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If there is just one person to name who inspired me it has to be Mads Pugliese. As part of the first cohort to graduate with a M Ed in AT, it was her vision to create this needed program. And I am so grateful every single day as I love what I do as an AT and Inclusive Technology Consultant. Thanks, Mads!
@KarenJan

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I started as an OT in the schools many years ago (1989). One of the things I noticed was that special education methods seemed to promote dependence. As an OT, we are all about independence and I saw the potential of technology to reduce dependence on adults. I started with the Apple 2E and was hooked!
@karenJan

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Schuyler’s Monster, Ghost Boy, AAC led me to AT world!
-Sayard SLP, ATP

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My second grade student who was non verbal and working with her and her SLP inspired me to help support all my students and give them a voice!  Both of their work ethics left quite the impression :)
@jhjhersh

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My current passion project is the QIAT-PS. Specifically in getting high school students to take the survey and start realistic transition conversations.  We focus on giving students tools. Once they graduate their support systems change dramatically. This project made so much sense to me when I first saw it. The self-determination and self advocacy skills are as important as the technical knowledge. It changed what I did from worrying and fussing over the tool to looking at a much bigger picture. The tech will change, the tech will break, the student will grow. I won’t always be there, so what can I teach them? Transition is a confusing, often overlooked area. The conversation gets put off. I never thought about it with elementary kids though after being in a high school...man, you can never start too early.

-Sayard SLP,ATP

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I Love the Innovator's Mindset, Smart but Scattered, Untangled
Jackie, @jhjhersh

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Penny Reed and Jill Geriach These 2 wonderful ladies have been there on my AT Journey for the very start. They saw things in me I did not know were there. Thank you both for helping me help others.  kwhite@janesville.k12.wi.us

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Most of the successful people I've known are the ones doing the listening than talking! Listening is a huge part of SETT process, working with a team, collaborating, building capacity and finding strengths in others. - Jackie @JHjhersh

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Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age, Overcoming Dyslexia, Readicide: How Schools are Killing Reading and What we can Do About it. The Power of Reading, Misunderstood Minds, The New Assistive Technology: Make Learning Awesome for All!, Executive Skills in Children and Adolescents.
Each book challenged my thinking and added to my foundation in working with students with high-incidence learner variabilities.
@karenjan

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Jane Korsten  and Terry Foss were a huge help to me when I started in the field. Jane gave me great advice about data and selecting devices for students. I still use her rationale to this day. Joy Zabala also became my "professional Elvis" with all things SETT. I did go a little fan girl when I met her the first time.
@pbuckingks

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Bruce Baker introduced me to the world of Core Vocabulary.... and now I'm a LAMP certified professional! 

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Bruce Baker introduced me to the world of Core Vocabulary.... and now I'm a LAMP certified professional! 

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@CFredericksSLP

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This is not an education book, but Crucial Conversations, Tools for Talking when the Stakes are High has really impacted how I interact with people. We often are in meetings that are difficult with many emotions and opinions. After I read this book, it helped me be able to approach these meetings differently. To first check myself and see why I was saying what I was saying or responding how I was responding. Once I could make sure my intentions were solid, I could have difficult conversations with less unnecessary emotion and with the focus on the student.
@pbuckingks

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Barry Prizant
I keep this book on my phone so I can reread the inspiring passages!     It provided a different perspective for me as a person working with people who could not access or use language the way neurotypical people are expected to.  It opened my eyes to environmental solutions.
@deblroy

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I too started years ago, when we were learning how to make switches to help our kids access their worlds!  Creating ways for people engage with their peers....in work and in play....and keep growing and learning.   Kristy Herbel OT

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Linda Burkhart and Caroline Musselwhite!  They taught me that I dare not make assumptions about kids! : )

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Linda Burkhart and Caroline Musselwhite!  They taught me that I dare not make assumptions about kids! : )

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After finishing school to become an engineer - I realized I didn't really want to do that! I got a job at a center serving individuals with physical disabilities as the wheelchair fix-it guy. That was my introduction to AT and 30 years later I couldn't imagine doing anything else. Being able to problem solve real life issues and promote independence - there is nothing better than that!
Mike @mmatp

