iPads are the most powerful accessibility tool for children in our classrooms.

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will:

• Develop skills on how to effectively support the use of iPad features for Special Education and Special Class Teachers.
• Explore applications that will aid the teaching and learning for children with ASD, ADHD, weak fine motor skills and challenging communication abilities.
• Examine how iPads develop children’s imagination and engage all learners.
• Use the iPad's integrated features to support academic development.
• Discuss the optimal approach to seamless integration of assistive technology into teaching.

Facilitator: Luke McCarthy

Luke is a Primary Teacher who is currently teaching 3^rd class and has spent the previous 3 years as a Special Class Teacher. Luke is passionate about integration of assistive technologies to support teaching and learning. Providing workshops for teachers in artificial intelligence and ICT and giving summer courses on behalf of Oide allows Luke to educate peers on this topic. Luke is also a qualified tutor for third level students in digital technologies for Hibernia College. Luke runs an after-school coding club for primary school students where pupils are equipped with block and word coding skills, essential for future generations.