Assistive Technology

The use of technology to enhance learning and assistive technology to help students learn and communicate their ideas is a major focus at ClearWater Academy. Through the use of assistive technology, students are supported in learning strategies to correct areas of relative weakness (remediative technology). In addition, students can sometimes bypass areas of relative weakness (accommodative technology) by learning alternative techniques that facilitate better communication of learning. For example, a student with a significant writing problem may be better able to communicate ideas by using “speech to text” computer software while, simultaneously, efforts are being made to learn strategies to build and support the physical writing process. The understanding of and use of technology is not only of great assistance to students with learning issues but is essential for all students in today’s world.
Here at ClearWater Academy, we have a specific technology program individualized to the student’s specific needs, challenges and strengths. Our program includes:

• Technology assessment of each student’s individual needs by our assistive technology expert David Boucugnani.
• Continuous evaluation of efficacy of existing solutions and identification and implementation of new solutions.
• Integrated technology support for programs such as Strategic Learning Coaching
• Each student is provided a ClearWater Academy netbook computer specifically loaded with software to “assist” the student during classroom instruction.
• A “take home” approach where information, assignments, learning and life technologies can be accessed from home computers.
• ClearWater Academy classrooms are all equipped with (and utilize, heavily) SmartBoard® technology.