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Researchers earn 2010 Bright Ideas Award

December 2010

A child uses an iPad to hear a "social story'' during clinical interaction session.

Researchers in the college’s Center for Disability Research and Service recently earned one of the 2010 Bright Ideas Awards presented by the National Center for Technology Innovation.

Scott Renner, Margaret Flores and Kate Racoff received their award at the 2010 Tech Expo held during the NCTI Innovators Conference in November in Washington, D.C.

Their presentation, “Increasing Communication and Social Skills Using the iPad,’’ demonstrated how the devices can be used to address the communication and behavioral needs of students with developmental disabilities.

They found that the incorporation of iPads helped students become more communicative and adopt more socially appropriate behavior. The devices also enabled students to receive more efficient instruction from educators.

Renner serves as assistive technology coordinator for the Center for Disability Research and Service, while Flores, an assistant professor in the Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, Counseling/School Psychology, serves as its coordinator of educational supports.

Racoff is pursuing a doctorate in rehabilitation counseling.

Last Updated: May 17, 2011