87 14.4 Recommendations for the Future
The successful integration of assistive technology into K-12 classrooms depends on
several factors, one of which is educators having access to the right resources and tools.
Professional development plays a vital role in the integration of assistive technology because it
offers a structured environment where educators can receive the support they need. The
following are recommendations to ensure that professional development remains effective and
beneficial to educators.
● Develop data-driven practices
School administrators should regularly assess the effectiveness of the PD programs by collecting
feedback from participants to evaluate and improve training where necessary. To demonstrate the
effectiveness of assistive technology, data should also be collected to compare the performance
of students before and after educators received training on devices (Giek, 2021).
● Technology Coaches
Introduce technology coaches or assistive technology consultants/coordinators to schools for
personalized support with AT. This may include recommending devices or training on
troubleshooting technical problems (UNESCO, 2024).
● Ongoing Support
Providing educators with access to online resources with tutorials and webinars allows them to
revisit the content when needed. Access to instructional videos can reinforce what educators
covered during PD and assist with AT integration (The Advocacy Institute, 2021).