The Original Canadian AT Conference Returns
The Original Canadian AT Conference Returns
NOAT 2026: educATe and integrATe
NOAT 2026: educATe and integrATe
February 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2026 - 9am-3pm (EST)
February 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2026 - 9am-3pm (EST)
Assistive Technology (AT) programs are often designed with very different visions and very different models. In larger districts AT teams may be fully staffed and include a variety of AT experts with extensive AT knowledge. However, many small and rural education agencies do not have the resources to develop dedicated AT teams. What can they do to ensure that their students have the AT that they need? In this session, we explore the essential elements of AT service design for small rural education agencies and begin to plan to use those elements in our own settings.
Participants will be able to describe themes identified in a series of interviews with directors of special education in small and rural school districts.
Participants will be able to identify five reasons why a customized district system of AT services is needed within the district.
Participants will be able to list five essential elements of a coordinated AT service moaadel that should be included in a district service design.
Gayl Bowser, M.Ed. works as an independent consultant with a focus on the creation of effective, legal, and high-quality service systems that encourage the integration of technology into educational programs for students with disabilities. Formerly the Coordinator of the Oregon Technology Access Program (OTAP) and the State of Oregon’s Specialist in Assistive Technology, Gayl is a teacher by training, She provides AT consultation, Professional Learning, and technical assistance in the United States and internationally. Gayl is a founding member of the Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology (QIAT) Consortium and serves on the QIAT Leadership Team. She has co-authored numerous publications about assistive technology including Leading the Way to Excellence in AT Services: A guide for school administrators; Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology: A comprehensive guide to assistive technology services; and The QIAT Companion. Her work with Penny Reed on Education Tech Points: A Framework for Assistive Technology; and Assistive Technology Pointers for Parents is the basis for many other derivative works.