshop will explore the technologies and strategies that ensure learners with disabilities are able to access and engage in the same lessons and assignments as their peers. Luis Perez, inclusive learning evangelist, and Diana Petshauer, assistive technology professional, will explore the apps, extensions and built-in accessibility and web solutions within both Apple and Google resources to personalize education and support learning for all students.
  • Awesome New Inclusive Learning Technology: This session will explore the latest accessibility features within new teaching and learning technology tools that promise to revolutionize how services are delivered to diverse learners in inclusive settings. Four industry leaders will provide live product demonstrations and practical application strategies, giving attendees ideas and inspiration to accelerate learning and improve access in the digital age.
  • Keys to Understanding and Implementing Universal Design for Learning: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is highlighted as the basis for designing and implementing learning environments, systems and assessments for all students, especially those with special needs. In this featured session, James Basham, co-founder of the UDL Implementation and Research Network, will help attendees develop a basic understanding of core UDL principles and identify critical elements needed to support UDL implementation within a district.

Registration is now open for the 2017 Future of Education Technology Conference. A $150.00 Super Saver discount is currently available. For additional information and to register, visit www.fetc.org or call toll-free 1-800-727-1227.

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