Universal Design for Learning and Assistive Technology for Dual Language Learners

Presenter: Patricia Bahr

This presentation will introduce universal design for learning and how assistive technology can help dual language learners to access the general education and college curriculum. The concepts of UDL and AT will be explained so that participants can understand the relationships between these ideas. Through demonstration of assistive technology, participants will learn how to use these powerful tools and discuss how to apply  them in the classroom.

When: Friday, October 23 (time TBA)

Patricia (Patti) Bahr, MSE, ATP, RET is Director of the Iowa Center for Assistive Technology Education and Research (ICATER) in the College of Education at the University of Iowa. At ICATER, Patti provides assistive technology (AT) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) training for pre-service and in-service teachers through college classes and professional development institutes. Patti also provides AT consultations for individuals of all ages with disabilities. Research collaboration is also underway.
Before coming to ICATER, Patti worked at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul, Minnesota for 24 years as a rehabilitation engineer and supervisor of the Gillette Outreach Clinic. Patti’s work focused on computer access, electronic aids to daily living, powered mobility, and augmentative and alternative communication provided in unserved and underserved areas of a large rural state. Patti’s degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Biomechanics are from the University of Iowa. Patti serves as treasurer on the board of directors of the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America.