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My first national job was working for CSUN to develop and deliver the ATACP certificate. Without Kirk Behnke taking a chance on me & my ability to engage a group of people, I may have never taken this journey. Along with Kelly Fonner, Scott Marfilius and Damien Wimbush - these people made me better and I am grateful every day.
Mike @mmatp

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Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well

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Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well

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I love this book! So many powerful ideas about giving and receiving feedback. Since most of my work as a consultant involves working with teams, who I might be meeting for the first time during the consult, I use these strategies all the time. Plus as a Director of a state AT Act Project, I use the strategies to deliver effective feedback that encourages growth and promotes team building.
Mike @mmatp

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The bestselling authors of the classic Difficult Conversations teach us how to turn evaluations, advice, criticisms, and coaching into productive listening and learning Thanks for the Feedback is the first book to address this tension head on. It explains why getting feedback is so crucial yet so challenging, and offers a powerful framework to help us take on life's blizzard of off-hand comments, annual evaluations, and unsolicited advice with curiosity and grace. in the workplace and in personal relationships as well.

We swim in an ocean of feedback. Bosses, colleagues, customers-but also family, friends, and in-laws-they all have "suggestions" for our performance, parenting, or appearance. We know that feedback is essential for healthy relationships and professional development-but we dread it and often dismiss it.

That's because receiving feedback sits at the junction of two conflicting human desires. We do want to learn and grow. And we also want to be accepted just as we are right now.

The business world spends billions of dollars and millions of hours each year teaching people how to give feedback more effectively. Stone and Heen argue that we've got it backwards and show us why the smart money is on educating r e ceivers- Difficult Conversations , Stone and Heen have spent the last ten years working with businesses, nonprofits, governments, and families to determine what helps us learn and what gets in our way. With humor and clarity, they blend the latest insights from neuroscience and psychology with practical, hard-headed advice. The book is destined to become a classic in the world of leadership, organizational behavior, and education.

Coauthors of the international bestseller

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Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well

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Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well

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The belief that EVERYONE of EVERY ABILITY can learn- and have the tools and supports they need to do so. It was complete fate and a blessing to do this work. @hillarygfphdatp

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SO many... Chris’ AT for Schools (both versions) Laos the foundation. Katie Novak and Luis Perez push my thinking with UDL. Tara Brach and Don Miguel Ruiz push me to be mindful and present, where I can work from a heart centered place.
@hillarygfphdatp

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UDL books really didn’t change assumptions but supported thinking. Books on bias and equity (white fragility, white rage, etc have caused me to rethink everything and vow to be better. @hillarygfphdatp

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Luis Perez, Audrey O’Clair, Nancy Kajawa, the #ATchat community, but the learners I serve are the true sources of inspiration. @hillarygfohdatp

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Show up. Be present. Listen. Be positive and joyful. Support. Encourage. Grow. @hillarygfphdatp

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My career military father (2 tour Vietnam veteran) suffered a stroke when I was 7 years old. He was angry and depressed; would not rehab for anyone but me. So the therapists would use me as a motivator for him to rehab.

From that time until I was 18, his body slowly gave way to the effects of Agent Orange. While all my classmates were picking out colleges and doing "typical" high school stuff-- I was supporting my father in transitioning to a nursing home. During which time, he remained cognitively intact but lost his physical abilities. I watched him lose his humanity due to the treatment he received because of his physical attributes.

I will never forget the day I was with my best friend and a nurse walked in and spoke "around" my father, saying "tell your mom that he needs more diapers". I've never seen such a look of humiliation on a face as I did in that moment. He felt so small and like all his accomplishments meant nothing as he was losing his body function due to serving his country.

I wanted to change the approach toward individuals with disabilities to one of more respect and empathy.  @alysstets

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I worked during high school as a youth director for a camp for kids with disabilities. It's one of many things that propelled me towards becoming an OT. I still consider myself an OT first and foremost, who just happens also to love and use technology. In my school system practice I started trying tech with students on my caseload and having incredible success. People noticed, and the district office folks came knocking as they were creating an AT Specialist position. That was 16 years ago and I am still in that position.

