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= = = = =discover for more **[|click here]** resources= = = =some fantastic info **[]**WATI -- Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative=

**//Impacting student success for 15 years! Congratulations, WATI!//**
Please add your comments, photos, and stories of how WATI has impacted you, your colleagues, and how it lead to student success -- e.g. WATI assessment model, professional development (training workshops), forms, kits, manuals, resources, information, web based resources. Thank you!

Comment here: I was first introduced to WATI in graduate school and then my CF year when I was a part of my district's task force on AT. WATI was then and continues to be an incredible resource for training, implementing, and just getting fresh perspective on the world of AT. I have worked in three school districts in the past ten years and all three have implemented at least one of their models. In one district we didn't know where to begin with the assessment process and the WATI assessment models were wonderful! I refrence WATI in all of my professional development trainings as well as district inservices. I can't imagine what we would do without this invaluable tool. Angela Geurin Lamar CISD Speech Pathologist, District Assisstive Technology Specialist Rosenberg, Tx

I've learned to rely on WATI and their models, professional development materials, etc. I'm no longer practicing, but I use WATI as a great source for others. I publicize the WATI site and materials on the ConnSENSE Bulletin website so that people in the U.S. and beyond can see the best practices in assistive technology. I'm sure a such an important site is expensive to maintain, but the loss of WATI would certainly have a very negative impact on people everywhere who rely on WATI for the Best! Chauncy Rucker, ConnSENSE Bulletin website

WOW! I don't even know where to start....WATI was the first resource shown to me. As a new AT Specialist for our school district I didn't know where to begin. WATI gave superb resources that I could download and share as well as practical guides for evaluating. I recommended WATI website at every workshop I did. I hope that the people responsible know the impact you have had, plus who knows the ripple effect?? Thank you so very much to everyone who shared their expertise. Sincerely, Deb H. (MA)

Through the CSUN's Assistive Technology Application Certificate Program (ATACP), we used the WATI assessment model in the assessment "hands-on" activity. We have heard so many good comments on how comprehensive yet easy, the assessment model was to follow. WATI has impacted many lives in so many ways... thank you to all who have contributed to the variety of essential resources that are used as a standard in the AT field nationally (and perhaps internationally). Sincerely, Kirk (PA, CA, and TX)

I've used many WATI materials for my own professional development over the years. In addition, I've utilized the resources to teach other adult learners participating in the Region 4 Education Service Center's multi-year, multi-level Assistive Technology Team Training Seminars. I concur with Kirk's comments in the previous post. Theresa, Region 4 (Houston, Texas)

WATI and GPAT have been the standards in which AT assessment protocol has been measured against. The principals of assistive technology are powerful and arguably the present and the future of special education and education in general. In times where there is so much flash in the pan, a refined and time tested program like WATI is much appreciated. Samuel (State College, PA)

I have used WATI resources, particularly in assessment for AT and transition supports for the state of Minnesota's set of resources in assistive technology. The school profile has helped buildings and districts develop strategies to improve competencies. It would be hard to imagine what we, as a state, would do in AT without the resources available from WATI. Joan Breslin Larson (Minn Dept of Ed)

Please continue the work of WATI!! The news that WATI may not be continued by the Wisconsin Department of Education after June is of great concern and distress to educators all over the country who embrace the role assistive technology (AT) can play in the educational achievement of students with disabilities. WATI is widely acknowledged as a national leader in the area of AT. The products and professional development produced by WATI and shared via the web site at low cost have been the cornerstone of the development of services and guidelines for state and local agencies. For example, when the consideration of AT was included in IDEA, WATI was a leader in the development of a process which was adapted and adopted by many state and local educational agencies. WATI has provided leadership for 15 years, and there is still much work to be done. State and local educationa agencies are dealing with current issues, such as how AT impacts accountability, RTI, universal design for learning, accommodations in statewide assessment, and how to meet the needs of students who require accessible instructional materials. The work is not done, and not only Wisconsin but the nation needs WATI's leadership in the continued effort to meet the technology needs of students with disabilities. Diana Carl, Independent Consultant, and former Special Education Director at Region 4 Education Service Center and lead of the Texas Assistive Technology Network.

Throughout my career working in the area of Special Education and Assistive Technology, the resources available through WATI helped me every step of the way. When I first volunteered to be the Assistive Technology Specialist for the district I was in, I knew little about what effective AT services looked like. All I really knew was that AT could make miraculous changes in the lives of students and I wanted to be sure I was maximizing that potential throughout our district. I found the School Profile of Assistive Technology Resources from WATI and it gave me a great place to start. I was able to collect data about where we were at on the profile and then sat down with administrators to figure out how to improve our AT service delivery model. We were able then to implement district wide trainings and form an actual AT Team. We then used every resource WATI ever created at some point from considering AT for students to creating a transition portfolio that clearly laid out their AT needs. We would not have been able to see the amount or depth of changes in the lives of students without WATI. ~ Amanda Peters (Minnesota)

I honestly can't imagine life without WATI! I came into this AT position as an SLP with minimal knowledge in the areas of AT other than AAC - and WATI provided much info that I found extremely helpful. It's just a "go to" page for all of us in the field of AT! just going to the WATI site for resources is something I do and have done for many years. The forms have become embedded in the structure of our process here in PA. I have provided information from this site to so many teams I cannot begin to count - but my area spans 2 counties and 14 school districts - so it's a lot! SO much leadership, so many resources, so much knowledge and overall assistance - it is certainly a HUGE loss to the AT community at large to hear that this program is closing down. Wendy Homlish - AT Consultant - PA

I wholeheartedly concur with Diana Carl. I use WATI resources in training Region 2 districts in South Texas. The comprehensive materials are invaluable to educators in our area. Thank you for your dedication to disabled children and their access to education and the world. Kimberly Cook, Special Education Consultant, Education Service Center, Region 2, Corpus Christi, Texas.

Click on the "Edit This Page" button and place your comments under "comment here." You can add pictures, links, videos, anything you want to demonstrate the impact WATI has on all of us in the field. Once you are done, click "Save." If you are unfamiliar with posting on wikispaces, please go to http://www.wikispaces.com/ and click on "tours." Should you have questions, please contact me directly. Kirk Behnke (kbehnke@esc4.net)
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