Session 7 - Friday, Dec. 6th      11:10 AM - 12:05 PM

Communication Village: Integrating Functional Communication Checklist and Collaboration Insights - Worship Center

Session Description: 

This interactive session will delve into the practical application of two qualitative studies from Cobb County, focusing on our Functional Communication and Language Checklist. We will explore the positive shifts noted after SLPs and teachers used a systematic assessment of communication and language skills for students with complex needs, from IEP preparation to goal setting and classroom integration. We will share the unique insights from SLPs and teachers who used a Four-Step Model to foster a communication-rich environment throughout the school day. Participants will leave this engaging session equipped to apply a four-step model in their settings. This presentation, designed for educators, support staff, SLPs, and administrators, showcases how a systematic approach to assessment and teamwork can progressively increase communication abilities and proficiency in students with complex communication needs. 

Presenters: 

Angela Joines 

Angie, a Speech Program Specialist in Cobb County Schools, is an experienced and passionate speech-language pathologist with 25 years of experience working with students with complex communication needs and AAC in the school setting. She holds a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction and maintains ASHA CCC accreditation. 

Rebecca Eswine 

Rebecca Eswine is a Program Support Specialist in Cobb County Schools. She previously taught students with disabilities in general education and modified curricular settings. She received her doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Georgia State University, where she focused on inclusion and high-quality teaching practices for low-incidence special education teachers. 

Creating Integrated Instructional Units for Alternate Assessment Classrooms - Theater

Session Description:

Practical tips and activities to help teachers combine best practice with required standards for GAA while also addressing IEP needs. Participants will receive templates and links to help create materials in their own classrooms. 

Presenter:

Juanita Pritchard 

Juanita is a retired special education teacher with 40+ years if experience in the Georgia Public School System. She is still actively involved in education as a consultant. Her passion is giving access to the curriculum for the most significantly involved students by supporting teachers and creating materials. 

Practical AT Solutions and Best Practices for Students with Physical Disabilities - The Hub

Session Description: 

This presentation will provide participants with best practices and real-life solutions for individuals with physical disabilities related to academic access, independence and transition. Presenters will highlight a K-12 student's AT journey from Pre-K to High School and the challenges in successful access to the general education curriculum. Participants will be provided with permission and access to assistive technology resources through a virtual bulletin board. 

Speakers: 

Debbie Brineman, Ed.S., ATP/RTS 

Debbie is a former Physical and Health Disabilities teacher and RESNA certified Assistive Technology Professional with 37 years of experience in public education. She currently facilitates the North Central GA AT Consortium. She worked in the durable medical equipment industry as a Rehab Technology Specialist providing seating and mobility evaluations. Being able to provide access and create instructional opportunities for students with disabilities through assistive technology is her passion. 

Jim Whitley, Ed.S., ATP 

Jim Whitley is a RESNA certified Assistive Technology Professional with 21 years of experience in Education. For 17 years he was a Physical and Health Disabilities Teacher in Cherokee County, Georgia, where he currently works as an Assistive Technology Specialist. Jim earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Georgia State University and his Specialist in Education degree from The University of West Georgia. 

Leveraging AI for Student Accessibility - The Clubhouse

Session Description: 

As the world increasingly relies on technology, accessibility for all users is essential. This is especially important for students who may face unique challenges related to accessibility. One way to address these challenges is by leveraging the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create more inclusive and accessible learning environments. The aim of this presentation is to highlight the potential of AI in providing accessibility for students with disabilities. AI technology can help students with a range of disabilities, including those who are visually impaired, have hearing impairments, and those who require assistive technology to access educational materials. By leveraging AI, schools and teachers can offer a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. This session will Introduce the concept of AI and its potential for improving accessibility in the educational sector, as well as identify the challenges faced by students with disabilities and how AI can help overcome them. We will discuss specific examples of AI-powered solutions for accessibility in education and outline the benefits of using AI for student accessibility. The use of AI in education has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach accessibility for students with disabilities. By providing personalized solutions that cater to each student's unique needs, AI can help create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. This presentation aims to inspire and educate educators and policymakers to consider AI-powered solutions for accessibility as a means of creating a more inclusive and accessible education system. 

Speaker: 

Renee Dawson 

Renee has had a passion for education throughout her life and knew she wanted to be a teacher from a young age. Renee spent 15 years teaching special education in a variety of settings and grade levels to students with various disabilities. She found her passion for educational and assistive technology during the 7 years she was a Physical and Health Disabilities teacher. Renee transitioned to a role as an Educational Technology Specialist at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year at a middle school where she managed the Verizon Innovative Learning School initiative for her campus through the initiative’s duration. Renee is currently an Educational Technology Consultant working in various roles with Educational Technology companies including professional development, content and learning design, and community management. Renee resides in Atlanta, Georgia, USA with her pitbull LuLu. 

Resources: 

Canva Link: Leveraging AI for Student Accessibility ( 

All I Want for Christmas is Core Word Books! - Zone 45 ($ - requires prepaid ticket)

Session Description:

Stuck in a core word rut? Need some fun, seasonal materials to work on core vocabulary with your students? Join Paulding County AT specialists Jessie Mills and Dr. Cecille Bolton to make some fun, interactive core word books to use with a variety of students. You will leave with 2 books and a full lesson plan along with supplemental materials for a month of seasonal fun! 

Presenters: 

Jessica Mills 

Jessica is a Speech-Language Pathologist with over 15 years of experience in the school setting. For the past 3 years she has served as the AAC Specialist for the Paulding County School District supporting students and their teachers/families with complex communication needs as well as providing district-wide professional learning and district initiatives for best practices related to supporting communication in the educational setting. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education as well as her Master of Education degree from the University of Georgia. Jessica has previously presented at the 2024 Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) conference and served as presenter and steering committee member for Georgia Assistive Technology in Education (GATE) conference since 2022 providing “make and take” and other informational sessions for a variety of professionals and families. 

Dr. Cecille Bolton 

Dr. Cecille Bolton is a reading endorsed veteran educator, with over 20 years of experience in special education. Dr. Bolton has served as a PK-5 low-incidence teacher, grade chair, and special education department chair. She currently serves as an Assistive Technology Specialist in the Paulding County School District supporting the implementation of academic learning aids and organizational tools for high incidence learners. She received her doctorate in Educational Leadership/Educational Technology from University of Phoenix and is a published children’s book author (Georgia Blue) and story time enthusiast (Dr. Sunshine). Dr. Bolton presented at the 2020 Georgia Association for Educators of Young Children (GAEYC) virtual conference, 2022 Georgia Educational Technology Conference, and served as presenter and steering committee member for the 2022 and 2023 Georgia Assistive Technology in Education (GATE) conference.