Lunch and Learn Webinar:Assistive Technology and the IEP


IatapAssistive Technology and the IEP Webinar
The appropriate implementation and use of assistive technologies has the ability to increase abilities and provide greater accessibility to educational opportunities for eligible students with disabilities. Assistive technology devices and services can be used to extend physical, social and communication skills and provide the means for academic inclusion. Many students with disabilities have successfully used assistive technologies to minimize barriers to gain access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).
About Susy Woods
Susy Woods has been active in disability advocacy for 32 years. With a master’s degree in women’s issues and public policy where her research was on sexual abuse against women with disabilities and public policy. Her past experience includes serving as the Director of Disability Services at the University of Illinois, Springfield in early intervention. Her credentials also include serving as past chair of the Illinois State Advisory Council on special education; public policy chair on the ARC of Illinois board; public policy chair and acting president on Impact CIL; program chair on the Statewide Illinois Transition Conference, and program chair of NAMI Southwest. Susy currently serves on the Illinois Imagines state team and is the Public Policy and Education Liaison for the Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) in Springfield, Illinois. She supports families at Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings and serves as a lobbyist at the state level for several disability groups, social workers, gifted education, and community schools.
Susy has a son with a developmental disability and health issues, and a granddaughter with a psychological disability.