Hello. My name is Beth Waite and welcome to my website. I've been a certified speech- language pathologist over 25 years. During that time, I've worked exclusively with people with severe disabilities and have specialized in augmentative-alternative communication (AAC) strategies. I've been certified by RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America) as an Assistive Technology (AT) Professional for 10 years.
I really enjoy teaching others about AAC/AT and have given presentations at state and national conferences. I provide staff development for school personnel and individual evaluations/consultations.
On this site I've listed some of my favorite strategies, resources, and the trainings that I provide. Make sure and check out the "Friends Using A.T." page to meet some great kids! For more information about augmentative communication and assistive technology click on the "Great Links" tab at the top. Feel free to contact me for your training needs.
A formal, legal definition of assistive technology was first published in the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 (The Tech Act). Below are universally-agreed upon definitions of A.T. devices and services as observed in federal and local special education law as well as governmental rehabilitation agencies, national and international professional organizations:
Assistive Technology Device means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities for a student with a disability.
Assistive Technology Service means any service that directly assists a student with a disability in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive technology device.