Beth Poss

Beth Poss

Beth Poss is a faculty member for the Center on Technology and Disability and an early childhood special education administrator for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in Maryland. She has more than 30 years of experience in education, assistive technology, and educational technology

Beth Poss explains the benefits of text-to-speech tools.

Beth Poss explains that the definition of reading has expanded—we must recognize audiobooks and podcasts as valid conveyers of content.

Flexible digital media can be manipulated to meet the diverse needs of students.

Speech-to-text removes barriers such as spelling and keyboarding when students engage in writing. After, students can use text-to-speech to further edit and enhance their writing.

Students with disabilities gain independence and increased access to the general curriculum through assistive technology.

Beth Poss explains that technology can make writing fun.

Beth Poss explains how technology allows students to create authentic products for large audiences.

Beth Poss points out the value of low-tech writing tools, such as sticky notes, index cards, and whiteboards.

Beth Poss discusses the benefits of built-in assistive technology tools.

Beth Poss shares resources where teachers can learn about assistive technology tools.

When choosing high quality educational apps for children, ask if the app is open-ended, if it provides opportunities for problem solving, and if it provides a culturally relevant and diverse cast of characters. 

Beth Poss discusses how to select beneficial, relevant apps for children with learning differences.

Beth Poss offers guidelines for using apps with toddlers and preschoolers in a way that promotes human interaction.

Beth Poss explains that technology can help young children with disabilities and communication difficulties enhance their language skills.

Universal Design for Learning is the idea of having multiple and flexible means of conveying information, expressing understanding, and engaging in learning; in essence, UDL provides choice.

Beth Poss explains the benefits of UDL for diverse groups of students.

Beth Poss imagines the ideal UDL classroom.

Many modern assistive technology tools can be accessed both at school and at home.

Beth Poss advises that IEP meetings always include a discussion regarding assistive technology.

Beth Poss discusses how to turn students into self-advocates for their assistive technology needs.

In a UDL classroom, students who require assistive technology look no different than students choosing tools that best fit their learning needs.

Beth Poss recounts Lizzie’s story.

Beth Poss identifies common assistive technology challenges experienced by teachers and schools.

Biography

Beth Poss is a faculty member for the Center on Technology and Disability and an early childhood special education administrator for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in Maryland. As a member of the MCPS curriculum writing team, she helped design and implement a curriculum aligned with the Common Core State Standards and the principles of Universal Design for Learning. As a certified Speech Language Pathologist, she served as a member of the MCPS assistive technology team for 10 years.

Poss is also an adjunct faculty member for Johns Hopkins University, and presents nationally and internationally on best practices in professional development, early childhood special education, assistive technology, instructional technology, and Universal Design for Learning.

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