collaborators

@http://about.me/patrickblack
I am special education teacher and currently teach students with significant cognitive disabilities in a self-contained classroom in Mt. Prospect, IL. I am a "geek" who loves to share all things technology and have worked to integrate technology into my classroom to assist with communication, cognition, and socialization. On top of presenting locally, I've presented my ideas at the Assistive Technology Industry of America Conference in Schaumburg and Orlando. You can also find me at [|Teaching All Students], a blog about assistive technology and it's use in education. I am also part of EdCeptional, a podcast about special education and technology, and blog for the EdReach Network on a regular basis.

Carrie Baughcum - Collaborator


I am Special Education Teacher of 15 years. I currently teach a 6th, 7th and 8th grade Extended Resource Special Education class in Arlington Heights School District #25. I am a inspiration junkie, idea sharer and learning enthusiast who believes that all children can learn, we just need to find out how. I have presented at NICE Mini Con. I write and shares bright ideas at carriebaughcum.com.

..where life and learning are HECK AWESOME.

Lynda Hartman - Collaborator
I have an M.A. Special Education (Learning Disabilities) and an M.L.S. in Assistive Technology (AT). I am an AT Consultant with the Northern Suburban Special Education District (NSSED) in Highland Park, Illinois. My background is as a special educator who has worked across the continuum of environments and age levels, designed/taught an undergraduate AT class and present/facilitate workshops on various topics across Illinois and at state/national conferences.

My areas of expertise and interest include the range of technologies (low-high tech) to support students with effectively, efficiently and independently performing reading, writing, math and executive functioning tasks. I am also interested in technologies that offer more universal supports - incorporating Universal Design for Learning principles. These tools can provide teachers with supports for differentiated instruction and RTI interventions.

I can be reached at lhartman@nssed.org . You can also find me and lots of information and resources on assistive technology at http://assistivetech-4alllearners.wikispaces.com/, which I try to keep up to date, although not always very successfully.

Joy Hyzny - Collaborator
Ms. Hyzny is a Technology Access Team Collaborator at the School Association for Special Education in DuPage County and has been in this role for the past seven years. She is also currently an Adjunct Clinical Instructor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Ms. Hyzny serves as the Assistive Technology Special Interest Section Chairperson for the Illinois Occupational Therapy Association. She received both her B.S. in Occupational Therapy in 1995 and her M.S. in Occupational Therapy in 2000 at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Carla Oldham - Collaborator


I have been involved in the special education world for over 14 years. My background has included working as an early childhood educator, private consultant, CEO of the non-profit, PROUDD, and for the past 11 years as an Autism Family Specialist and Community Partner for the Illinois Autism Training & Technical Assistance Project, an Illinois State Board of Education grant initiative. I have a passion and love for finding creative, practical and innovate ways to support the many challenges faced by parents and educators working with our special children - especially through technology! I am a frequent presenter at local, state and national conferences and bring a unique perspective as both a professional in the field of special education and a parent of a child with autism spectrum disorders.

Kim Stortz - Collaborator


kstortz@d57.org

I am a technology coach in Mt. Prospect. I work with students in kindergarten through fifth grade. I collaborate with teachers to help them integrate various forms of technology into their curriculum. I am always looking for ways to turn a lesson into a 21st century experience.

Deb Truskey - Collaborator


@DebTruskey dtruskey@dg58.org

I am a speech and language pathologist with Downers Grove School District #58. I work in two schools with a K – 6th population. I have been in DG #58 for twenty-three years. During that time I have worked with students in self contained classrooms as well as those with a variety of diagnosed communication disabilities that are serviced within an inclusion model. Over the past several years I have become more and more interested in technology and how it can help my students. I am a member of the district’s assistive technology team as well as a representative for Infinitec West Coalition. I am also very proud to be part of the EdCeptional Crew, a podcast about special education and technology.