Special Education Technology Center

08/31/2026

We hope you’ll join us for our September 25 SETC Conference at Puget Sound ESD in Renton, WA:

⭐The Art and Science of Access: When the Right Position Sparks Connection, presented by Brenda Del Monte. ⭐

The day will focus on supporting students who use switches, eye gaze, head tracking, and other alternative access methods—with communication always at the center.

We’re also making space for connection. You’ll have opportunities to interact with AAC vendors and a mounting vendor, enjoy some great giveaways, and connect with others doing this work—sharing wins, challenges, strategies, and tools.
60 ASHA CEUs available
Register now: https://specialedtechcenter.com/the-art-and-science-of-access-when-the-right-position-sparks-connection/

08/27/2026

🌟 SETC Spotlight: Brenda Del Monte 🌟

For over 20 years, Brenda has dedicated her career as a speech-language pathologist to helping individuals with disabilities communicate, connect, and participate. From her time in Washington schools to her current AAC consulting in Arizona, she always sees a person’s strengths and potential first.

Beyond her clinical work, Brenda is the co-founder of the nonprofit Believe Beyond Ability, author of the book I See You In There, and the wonderful co-host of our Awe and Wonder Podcast 🎤.

🔗 Read more: https://specialedtechcenter.com/newsletter-august-2026/

💫Want to see Brenda in person? Join us at our upcoming conference:

*The Art and Science of Access: When the Right Position Sparks Connection*
📆September 25th in Renton, WA60 ASHA CEUs available
$125 including catered lunch

Register Now! https://specialedtechcenter.com/the-art-and-science-of-access-when-the-right-position-sparks-connection/

08/07/2026

Our last fidget of the week takes only 2 items! Check out how easy it is to make the BEAD TWIRLER.

08/07/2026

Make your own fidget!

Our last fidget uses only 2 items:
🖇️paperclip
🧿 beads

Watch Lexi's video to see how to make your own BEAD TWIRLER fidget!

Make sure to check out our Make Your Own Fidget YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJe7RaC8OyJs

08/05/2026

Make your own FIDGETS!

Lexi is back with another fun fidget craft- MARBLE MAZE. This one is quiet which makes it perfect for places like school or a movie theater.

Check it out and let us know what you think!

Watch this short tutorial to learn how to make a DIY Marble Maze Fi...

08/04/2026

Make your own FIDGETS! 🛠️✨

Yesterday Brayden showed us how to make a soda tab twirler 🥤🌀.

Today Lexi takes us through the steps to make your own RAINBOW BEAD SLIDER fidget 🌈. https://youtube.com/shorts/0XCl0xMWghM?feature=share

What will these kids think of next?? Find out tomorrow!

Learn how to make a simple DIY Pony Bead Slider Fidget in this tuto...

08/03/2026

Make your own FIDGETS! 🛠️✨

Fidgets are fantastic tools for focus and self-regulation, and the best part? You don't always need to buy them!

This week, we are sharing 4 different types of fidgets you can easily make right at home.

First up: The SODA TAB TWIRLER! 🥤🌀 Watch Brayden teach us exactly how to put this together using just a few simple materials you might already have lying around the house.

Save this post to try later, and let us know in the comments how yours turns out! 👇

Learn how to make a DIY Soda Tab Twirler Fidget with this simple tu...

07/24/2026

Communication is a human right, not something that has to be earned.

Yet many nonspeaking and minimally speaking individuals are still expected to prove they're "ready" before they're given meaningful access to communication.

In Episode 324: The Right to Be Heard: Reclaiming Communication Autonomy, Emily welcomes Brenda Del Monte and Sarah Kinsella for an important conversation about Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and the assumptions that continue to limit access for too many individuals.

Together, they explore why communication should never depend on compliance, how outdated assessment practices can underestimate a person's abilities, and why presuming competence opens the door to more authentic connection and learning.

It's a powerful reminder that every person deserves the opportunity to communicate in ways that work for them.

🎧 Episode 324 is available now at the link in our comments.

07/22/2026

We ❤️ JIMOTHY! Ready to explore like Washington's favorite raccoon?

Just like Jimothy navigates his neighborhood with curiosity, you can map out new ways to learn this summer. The SETC Exploratorium is a digital 3D classroom built for discovery.

Visitors can click, drag, and swipe through the virtual space to find inclusive tools, just like Jimothy maps out his favorite local backyard trails.

🌞Take the Jimothy Summer Challenge!

Can you find the visual schedules? Whether it’s a row of removable picture cards on the refrigerator, a handwritten checklist, or a digital calendar, visual supports help children understand what to expect and what comes next.

Comment 🦝 "Jimothy" 🦝 to get a free Focus & Routines Handout with tools and strategies to support focus, next steps, and follow-through.

07/17/2026

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