Improving Assistive Technology Training in Teacher Education Programs

Abstract

Teacher knowledge of and comfort with assistive technology (AT) has a profound effect on the use of this technology by students with disabilities. Currently, very few teacher preparation programs effectively address AT with their students. This chapter will discuss how to improve AT training at both a preservice and continuing education level for teachers by focusing on the innovative initiatives being undertaken by the Iowa Center for Assistive Technology Education and Research in the preservice teacher education program at the University of Iowa. By the end of this chapter, readers will understand the pressing issues in AT training for teachers and what is being done to create a new generation of AT savvy teachers by improving overall AT knowledge and comfort levels.