At Illinois State University, the Special Education Department is deeply committed to supporting students with extensive needs and providing an inclusive classroom environment. The College of Education launched a campaign with the aim of raising $9,000.
Students with Extensive Support Needs (ESN) experience significant challenges when it comes to accessing learning programs. These difficulties include facing inaccessible formats and lacking essential assistive technology, severely impacting their ability to engage fully with educational content and participate in academic activities.
Recognizing the importance of providing adequate support to these students, the Special Education Assistive Technology (SEAT) Center and the Special Education Department have collaboratively united to enhance resources. Their primary objective is to equip students with the necessary tools to enhance their communication and literacy skills, ensuring they can actively participate in general education programs.
Associate Professor Kim W. Fisher underscores the pivotal role of technology in the education of students with extensive support needs. “Switches, switch interfaces, and literacy and communication software are essential for students with extensive support needs to participate in general education because they benefit from using this technology to communicate and learn how to read and write,” Fisher said. “Preparing special education and general education teachers on what this technology is and how to use it in their lesson plans is critical. With this training, they can more easily integrate the technology into their teaching and expand access to the general education curriculum.”
Through support from alumni and friends, the campaign aims to acquire new assistive technology. Building upon the generous contributions on Birds Give Back, when nearly $3,000 was raised, the College of Education needs to raise an additional $6,000. This funding will not only provide essential technology but also facilitate crucial training for educators, ensuring that every student receives the necessary support to thrive in inclusive learning environments.
Join this transformative journey and make a tangible difference in the lives of students with extensive support needs. Your donation, no matter the size, will directly impact their ability to actively engage in the classroom, school, and broader community.
To learn more about how you can contribute, please visit Illinois State’s crowdfunding webpage.
For inquiries and alternative ways to contribute, you can contact the Office of Annual Giving at (309) 438-4483 or email AnnualGiving@IllinoisState.edu. Your generosity and support are immensely appreciated.
