Asbury University Associate Professor of Special Education Dr. Allie Rhodes ’97 and Asbury Director of Academic Accessibility Resources Dr. Victoria Slocum recently published a book titled: “An Evidence-Based Guide to Assistive Technology Meeting the Needs of All Students with Disabilities” (available as an accessible e-book and in print format).
This book is part of the Evidence-Based Practices Series, which includes “The Practical Guide to High-Leverage Practices in Special Education: The Purposeful ‘How’ to Enhance Classroom Rigor,” written by co-authors Dr. Ruby Owiny ’96 and Dr. Kyena Cornelius. Rhodes and Slocum contributed chapters to this book published in 2024.
The two talented Asbury faculty, Rhodes and Slocum, shared that their new book was the textbook they always wanted to have but was not available in a format that was accessible to pre-service educators and practitioners.
Moving beyond theoretical concepts, this text provides a blueprint for creating accessible learning environments where technology creates equitable learning opportunities for all. Through real-world examples and evidence-based approaches, you'll gain the confidence to select, implement, and evaluate assistive technology that truly makes a difference in students' lives.”
From cutting-edge communication tools to innovative mobility solutions, this text takes readers on a journey through the assistive technology landscape to: 1) master the fundamentals with an accessible introduction to AT principles and legal frameworks, 2) implement multi-modal communication systems that give every student a voice, 3) discover academic support technologies that break down barriers to learning, 4) explore mobility and recreational solutions that enhance students’ physical independence, and 5) glimpse into the future of assistive technology and prepare for tomorrow’s innovations.
“Each chapter weaves together evidence-based High-Leverage Practices (HLPs) with vivid classroom vignettes, showing you not just what works – but how and why it works in real educational settings,” Rhodes and Slocum said. “Whether you’re an undergraduate exploring special education for the first time, a graduate student deepening your expertise, or a seasoned educator seeking fresh approaches, this essential resource provides the knowledge, tools, and confidence to transform how you support students with disabilities.”
“Our chapter in the first book focused on accessibility, notably selecting materials (and the means of representation of the material) practitioners use for students,” Slocum said. “Practitioners must determine what students need to do and how to make that work for them, whether that be video prompting, accessibility software, text-to-speech and speech-to-text software, note-taking devices and apps, and other tools.”
Asbury University offers Traditional and Online Undergraduate programs in Education; the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree for initial certification; and M.A. programs in English as a Second Language, Learning and Behavior Disorders, Literacy Specialist P-12, and Principal Licensure. Additional degree programs include the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Principal Licensure with Instructional Supervisor (dual licensure) and certifications for Director of Pupil Personnel, Instructional Supervisor, and School Superintendent.
The Academic Accessibility Resources (AAR) Office provides reasonable academic accommodations for students with permanent and temporary disabilities in accordance with the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA). Accommodations and services are provided to students with documented physical, psychological, and/or learning disabilities.