Assistive Education

In this Section:
Academic Programs
General Education
* Special Education
- Moderate & Severe Disabilities
- Assistive Special Education Technology
- Language & Literacy Program in Reading
- Behavior Analysis
- Administrator of SPED and Supervisor/Director
- Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Faculty
Courses
Collaborative Partnerships
Forms and Downloads
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» Assistive Special Education Technology

The Assistive Special Education Technology program provides professional development in the specialized field of assistive and adaptive technology. The program teaches educators, therapists, and others how to choose and use the best tools and teaching methods for helping students with special needs participate in the general education curriculum. For example, a piece of reading material that might present barriers to children who are legally blind or have challenges with dyslexia can be presented in a universally designed digital device, offering the same material in Braille or a read-aloud format. Hands-on technology training ranges from low-tech tape recorders and digital clocks, to computers with synthesized speech, interactive educational software programs, and electronic portfolios. This 36-credit program provides expertise in areas such as software evaluation, alternative assessment methods, curriculum frameworks, and curriculum adaptations. The program focuses on designing practical ways to accommodate learners with special needs in general education settings.

Degree Options

Students may pursue a Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) or a Specialist in Education degree (Ed.S.), an advanced degree that provides students who currently hold a master’s degree with an area of educational specialization. Each program of study is individually designed in consultation with the program coordinator and can be completed on a full-time or a part-time basis. Courses are offered on weeknights, weekends, and occasionally as one-week sessions.

Curriculum and Courses

Please download our Program Fact Sheet for more information on this program's curriculum, and see our "Courses" section to download a course catalog.

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Assistive Technology Fact Sheet

Simmons Success

“As a technology specialist, I had knowledge and experience to assist students in the general curriculum arena, but only a superficial understanding about programs for children in special education programs. Because of Simmons, I now feel that I have the knowledge to support all of the students and teachers in my school district.”
—Suzanne Rich ’04, M.S.Ed. Assistive Technology; Technology Coordinator, Pine Hill School