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This question makes me smile because I got a chance to speak with Karen on the phone today and I wasn't feeling very positive about my day. But just 15 minutes of sharing and discussing AT made me feel like what I do matters. Hopefully I can pay that forward to others through the connections I have made on #ATchat Growing our PLN and sharing ideas, strategies and solutions makes every one of us better EVERY DAY!!
Mike @mmatp

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Out of this world encouraged me to keep doing this job as we use it as a book study for Gen Ed 4th and 5th graders.

Chris Bugaj's books. Nuff said.

Currently, Brené Brown Dare to Lead

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Braving the Wilderness and Dare to Lead by Brenee Brown

The New Assistive Tech-Chris Bugaj

And I'm SO into the @alanalda podcast Clear & Vivid which is all about communication, listening, and empathy.

@alysstets

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People that impacted me professionally....
Students. Hands down.
Just this morning I evaluated the daughter of a previous student who has a disability himself and it was a full circle moment, seeing him as a successful technology using adult...and father.

My Twitter and ATIA pln folks.

I often don't feel like I have a collegial community, I'm "not quite an OT" 😥 to my district team anymore, and I don't have a lots of folks who understand what I do and why I love it and it frustrates me in the same day, sometimes multiple times.

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@alysstets
I'm currently obsessed with the Clear & Vivid Podcast by @alanalda; every episode presents me with a challenging idea or perspective.

Description: "Learn to connect better with others in every area of your life. Immerse yourself in spirited conversations with people who know how hard it is, and yet how good it feels, to really connect with other people – whether it’s one person, an audience or a whole country. You'll know many of the people in these conversations – they are luminaries in our culture. Some you may not know. But what links them all is their powerful ability to relate and communicate. It's something we need now more than ever."

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Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda by Alan Alda on Apple Podcasts

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Download past episodes or subscribe to future episodes of Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda by Alan Alda for free.

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So many people: my late father, my mother, my husband, my students, my paras, my parents, my SLP, OT, PT, and my #ATchat PLN
So much love to these inspirations and so many more!
@alysstets

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Some days I wonder.... 🙃 But others I nail it, have the just right tool or resources, can broker good conversation with team members in difficult situations...and make a kid smile when we conquer a tough task.

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I was a workaholic....living for my teaching role; late nights, weekends, etc. The best thing I ever did was learn to be a little bit selfish:
-set boundaries- end times, me time, no weekend work
-read for pleasure (not work related)
-practice self-care (meditation, exercise, engage in currently loving adult coloring)

The result? I was more present and energized for my "on work time" with my students. They get more of me.

A wise person said: "self care is not selfish-- you cannot serve from an empty vessel." @alysstets

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Put students first. Care. Empathize. And put students first. Less us, more them (as Gary Stager always says).

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My daughter's birth turned me from a banker into working in the field of human services & AT. Forty years later, I truly am doing what feels right for me.

@JordanJankus

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 An Ark for the Poor: The Story of L'Arche

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 An Ark for the Poor: The Story of L'Arche

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By Jean Vanier

A classic example of rethinking care for people with Intellectual disabilities. Assumptions sometimes mask as truth but often contain a limiting viewpoint. Human spirit, persistence and the plasticity of the brain often destroy assumptions!

@JordanJankus

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@JHersh said it best - listening. Intentional, nonjudgmental focus on an individual always reveals those things that are not obvious.
@JordanJankus

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No Pity
By Joseph Shapiro

Maverick Mind
By Cheri Florance

@jJordanJankus

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I spent 15 years working with students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities.  In most instances, there was an underlying deficit in some area, or students believed they could not be independent or do something on their own.  After seeing how technology was able to bridge the gaps and make learning accessible and make my students independent... and seeing the corresponding confidence and behavior improvements... I was hooked.
@cfrost_disteach

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The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of A Thirteen Year Old Boy with Autism- by Naoki Higashida- There is so much we do not understand and so much more that we can do to listen and understand
@cfrost_disteach

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No Matter How Loud I Shout- Edward Humes : This book looks at a year in the life of Juvenile Court. I don't know if it necessarily made me rethink assumptions... but it definitely made me think much deeper about the lives of children that need better access and support before they lose hope.
@cfrost_disteach

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While they are not professionals- so many of my students I have worked with, so many who demonstrated trust and daring to go beyond what they knew in order to succeed.
The SLP that I co-taught with for 6 years who taught me more about Autism than I could have ever learned in a training "They think differently, Cassie!"
My AT Chat PLN!
@cfrost_disteach

