Date: September 23, 2026
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 pm ET
Program Description
This session examines the rules governing Assistive Technology (AT) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). AT is not just about providing special tools or devices for students; it also includes the training and support needed to use them correctly. Participants will learn how the law is written specifically for AT so they can create strong Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). We will cover the importance of tracking student progress and setting up training for teachers, families, and students. You will also get a list of national and state resources that offer extra help and tech support.
Presenter
Krystle Merry, Ph.D., NBCT. – Dr. Krystle Merry is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development School of Learning and Teaching, a National Board-Certified Teacher (NBCT) Exceptional Needs Specialist, and a digital accessibility specialist. Dr. Merry has over 18 years of experience in inclusive secondary and post-secondary education, with a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Special Education Transition Programming from the University of Arkansas, an MS.Ed. in Gifted and Talented Education, and a B.S.Ed in Middle Childhood Education with an emphasis in Mathematics and Science education. Her current teaching, research, and service focus on special education transition, mathematics instruction, and the use of technology, including AI, in secondary and higher education. Krystle also works in the private sector as a special education advocate, virtual special education case manager, AI trainer, and User Research and User Interface (UX/UI) designer to train edtech companies, higher education institutions, pre-service educators, and PK-12 schools on accessible practices for website, document, social media, and mobile app development.
Registration
How to Access this Webinar
Registration for this event is closed but you can still attend.
Please use this link to attend the webinar.
Please see directions for how to use the Zoom Webinar system including the accessibility features.
Resources
Video archive of webinar – coming soon.
Resources discussed in webinar:
More Than a Device: Understanding AT under IDEA PowerPoint – PDF
Rev: 9/22/2026