Planning for Inclusive Place-based Education with Assistive Technology
Location
Boston 1
Session Format
Presentation
Abstract
Navigating local circumstances and funding priorities, educators can move inclusive curricula out of the classroom and help communities address the need for inclusive, community-based instruction. This presentation explores the enhancement of inclusive place-based education (PBE) through assistive technology (AT) as demonstrated in the Ossabaw Island Curriculum Development Project. Attendees will review an example of a collaborative team expanding interdisciplinary PBE opportunities centered on a protected barrier island off the coast of Georgia. Possibilities for local educators, historians, and partners will be explored to highlight connections between the community’s rich history and school curriculum, emphasizing the need for inclusive educational practices that are accessible to all learners. Gain a detailed how-to guide to start planning for inclusive PBE today!
Keywords
Social studies/history, Universal Design for Learning, Professional Development, Assistive Technology, Inclusive Instructional Design
Professional Bio
Dr. Kathryn L. Haughney (she/her) is a professor of Special Education who teaches about, conducts research with, and advocates for students with mild to extensive support needs and their families. As the co-program director for the MEd SPED program, she teaches methods for instruction and supports for inclusive education. Her publications evaluate inclusive academic instruction strategies for all students, especially those who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Additionally, she studies the needs of learners with the most extensive support needs, assistive technology, and transition. She is co-editor for the Journal of Case Learning and Exceptional Learners (JCLEL).
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Haughney, Kathryn L.; Massey, Cynthia; Wall, Amanda; Cornett, K. Ariel; Hall, Delandrea; and DuBose, Elizabeth, "Planning for Inclusive Place-based Education with Assistive Technology" (2026). Georgia Educational Research Association Conference. 39.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/gera/2026/2026/39
Planning for Inclusive Place-based Education with Assistive Technology
Boston 1
Navigating local circumstances and funding priorities, educators can move inclusive curricula out of the classroom and help communities address the need for inclusive, community-based instruction. This presentation explores the enhancement of inclusive place-based education (PBE) through assistive technology (AT) as demonstrated in the Ossabaw Island Curriculum Development Project. Attendees will review an example of a collaborative team expanding interdisciplinary PBE opportunities centered on a protected barrier island off the coast of Georgia. Possibilities for local educators, historians, and partners will be explored to highlight connections between the community’s rich history and school curriculum, emphasizing the need for inclusive educational practices that are accessible to all learners. Gain a detailed how-to guide to start planning for inclusive PBE today!