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Listening and Observing- As my SLP friend always said as she watched me: "You are sick, you know?". She never understood my fascination with observing the negative behavior-until she realized that it was speaking volumes... and gave us a direction to go to teach, support, and empower. Then suddenly, she was watching right along with me!
@cfrost_disteach

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I have always had a love for art because I feel that it transcends amongst people from varying backgrounds, cultures and ability levels. This inspired me to encourage others and motivate them through the process of creating art.
-Alexis EDSP640

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I was inspired by my first and second grade teacher. I was terrible at math, so she found my strength in reading. She would have me read to the class. She is the one that inspired me to become a teacher.

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Last week, my school sent me to a 2-day conference for Kindergarten teachers. It was a great way to recharge mid-year from a hectic year. I was able to team build with my other Kindergarten teachers in my school, network with teachers from all over NJ, and implement new, innovative ideas into my classroom. This conference reminded me of the reason why I became a teacher and how exciting my students' learning can be.

Meghan- EDSP640

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I work in an urban setting teaching kindergarten. Some of my kids don’t get the love and care that they need at home so I make sure to give them hugs and listen to what they need to say. Even listening to their silly stories makes them feel loved. So I make sure to take time out of my day to build relationships with my students so they are at least getting it from somewhere! - Georgie from EDSP 640

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Helping Students Recognize Their Potential

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Helping Students Recognize Their Potential

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The best part of my day is helping students overcome challenges and realize their own potential.   Helping students recognize what they are capable of is the most important part of my day.

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Working in an urban area, I see students come in each day that need extra care. Parents either do not have the resources, or the time, as they are already working before their child leaves for school. One student in particular comes in each day with her hair done by her brother (who is only in middle school himsef). My aide and I take a few minutes each morning to do her hair like her friends in the class, so she can begin her day confidently and happy!

Kylie from EDSP 640

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I will always remember my third grade teacher as being my inspiration for becoming a teacher. She had such an enormous influence over my creativity and enthusiasm for school. While I was never the best student, I certainly tried my best and she acknowledged that. I have always wanted to teach in the same manner, where I motivate my students to perform to the best of their ability and to truly enjoy learning.
-Alexis EDSP640

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My teachers inspired me to be an elementary school teacher. Growing up, I absolutely loved school and my teachers helpled me develop such a love for learning. My elementary school teachers were my biggest role models and I wanted to be just like them. They provided me with such a positive experience in school and my goal is to do the same for young students. My goal is to create a loving, safe, and enjoyable place for students to learn and grow.
-Nicole EDSP 640

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So this is a sweet book of a teenager coming of age, and has a 10 year-old special needs brother who is about 2 in life-years, We learn about all the facets of a family with a special needs child. I had never considered how every member of the family is directly affected when there is such a person as part of the family. It impacted me to make sure I know all the family members of every student I have with an IEP and how they can assist in the important goals of socialization and education for that child.

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I started as a Paraprofessional 28 years ago, my son was DX with autism the same year I worked with a young boy who was one of our early AAC /AT high tech users ( speaking dynamicly pro on a MacBook with intellutools and write out loud and co writer. The more I learned about the technology the more I saw application for my student and my son. It drove me to learn more.

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Locally to start, learning from Dale Gardiner Fox, Nancy Hogan, Patty  Cassidy , Karen Kenny and Dan  Herlihy from the CCATT  center inspired me to pursue learning. Reading Linda Burkhard, Caroline Musselwhite,  inspired me to keep learning . Almost every book I read and conference I attend inspired me to continue to learn. And my students who are my greatest teachers inspire me every day.

