Welcome
I'm on a mission, to increase capacity in Assistive Technology (AT) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). If you are a teacher who wants to see your students fully engaged, not just access the curriculum but feel independent, proud and successful you have come to the right place.
If you are an administrator who wants to find excellent professional development for your staff--you've come to the right place, too.
Here is how can I support you.
(Virtual) AT Certificate Course
(Virtual) AT Certificate Course
(Virtual) AT Certificate Course
The Virtual AT Certification Course for those who want to become AT Specialists.
I am retiring from teaching this course. A colleague will be taking it over and plans to offer it in fall 2021. Please join our mailing list to be notified of the next openings.
Professional Development
(Virtual) AT Certificate Course
(Virtual) AT Certificate Course
I develop custom Professional Development in the areas of AT and UDL.
These offerings are customized to your District/SELPAs practices.
Examples include Assistive Technology forTeachers of students with Mild Moderate needs and UDL Practices & classroom coaching.
Please contact me directly to discuss your needs.
Assessments
(Virtual) AT Certificate Course
Assessments
Need and IEE or help with a sticky case? I love challenges. If at all possible, use your assessment dollars to also provide professional development for other team-members. Collaborating & teaching while I assess offers unique opportunities for learning.
(I do not currently do Augmentative Communication Assessments (AAC) I can refer you to other assessors for these needs.)
Let's schedule a time to discuss your needs.
About Dr. Susan Simmons
I’m a passionate teacher. I have always loved educators and environments that inspire learning.
For 9 amazing years I worked at Diagnostic Center, Southern California (part of California Department of Education) which allowed me to develop professional development programs in both Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning and assess many very complex students as part of a team.
I've done just about everything in special education, from low incidence students (blind and visually impaired, deaf and hard of hearing), to infants with severe handicaps, students with Autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. Every time I take another course or lead another training it is because these amazing kids, their parents and especially their teachers INSPIRE me.
More than twenty-five years ago, as a program specialist, I wanted to experiment with technology. I knew a bit about switches and computer programs for visually impaired students so I just found a partner and we set out to find out what assistive technology (such as it was) could do. I've been learning and teaching about Assistive Technology ever since.
Always convinced I was not an expert, I just kept exploring and learning, then teaching others. In 2007 I discovered Universal Design for Learning (UDL). The principles of UDL incorporate options for all learners that can include what we now consider AT. I could see so plainly that as we implement Common Core and increase student access to technology, incorporating options for all students, much of what we now call AT will be available to everyone. Imagine!
Now, I am able to work with any school district and teach both Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning throughout the United States. I am happy to consider international travel as well.
I must say my favorite part of what I do is mentor AT Specialists and UDL Coaches.
My bachelors degree is a dual credential in Elementary Education and Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing or Communication Handicapped (in CA). My Masters Degree credentials are Teacher of the Visually impaired and Orientation and Mobility Specialist, then got my Doctorate in Special Education.
The journey continues, I can’ t wait to meet you.