Debbie Drennan, Author at Debbie Drennan Assistive Technology

Early Inclusion is Belonging

My passion, my platform, is that early inclusion of all children is fundamental- it gives the children the feeling that yes, they belong in this world, and have value. I have seen the value of early inclusion in my two sons- both have different abilities and disabilities, and both had good early inclusion experiences, which…

Early Inclusion Facilitator Certificate, and more!

It has been such a busy September, it’s hard to believe that it is over halfway done! The presentation I did on “Building Your AT Toolkit for Independent Living” with Parents Helping Parents went really well. I had great feedback, and I learned some things as well- my favorite kind of webinar! I also have…

Keeping Access Tools Available, Always

On the weekend of 9/11, I was again reminded of how important it is always to keep the accessibility tools out and available. In particular, this post is about emergency evacuation stairchairs. On 9/11, those tools saved at least one life, and the need to have them available was clearly shown (more information can…

September Happenings

September is here already- hard to believe that summer is just about over, and Fall is upon us! I took a look at my September calendar, and realized I did not let you know all the things I am doing. So, first, let me highlight my (free!) on-line presentation I am doing with Parents Helping…

Mistakes Were Made

I made a mistake. What? No really. I am (was?) working with a family of a delightful toddler with a genetic disorder, and they were interested in helping their child communicate. This is the information I was given when this family was referred to me. He had maybe two word approximations, and he will be…

Back to School = Support a Teacher Time

It is “back to school” time, at least here in California, with many schools starting up in the next few weeks. With the shortage of teachers, and poor funding of classrooms, it is time, I believe, to also think about how we can support those teachers that are in the classrooms- new ones, as well…

My Turn to Use AT

I’m a bit late sending out my weekly blog, as I had surgery on my ankle this week. It will be several weeks of non-weight-bearing on my ankle, and I must say, I am so grateful that my home is already accessible, and has the tools I need to get around independently. I truly do…

Early Literacy for All

I recently acquired a large, black Velcro-compatible table-top display stand. Its initial purpose is as a marketing display tool. However, I also can see myself using it to display story props, communication icons, and visual routines- all kinds of things that would promote early literacy for all! The above picture is an example of how…

What am I up to now?

I am thrilled to announce my presentation, “Storytime for ALL!” has been chosen for the 9th annual statewide Inclusion Collaborative Inclusioneers Thrive! Conference. It will be a hybrid model, with options for both in-person and online only, October 18-20th. Interested in finding out more, and signing up for it? http://www.inclusioncollaborative.org/conference.aspx I still am not sure…

Eldertech and Cell Phones

I recently joined the inaugural Eldertech Advisors group, coordinated and managed by Joan Green of Innovative Speech Therapy https://innovativespeech.com/. It is a group of Occupational therapists, Speech Therapists, Retirees, AT Specialists, and others, who are all learning and sharing helpful tips and tools targeted to helping the elderly live as independently as possible. They have…