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Join Our Conversation
 Thank you for joining me for our fifth email issue of “Thoughtful Conversations.”
This issue contains the case study of Barb Wollak, Speech/Language Pathologist and AT Specialist for the St. Paul Public Schools. Like other innovative educators and therapists, she utilizes her arsenal of skills to impact the lives of many people. In this case study, she shares her journey with Kirsten and how the use of a variety of assistive technology tools and teaching methods improved her communication and learning.
Kirsten demonstrated her amazing personal and academic gains as she sang for the opening at the Camp Courage Literacy Session for a memorial library dedicated to Jan Manchester. Listen to Kirsten sing “The Start of Something New” on UTube - Click Here.
As coordinator of the AbleNet Research Consortium, I invite you to send any questions or recommendations that will assist us in improving our research efforts. Just email me at cvolkman@ablenetinc.com.
Kindest regards,
Cheryl Volkman
 Case Study:
Barb Wollak, Saint Paul, MN
“It didn’t take any of us long to realize that Kirsten was really smart and that we needed to teach her language and literacy. Initially, Kirsten was unable to decode any words. Now, Kirsten uses written language as a means of processing oral language (i.e., communication partners write their questions or comments, and Kirsten reads them in order to understand what they are saying before she responds orally or with her DynaMyte communication aid). Kirsten will now attempt to decode any word and is also an excellent speller.”
In this month’s issue, Barb Wollak shares how she and her team use the 4 Block Model as the basis of teaching literacy and communication in their classrooms. Barb’s passion for literacy learning and her dedication to best practice methodology has allowed her to support Kirsten and other students at Highland Jr. High School to make incredible gains. You won’t want to miss the links to important teaching tools Barb has used in her recent career.
To read this story click here.
 Interview with Kirsten's Mother:
We are delighted to include in the case study an interview with Kirsten’s mother Jackie Punch. Jackie provides important insights about how to work with the school team along with a historical and personal perspective that helps us understand the family’s journey:
“I would like to leave a message of hope. I think it is important to note that there hasn’t been a grand miracle. Kirsten has not been cured of autism. Her auditory processing is still very poor. However, she has accomplished more than any of us were sure she could. My advice to other parents would be take it a day at a time, get advice, try things in a planful manner, don’t freak out that your child doesn’t respond to the same therapies that have worked for other kids. So many times as parents, we feel guilty for not doing enough. DON’T PUT A CAP ON YOUR CHILD’S POTENTIAL! Hang in there. Our journey with Kirsten has been challenging but it has stretched me. I am more comfortable with anyone with a disability. I am more caring, empathetic, patient and courageous because of Kirsten. The joys of each little progressive step have been amazing. Maybe this has been the miracle.”
To read this story click here.
This story is part of a collection of case studies about how educators in our communities are creating amazing opportunities for students with disabilities to learn, grow and achieve extraordinary results. To view archived case studies click here.
 Dr. Penny Hatch's Position Paper on Functional Literacy:
In preparing Barb's case study for publication, we became interested in how teaching literacy has changed over time for students with significant disabilities. We asked Dr. Hatch to prepare a position paper on how the term "functional literacy" has evolved in special education and what it means in the best interest of students for long term success using the literacy skills they develop over time and how they do so. We are grateful for the time she spent writing this position paper and invite thoughts or questions regarding her work by sending questions to me at cvolkman@ablenetinc.com or directly to Dr. Hatch at phatch@med.unc.edu . To read her position titled: "Functional Literacy; What Does it really Mean?" Click here.
Here are a few of her comments taken from the position paper:
“My immediate thought about functional literacy instruction was that if one were to use literacy to function, he or she would need all the skills necessary for reading and writing, not just the ability to read sight words. There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating that when provided with systematic comprehensive instruction, students with significant disabilities can acquire some measure of literacy. Rather than learning specific words or memorizing information through drill and practice, the comprehensive approach teaches students strategies that can be used to read and write not only what is taught directly, but to decipher and comprehend unfamiliar text as well.”
ATIA Starts a Research Committee:
To be part of the effort to increase evidence available on the use of assistive technology ATIA started a research committee in July 2009. Projects will begin starting in September.
To read more about it click here.
Call for Proposals: AbleNet Research Consortium:
Will you be conducting research to help the world understand how students with severe to moderate disabilities learn with the aid of curriculum and assistive technology? You may be a university student, researcher or represent a school. Contact the AbleNet Research Consortium for potential support of product, stipend and resources. The next funding deadline is October 30, 2009. Click here for submission guidelines and process details. Contact cvolkman@ablenetinc.com with questions.
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