The Channel

Assistive Technology (AT) expands access for all

Technology is constantly evolving to make daily life easier, and some of the most exciting advancements are designed to help individuals with disabilities navigate the world more independently. AI-powered wearables like Ara assist visually impaired users in moving through their surroundings, while Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 now function as hearing aids for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Mobility solutions such as the Atalante X robotic exoskeleton and smart home safety devices like Nobi’s fall-detecting lamp are giving people more freedom and security in their daily lives. Accessible smartphones and dual-format reading platforms like Xigxag are also making information and communication more widely available.

Curious about the latest innovations in assistive technology? Check out these articles to learn more: (Article 1; Article 2).

A simple way to talk about Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Explaining Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can sometimes feel challenging, but a new resource from Katie Novak and her team at Novak Education makes it easier. They’ve created a simple infographic that helps break down UDL in a clear and practical way.

Whether you’re introducing UDL to a teacher or looking for a quick way to explain its benefits, this visual tool can help. Check out this blog post to access the infographic and learn more about how UDL supports all students.

Gaming for everyone: the rise of adaptive controllers

Video games bring entertainment, social connection, and even therapeutic benefits – but traditional controllers can be a challenge for players with disabilities. Fortunately, the gaming industry is making big strides in accessibility.

Microsoft’s Xbox Adaptive Controller and Sony’s Access Controller for PlayStation offer customizable setups to fit different mobility needs. Companies like 8BitDo, along with organizations like AbleGamers and SpecialEffect, are helping developers create more inclusive gaming experiences. Innovations such as voice commands, eye-tracking controls, and haptic feedback are making games more accessible than ever.

With adaptive controllers breaking down barriers, gaming is truly becoming an experience for everyone.

The truth about learning styles: embracing learner variability

Many of us have heard students say, “I’m a visual learner” or “I learn best by doing.” But research shows that fixed learning styles aren’t real. In You’re Not a Visual Learner After All…The Truth About Learning Styles, Katie Novak explains that what really matters is learner variability – the idea that students’ strengths and needs shift based on context.

What does this mean for educators?

Instead of tailoring instruction to supposed learning styles, we can help students:

• Adapt their strategies based on the task at hand.
• Reflect on their learning choices and connect them to outcomes.
• Use feedback effectively to improve over time.

By fostering adaptability and a growth mindset, we prepare students to be lifelong learners. Want to learn more? Read the full article and check out Katie Novak’s podcast, The Education Table.

Support for your wellbeing

Would you like support in getting more of what you want and less of what you don’t in your personal or professional life? If so, Central Rivers AEA offers 1:1 core energy leadership coaching sessions with certified well-being coach, Dr. Leslie Moore, via Zoom. All sessions are confidential and scheduled by you when you send Leslie a Google Calendar invitation. Just select “private” on the calendar invite. Reach out to Dr. Leslie Moore with questions.

Microcredential stipend is available

This year, Central Rivers AEA is continuing to support staff well-being by offering a $250 incentive for completing one of three INspired Leadership micro-credentials! The options are:

• Awareness of Internal Energy
• 4 Key Mindsets
• Overcoming Internal Energy Blocks (new)*
• *Please note: the new micro-credential does require the first two to be earned as prerequisites.

All of these are available in our On-Demand Library, and submissions will be reviewed by Dr. Leslie Moore. If you have any questions or need help signing up, free free to schedule a quick 15-minute session with Dr. Moore by sending her a calendar invitation!

Extended school year updated process: To improve documentation of our services, a new procedure for AEA support staff providers will be in place this year. All providers should complete the Google Form by April 25 to indicate the students eligible for ESY. This memo outlines the ESY expectations and should be reviewed before completing the form. Please mark your calendar to complete this process to avoid multiple reminders. ESY services are part of your regular contract, so adjust your schedule to ensure coverage. For any questions, contact your regional administrator.

Progress monitoring & ACHIEVE: With the ACHIEVE family portal now live, it’s crucial to keep progress monitoring up to date in the system. Notes should not be stored in a folder but entered directly into ACHIEVE. Timeliness has always been important, and the portal’s added visibility should help ensure deadlines are met. A reminder: the portal isn’t accessible to parents until signed consent for services is obtained, so draft copies of EERs will still need to be sent home through other methods.

Tickets in ACHIEVE: The data team has been working to address ACHIEVE tickets as quickly as possible. We’ve identified some patterns slowing down the system and need your help. Please review the document outlining tasks your data tech can handle directly, without submitting a ticket. Use the ticketing system only for other ACHIEVE-related issues. Team reps, please share this information with special education teachers to help reduce minor ticket submissions.

You may notice a change in your data tech contact when reviewing the document. As we bring on additional data techs, some adjustments are being made. Please be patient and flexible as the team works to build capacity for extra support. We’re excited to have Margy, Patsy, and Stacy on board to help support districts!

