SWAAAC

Water tables are a great way to teach kids fine and gross motor skills (pouring, scooping, reaching), support self-regulation through sensory play, and more. Raise the height of your table to accommodate children using mobility devices such as wheelchairs or walkers. For children experiencing communication challenges, attach laminated picture communication cards to the table for words such as “go,” “in,” and “your (turn, cup, toy).” Affordable DIY ideas for water tables can also be found online.

[Image: Title reads Ideas for Adaptive Summer Play. Water tables. Graphic of a smiling girl in a wheelchair at a table, holding a cup of water that pours into a plastic tub sitting on a table. The tub is full of water and floating toys. Picture of a communication card with simple picture symbols for the words go, in, and your.]

This post does not constitute an endorsement of products or services.

It’s week 20 of the US Department of Education's document clarifying common AT misconceptions! Today it’s about who approves AT devices and services. It is always the IEP team that determines what AT device and service are necessary. Read more, link in our bio.

[Image: Graphic titled “Assistive Technology Myths and Facts.” A red X appears on a text bubble that reads, Myth 20: All AT devices must be approved by an LEA’s information technology (IT) department. A green check mark appears on a bubble that reads, Fact 20: The IEP Team makes the determination on what AT device and service is necessary to meet the child’s needs. Logo at the bottom reads, The Center for Innovative Design and Engineering (CIDE) SWAAAC.]

This post does not constitute an endorsement of products or services.

Know any students with disabilities who are planning to pursue careers in media, communications, or entertainment and enrolling in college in Fall 2026??? Share this scholarship opportunity from American Association of People with Disabilities!!

You have until May 29th to apply for AAPD's 2026 Tony Coelho Media Scholarship!

The Tony Coelho Media Scholarship will once again offer eight (8) scholarships to be used in the Fall semester of 2026. Each recipient will receive $5,625 to help cover the cost of education at their college or university. High school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students with disabilities who are pursuing careers in media, communications, or entertainment industries that will be enrolled in college or a university during the Fall of 2026 are eligible.

This scholarship honors Tony Coelho, a former U.S. Congressman from California, who was the primary author and sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Do you know a student who sounds like a great fit? Share this post with them! 📲

Are you a student looking to pursue a career in media, communications, or entertainment? Apply by May 29, 2024 at 5PM ET. https://ow.ly/U8mt50YV9hn

ID: Image of text, applications for the Tony Coelho Media Scholarship are still open. Apply by May 29 at 5 PM ET.

Join us June 4-5, 2026, at the virtual Conference for Assistive Technology in Education (CATE)! The last day to register is tomorrow (May 21st)! Click on the link in our bio to register and learn more.

[Image: Promotional graphic for Virtual CATE 2026 announcing registration closes tomorrow for the Conference for Assistive Technology in Education on June 4–5. Includes photo of two children using laptops and headphones in a classroom and four organization logos.]

Tab and Flap Cards are templates that create picture cards that stack and attach to a ring. The tabs or flaps allow for quick access to specific pictures. The visual supports are great for facilitating communication, behavior, and learning objectives. Click on the link in our bio to explore.

[Image: Four ring-bound stacks of laminated communication flap cards featuring “Stop,” “Circle Time,” “Listen,” and “Take a Break” visuals.”]

This post does not constitute an endorsement of products or services.

Today, May 18th, is the final day to request SWAAAC loans for the 2025-2026 school year! Get your requests in today at the link in our bio.


[Image: "Today (5/18) is the final day to request loans!" with a calendar spanning May 10th through June 13th, indicating "Last Day for Requests" on May 18th, "All Items Due" on June 12th, and "Office Closed" on May 15th, 25th, 29th, and June 1st, 5th, 6th, 11th, and 12th]

Many Colorado educators will recognize Mazin Klapperich from his work with the central office SWAAAC program. For over 4 years he supported our program while he pursued his special education degree.

We look forward to working alongside him again someday—this time as a fellow educator. Congratulations Mazin! Read the article in our bio link.

[Image: Smiling portrait photo of Mazin Klapperich standing outside leaning against a tree. Word box reads, “Inspired to become a special education teacher.”]

This post does not constitute an endorsement of products or services.

Join us June 4-5, 2026, at the virtual Conference for Assistive Technology in Education (CATE)! Click on the link in our bio to register and learn more.


[Image: Top banner reads “register now.” Small banner reads Virtual CATE 2026. Photo of two children sitting at a table in a classroom with headphones and computers. Next to the photo it reads Conference for Assistive Technology in Education. June 4-5. At the bottom are four logos. The Colorado Department of Education, SWAAAC, Early Intervention Colorado, and The Center for Innovative Design and Engineering.]

This post does not constitute an endorsement of products or services.

School is almost out! Let the adventure begin! SWAAAC has adapted this book in both Google Slides and PPT formats. Request them at the link in our bio! This resource is available to all, not just SWAAAC members.

[Image: Book cover illustrates a car overfilled with random items such as a cooler, sleeping bag, a pool inflatable, and so on. A boy and girl are running to the car, their arms filled with toys. Graphic reads “The Night Before Summer Vacation.” Bottom reads “Adapted Book Google Slides and PPTs. Borrow it today!”]

This post does not constitute an endorsement of products or services.

Accessibility tip Tuesday! Here are two easy things you can do to make your presentation slide decks more accessible:
1. When creating a PowerPoint or Google Slides Deck, stick to the templates provided under new slides and avoid adding extra text boxes or graphics. This is an easy way to make sure the reading order and heading structure will be logical. You can check your reading order in the accessibility menu or by pressing the TAB button on each slide.
2. Make sure every slide has a unique title in the title field.


[Image: A person working on a computer and text that reads "Digital Accessibility Tip Tuesday! Quick tips for making your presentations, documents, videos, emails, and more... accessible to all!"]