Assistive Technology Department
The goal of our Assistive Technology department is to build the internal capacity of schools to meet the accessibility needs of all students by applying the principles of Universal Design for Learning. We achieve this by providing professional development, consultation, and collaboration. In addition, we provide support to IEP teams that require assistance as they consider assistive technology for individual students.
What is Assistive Technology?
Under current federal law (Individuals with Disabilities Education-IDEA), “Assistive Technology services and the services necessary to help a child select, acquire, or use an assistive technology device are made available if required as part of the child’s special education or related services. Assistive technology device means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability.” The term Augmentative Alternative Communication, or AAC, includes all forms of communication, other than oral speech, that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. Assistive Technology falls along a continuum from no-tech, light/low-tech, to high-tech devices that support students’ educational needs, communication, and access to their educational environment.
Who is on the team?
Laurie Bohannon, M.S., CCC-SLP, Senior Program Specialist- Assistive Technology
Laurie has been a speech-language pathologist for over 25 years and her area of specialty is with Assistive Technology (AT), including Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), for students with moderate to extensive support needs and those with complex communication needs. She has a Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders and an Assistive Technology Specialty Certification from California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Denise Hernandez, MEd., Senior Program Specialist- Assistive Technology
Denise has been an educator for over 20 years and has experience in both general and special education (grades K-12). During that time, she has supported students, teachers, parents, and administrators as a classroom teacher and later as a Program Specialist. She has a Master’s Degree in Education and received an Assistive Technology Certificate through Cal State Northridge. Her area of specialty is academic access.
Dawn Shirvanian, M.A., CCC-SLP, Senior Program Specialist - Assistive Technology
As a speech-language pathologist for over 20 years, Dawn's specific area of specialty is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and physical access. She holds a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from San Diego State University, her Assistive Technology Certificate through Cal State Northridge, and national AAC board specialty certification by the American Board of Augmentative and Alternative Communication.