Documenting AEA support services & activities: This document will be discussed during the meeting on Friday, March 7. Efforts are underway to create consistent practices statewide for documenting services and activities. Please review the document carefully and consider how your current practices align or need adjustment. Send any questions to your discipline lead, and additional information will be shared as needed to help align your documentation with these expectations.

Live documents, helpful resources and guides can be found on our staff website.

• Special Education Updates
• Updates with CRAEA Special Education doc (this will include every update from editions of The Channel)

Professional development approval submissions: The second round of professional development approvals closed on February 28, with over 40 submissions. Feedback from the Iowa Department of Education is expected by the end of March.

District Service Plan 2025-2026 preparations: Service plan conversations with area public and nonpublic schools are complete. Thank you to everyone who helped meet with schools and gather information for next year’s needs!

End of third quarter: The third quarter ends on March 31. All Harvest entries should be up to date, with entries through March completed by April 8. Third-quarter reports will likely be sent to schools by late April.

Live documents, helpful resources and guides can be found on our staff website.

• Ed Services/Media Updates
• Updates with CRAEA Ed Services & Media doc (this will include every update from editions of The Channel)

To ensure clear and accurate communication, just a friendly reminder about the agency’s Process for Responding to Media and Information Requests from legislators, the media and the public. Please follow these steps if you receive an inquiry:

Legislative, FOIA or public requests

Forward all requests from legislators, legislative staff, or citizens to Beth Strike, Director of Communications & Creative Services, immediately. FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests should also be sent to Beth.

Media inquiries

If a reporter contacts you for a statement, interview, or information, do not respond directly. Let them know you will connect them with the right contact. Notify Beth Strike right away.

Why this matters

Following this process ensures:

• Consistent and accurate messaging.
• Compliance with legal guidelines.
• Protection of the agency’s reputation

If you have any questions, please reach out to Beth Strike. You can also refer to Board Policies Series 700 – General Public Relations, which outlines guidelines for external communications and public information. Thanks for your cooperation!

An all-staff meeting and retirement celebration will be held on Thursday, May 22 in Cedar Falls. Lunch will be provided and discipline teams will meet in the afternoon. More details will be shared within the next couple months.

Central Rivers AEA bids a heartfelt farewell to Amber Dietz, Regional Administrator, who will be leaving her position on June 30, 2025. Amber is planning to step away from her role to explore new professional opportunities, potentially returning to her roots in teaching or coaching.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the trust, opportunities, and many memories. I am incredibly grateful to have been a part of this amazing team and to have had the privilege of serving alongside each of you.”

As Central Rivers AEA moves forward with plans to fill Amber’s position, we extend our deepest appreciation for her years of service and dedication.

The Central Rivers AEA Board of Directors approved the agency office calendar for 2025-26. The calendar lists all holidays and office closed days for the school year. A downloadable copy of the calendar can be found on the staff website under Resources > District Calendars > 2025-26 CRAEA Office Calendar.

The Central Rivers AEA Board of Directors recently updated Board Policy 401.12: Holidays. The policy now allows for a variable number of office closure days during the winter break, instead of a fixed number. Additionally, starting in 2026, Juneteenth (June 19) will be officially recognized as a holiday by the agency.

Our Google headers folder has been updated with new Central Rivers AEA branded templates. Please remember that all documents and presentation materials created for school districts or team meetings should follow our branding guidelines for a consistent look.

When writing for the CRAEA website, including blog posts, use the online writing guide, which includes helpful accessibility tips. If you have any questions about accessibility, please check out the Accessibility Module. If you want a custom Google Slide theme or header, you can place an order through Creative Services.

If you have questions regarding branding guidelines and requirements, please reach out to Beth Strike, Director of Communications & Creative Services or Contessa Van Buskirk, Communications Specialist, for assistance.

Join us for “Transformational Tuesdays” in February

Learn how to manage thoughts and reduce stress with Transformational Tuesdays on February 18 and/or February 25 from 4:00-4:30 pm via Zoom. This session will provide practical strategies to ease worry, build confidence and stay grounded in challenging moments. Register online to receive a calendar invite and Zoom link.

Microcredential stipend is available

This year, Central Rivers AEA is continuing to support staff well-being by offering a $250 incentive for completing one of three INspired Leadership micro-credentials! The options are:

• Awareness of Internal Energy
• 4 Key Mindsets
• Overcoming Internal Energy Blocks (new)*
• *Please note: the new micro-credential does require the first two to be earned as prerequisites.

All of these are available in our On-Demand Library, and submissions will be reviewed by Dr. Leslie Moore. If you have any questions or need help signing up, free free to schedule a quick 15-minute session with Leslie by sending her a calendar invitation!

Support for your wellbeing

Would you like support in getting more of what you want and less of what you don’t in your personal or professional life? If so, Central Rivers AEA offers 1:1 core energy leadership coaching sessions with certified well-being coach, Dr. Leslie Moore, via Zoom. All sessions are confidential and scheduled by you when you send Leslie a Google Calendar invitation. Just select “private” on the calendar invite. Reach out to Leslie with questions.