If you could invent a tool to make school easier for your child, what would it do? Read text out loud? Turn spoken ideas into written paragraphs? Maybe even use algorithms and machine learning to understand your child’s learning patterns, strengths, and challenges, and adjust the content to meet them where they are? Or it’s something more physical, too — like a gait trainer that helps with walking, a weighted spoon that makes self-feeding easier, noise-canceling headphones for sensory overload, a magnifier for reading small print, or a tactile board with removable pieces to help kids with low vision learn math skills?
Here’s the good news: tools like these are no longer just wishful thinking. From assistive technology (AT) and adaptive equipment to AI-powered supports, many of them already exist.
AT and AI in special education
Did you know AT can be an accommodation in the IEP? These tools can help level the playing field and support independence. Learn how to request an AT assessment, write AT goals into the IEP, and more. Learn more about assistive technology→
So many AT tools…where do parents even start? It’s not easy to know what might help your child, especially if your school district isn’t up to date on what’s available. Here’s a list of IEP assistive technology tools to get started→
AI is a tricky subject. How can it actually help our kids in real-life learning situations? Do you need a formal assessment to use it? Where would something like this fit in an IEP? And are schools or educators being trained on how to use these tools responsibly and effectively? Learn about AI in special education→
Adaptive equipment for kids with disabilities
Did you know that adaptive equipment is a type of assistive technology? For many kids with physical challenges, everyday tasks like dressing, eating, or getting from place to place can require extra support — and that’s where adaptive equipment comes in. Our new article breaks down the different types of adaptive equipment, how to find what might work best for your child, and the ways families often fund these supports. Don’t miss these “must-know” adaptive tools→
Need ideas for adaptive school tools? We’ve gathered favorite picks from both professionals and fellow Undivided parents to create this best-of guide. Top 35 adaptive school supplies→
Top tech, tools, & equipment for every need
Trying to figure out what tools might support your child’s unique needs? Check out our top tech, equipment, and apps for hearing loss, low vision and blindness, orthopedic impairment, specific learning disabilities, reading, writing, and math — with both low- and high-tech tools for a wide range of needs to make learning and everyday activities a little easier (and a lot more fun).
Hot topics
- A parent’s guide to device addiction and screen time survival
- Top Google Chrome extensions for accessibility
Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st!
This year’s theme, #TogetherAgainstLoneliness, highlights the importance of real inclusion and connection. According to organizers, the solution is simple but powerful: friendships, community, and the feeling of truly belonging. Learn more and find a World Down Syndrome Day activity near you→
FREE live Q&A – RSVP now → Thursday, March 19, 12:00 p.m. PT
Troubleshooting Inclusion. Participation with peers helps our kids with IEPs build invaluable skills at school, but so many barriers can get in the way of meaningful inclusion. How do we make sure our kids can benefit from socializing with and learning alongside their peers in gen ed? Join us for a FREE live Q&A with Non-Attorney Education Advocate Karen Ford Cull, who specializes in inclusion. Register for free here→
FREE live Q&A – RSVP now → Thursday, April 9, 12:00 p.m. PT
High Expectations, Real Access: Standards-Based IEPs Done Right. Join us for a FREE live Q&A with Education Advocate and Former Education Director Dr. Diana Fannon as we discuss how to improve access to standards-based curriculum, how to use Core Content Connectors, what kids miss out on with alternate curriculum, how to ask for more inclusion with peers, and ways to push back against schools that want to lower the bar for kids with IEPs. Register for free here→
Office hours → Wednesday, March 18, 4:00 p.m. PT
If you have questions about your child’s accommodations, services, goals, or anything else in their IEP, join us for office hours with Non-Attorney Education Advocate Lisa Carey. During office hours, you can ask your question in our members-only Zoom session and get answers right away. If you’re not a member, sign up here to participate.
Undivided Conversations
- Saturday, March 14, 10:00 a.m. PT → FASD in IEPs. When an IEP is truly FASD-informed, it can be a game changer. Learn how to build one — and what supports to include — in this brand-new conversation streaming this weekend, featuring some pretty incredible experts. Catch the conversation streaming on Facebook and YouTube.
- Sunday, March 15, 10:00 a.m. PT → AI in Special Education. Join Undivided for a conversation about AI in education. Our experts share how new technology is helping families navigate IEPs, support inclusion, and expand what’s possible for students. Catch the conversation streaming on Facebook and YouTube.
What does assistive tech look like in an IEP, and how is it different from other IEP services? Hear from occupational therapist Dr. Elizabeth Pauly on YouTube→
Did you see Team Undivided representing at CalTASH last week? We love meeting other parents and professionals who share our passion for advocacy! Check it out on our Instagram→
This week in our Facebook group: insurance troubleshooting, inclusive private schools in LA, and World Down Syndrome Day celebrations! Join the discussion→
Spread the word about the impact technology can make on students with IEPs! Share Undivided resources on LinkedIn→
Undivided Voices Podcast → Understanding FAPE, LRE, and Your IEP, with Dr. Sarah Pelangka
🎙️ In this episode, Special Education Advocate Dr. Sarah Pelangka, BCBA-D, breaks down your child’s right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), what LRE can look like in practice, and how these legal protections shape the services and supports included in an IEP. Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and anywhere.
