Access to Learning Webinar Series

Start Date: 2022-03-15

Texthelp joined forces with Don Johnston to break down barriers to learning and offer students more choice. With the addition of Don Johnston’s tools, we’re now able to offer an even wider range of products to choose from to support as many students as possible.

That’s why we’re so excited to announce our first webinar series together! We’ll be diving into our favorite subject of ‘Access to Learning’. Both Texthelp and Don Johnston have been working on the same goal of supporting learners all along, so we can’t wait to share our combined knowledge with you.

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Hear from the experts

From Diana Petschauer to Mike Marotta, Linsey Biel and Ruth Ziolkowski, we have an all-start lineup of speakers.

Register for one or all of the webinars to start building your Access to Learning toolkit today.

About the webinar series

We have 5 webinars planned for this webinar series in March and April. Stay tuned for additional information.

Webinar 1: Encouraging Autonomy - Executive Function Tools to Promote Independent Learning

Speakers: Diana Petschauer and Lauri McIntosh

  1. Discover technology that supports executive function skills (Google extensions, wearable technology, Co:Writer & Snap&Read, Read&Write, smartphone apps and accessibility)
  2. Learn how to train students to use it effectively
  3. Find out how to facilitate independent learning with technology
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Webinar 2: Dysgraphia and Writing Challenges - Powerful Approaches that Improve Written Communication

Speakers: Lindsey Biel and Kati McIlroy

You’ll learn effective ways to support struggling writers (including those with dysgraphia), like:

  1. Low-tech methods such as innovative ergonomics and specialized paper
  2. Assistive writing tools including Read&Write, Co:Writer, typing programs, and handwriting apps
  3. Activities to build foundational skills like hand strength & postural control, as well as creative ergonomics when using technology
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Webinar 3: Testing Accommodations - How to Support Students on the State Assessment

Speaker: Ruth Ziolkowski

In this webinar Ruth Ziolkowski will guide you to:

  1. Understand how various accommodations work in conjunction with state tests
  2. Know where to go to get answers to your state-specific questions
  3. Screen students to determine if they would benefit from a read-aloud or speech-to-text accommodation
  4. Advocate for appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities
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Webinar 4: A Story of ESSER Funding - How We Equipped All Students with Tools to Access the Curriculum at Minneapolis Public Schools

Speakers: Jesse Morgan and Dave Edyburn

Join Jesse and Dave Edyburn Ph.D, a research scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and ESSER funding expert, as they discuss how:

  1. Jesse used data from the free version of Read&Write (5-6k uses/day) to support his request for a district-wide license
  2. MPS used ESSER funds for the purchase, including one contingency Jesse wishes he’d known about earlier
  3. They created a solution that reduced the influx of assistive technology referrals
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Webinar 5: One Student at a Time to Universal Design - First Steps & the Path Ahead

Speakers: Stacy Springer and Gayl Bowser

Join Gayl and Stacy as they share:

  1. First steps to leading & affecting change in a district
  2. Tips for gaining support and enthusiasm from colleagues, educators, and administrators
  3. The essential ingredients of a capacity building plan (like training, setting a vision, etc)
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See the impact reading accommodations can make in your district with a customized uPAR predictive report.

Understanding and being understood is vital for all of us. But everyone’s brain works differently. We don’t all read, write and think in the same way.

With our predictive uPAR data report we can provide you with information that shows the way each student can learn at their best within your district. Get a snapshot of:

  • The current percentage of students reading at or above reading level in your district
  • The expected benefit of providing reading accommodations to students
  • An anticipated percentage increase in reading level within your district given reading accommodations