Skip to main content

Conference Program

This virtual conference is sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education’s Assistive Technology Network. We are committed to providing web content that is accessible to all – including people with disabilities – and to meeting or exceeding all state and national accessibility standards. If you need assistance with accessibility, please contact us.
AT Is Not Cheating: Reframing Equitable Access
Presented by: Kelli Suding

"It's not fair if they use technology."

If you've heard this statement before, you're not alone. Misconceptions about assistive technology continue to create barriers for students who rely on tools that support access, engagement, communication, reading, writing, and executive functioning. In reality, assistive technology doesn't provide an unfair advantage. It provides equitable access.

This engaging and hands-on workshop challenges common myths about assistive technology while introducing the CITES Framework, a practical approach for identifying, selecting, implementing, and evaluating technology supports. Participants will explore how to move beyond tool-focused conversations and make decisions based on learner variability, task demands, environments, and desired outcomes.

Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of how assistive technology supports learner agency and inclusion, along with practical methods for making more informed and equitable technology decisions.

Participants will learn how to:
  • Address common myths and misconceptions about assistive technology
  • Explain why assistive technology promotes equitable access rather than advantage
  • Apply the CITES Framework to support technology decision-making
Whilst AT Network strives to adhere to the accepted guidelines and standards for accessibility and usability, it is not always possible to do so when linking to documents and sites outside of our site. We are continually seeking out solutions that will bring these other areas up to the same level of overall web accessibility. In the meantime, should you experience any difficulty in accessing the material, please don’t hesitate to contact us at matthewn@vt.edu.