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gically challenged person and yet, my professor, Mike Marotta, has done more for me to be able to consider technology than any other person since I have returned to school.  I am the oldest person in the Master of Special Education program, and almost did not try to get my Master's because of all the tech.  Here I am making a post on a tech site, even though I am over 50! Mike made me believe I could learn not only how to use a smart phone, but Twitter, build a website, AND consider technology for all my students.  Thanks, Mike for changing my life.  Sorry I could not do this but on your computer!  LOL

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A student/classroom
My very first teaching job was on a waiver and I was given a substantially separate classroom setting for students with significant disabilities. When I took the position I knew nothing! In fact when my mentor mentioned a “switch” I thought she was referring to a light switch. I taught in a middle school setting in a rural district in the state of KY. My students were of varying needs. One of my students was deafblind and he had a seizure disorder. When I first took over the class he was sleeping all day in a chair and he would have seizures while sleeping. OnceI got the classroom going and stimulation/learning occurring the student stayed awake and his seizures significantly decreased. This was all I needed to get inspired. My students inspire me to keep learning in order to create ways to give them optimal access so that they can participate within the curriculum meaningfully and as independently as possible and to have the opportunity to learn to their potential like ALL students deserve.
@JoanneSabo

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No one can know it all. Taking time to collaborate with teachers, families, other related service providers helps to get a well rounded view of our students strengths and needs.

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Questioning this a lot lately
The best part of my day is always when I am interacting/teaching my students. However I have been feeling frustrated for a while because I am not in a position where I am able to use my knowledge in the way that I would like to be most effective with students.  I keep learning and taking classes and I hit a wall when trying to implement what I know is best in my current position.
@JoanneSabo

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Can we chat ? Caroline Musselwhite, Linda Burkhart - Gabe me new ideas about social scripting, there were many more as well.

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Many Many!!!
@KarenJan for first introducing me to Twitter and Twitter chat when I was a student in the AT cohort Through Simmons back in 2009. Mads Pugliese for her passion regarding the need for AT and forming the program at Simmons. Also  @eyeonaxs - Louis Perez for always answering a tweet. All of the great people I have met over the years doing #atchat and #udlchat-
You all know everything and share your knowledge so freely and I thank you all! The students and parents have always been an inspiration. If they can keep preserving despite all their challenges then so can I!

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I always wanted to have sports in my life, as I reached college I realized that professional sports was not a realistic goal. I decided to pursue Physical Education, during a college class I was required to take an Adapted PE class where we worked one on one with students with disabilities. We were required to learn about our students disabilities and find ways to adapt equipment and games in order for them to be able to experience the same sports I loved to play. The reactions and pure enjoyment of the students I was helping and their parents was enough to hook me forever. I have been an Adapted PE teacher for 5 years now and can confidently say I love my job every day.
@BrotzRussell

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I grew up in a large family as a middle child. My dad was a disabled WWII vet and I was his ‘hands’ for lots of tasks. We had a PT come to our home frequently and she was like family. My first job was working in a school system for a physical therapist. I adapted activities and supported students and loved it. I went back to school to be an OT practitioner and got my ATP. I now lead a team of 10 supporting students AT needs in a large school district. I still can’t imagine a more rewarding job. My mission is to  build a more inclusive environment through UDL.

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I had a mentor in college who was supposed to be a big deal in our field. She wrote textbooks and was certainly brilliant in her teaching styles and the different programs she started. Admittedly, her personality was difficult for me to get along with and we often had friction between us and did not end our time together on the greatest of terms. She may not know it, but I often think about what she would do in situations when I am troubleshooting at my job and whenever I create a program or run an event I like to evaluate it as if she was grading me.

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Working within Special Education takes a tremendous amount of patience. Often times, students in this environment need a moment or two just to process something you may find simple. Take a deep breath and pausing more often for those students you just might see something special. @BrotzRussell

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The PT I worked for at my first school job who encouraged me to go back to school. The OTs I worked with who were amazing examples. Karen Janowski, I attended a workshop many years ago that you led on UDL.... that led me on the path I am on now! Over the years so many others but Chris Bugaj, Beth Poss, and Mike Marotta stand out.

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I have a younger brother with very little functional language - seeing how underestimated he is and how much he can do inspires me to help students achieve their potential in innovative ways!
-@kkrasin

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Coaching Conversations by Linda Gross Cheliotes - not really rethink assumptions but reframe the conversations I have with teachers.
-@kkrasin

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Today I am a clinical professor for SLP grad students & I was inspired to try this 3 years ago because I spent a lot of my time training SLPs and teachers about AAC once they had started working in the schools. I thought it would be a good idea to start this in graduate school- both in the classroom and in clinic.

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Joe Reichle, Carole Zangari, Gail van Tatenhove, Jennifer Marden were the ones who started me on my journey.

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"Loud hands" put out by the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network introduced me to many issues 

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"Loud hands" put out by the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network introduced me to many issues 

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facing the autistic community. I learned a ton about my people and what's important to advocate for and what kinds of connections to build, across all levels of support needs. --@endeverstar

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uh not "professionally" per se but i love telling people about how much of an impact my friend Saoirse had on me, they are a great AAC self-advocate that taught me there are many reasons verbal or semiverbal people might communicate best via AAC, regardless of how people around them assess their speech proficiency! They gave me social "permission" to explore communication supports for myself and I will always look to them as a role model. Their blog is http://nonspeakingnotsilent.blogspot.com/ if you want to check it out. oh or their twitter is @AutismDogGirl. --@endeverstar

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uh not "professionally" per se but i love telling people about how much of an impact my friend Saoirse had on me, they are a great AAC self-advocate that taught me there are many reasons verbal or semiverbal people might communicate best via AAC, regardless of how people around them assess their speech proficiency! They gave me social "permission" to explore communication supports for myself and I will always look to them as a role model. Their blog is http://nonspeakingnotsilent.blogspot.com/ if you want to check it out. oh or their twitter is @AutismDogGirl. --@endeverstar

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https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=etNgvCOSu_w

Watched this in 1982. Was asked to be an AT Consultant for Bucks County the following year after designing a communication device using an Apple Iie, 100 cell Presfax board and Sweet Talker voice synthesizer.

Bill Z.

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My interest in technology growing up and an amazing OT.

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Dr. Karen Billings, my aunt, who worked in Educational Technology

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Collaborate with my PLN to share ideas and create. Help students find a means of accessing his/her everyday acedemic life.

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My younger brother was born with downs syndrome. My 7th grade ELA teacher gave me some books on DS.  That got me into Special Ed.  The AT came 11 years into teaching when my Sped classroom was one of the first to get an Apple IIe!  I was hooked on how this could benefit my students and 29 years later I am still hooked on how AT benefits students across the spectrum of abilities!
Carye E
@Carye56

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from students I am honored to interact with, to teachers, to para professionals and the myriad of bloggers, tweeters, website resources and on and on.  But mostly from the students I get to work with.  They definitely teach me the most.
@Carye56

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I’ve always had a passion for working with children and every job I’ve had since a teenager has been working with children in some capacity. So when the time came to choose a career, it only seemed fitting to choose education. Over the first 14 years of my career, I taught as a 4th, 5th or 6th grade as a general education teacher with a background in literacy and special education. I also have always had an infinity for technology and encorporated it at any chance I had with my students. When the opportunity to work for the technology department came about, I seized the opportunity and shifted my role within my district. After a year working in the technology department, the position to become an assistive technology specialist was presented to me. It again seemed like the perfect fit....combining my love of teaching, technology and my passion for working with special education students! I gained inspiration from many areas
I was inspired by my former students who I always stood as their strongest advocates beside their parents.
I was inspired by my mother, a former teacher, who always shared a love of learning and engrained in me the value of hardwork  and dedication.
I was inspired by my cooperating teachers who were mentors and friends.
I was inspired by my PLN in the twitterverse.

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I found many of the books related to UDL didn’t necessarily cause me to rethink my assumptions but confirmed my thinking and provided the validation to put into action what I always believed.
@lrdichiara - Leslie DiChiara

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My students and my colleagues are my main source of inspiration.  But I’d be remiss to not also say my entire AT Twitter PLN....From the start I felt welcomed and had a virtual collegial circle. There are times my job as an AT becomes very isolated. Although I have a wonderful network I colleagues I work with, none actually perform the same duties I do each day. Karen Janowski, Mike Marotta and Sharon Plante were the first to be so warm, welcoming and to help me think in ways I hadn’t before. I am grateful for my AT community! -Leslie (@lrdichiara)

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There are certainly days filled with frustration or obstacles, but when I see a student be able to showcase their knowledge in a way never available before, or see a student’s confidence rise it reminds me why I work so hard to advocate, educate and empower student learning. -Leslie (@lrdichiara)