News & Stories

School District 71 exemplifies how a collective effort can foster an inclusive learning environment where assistive technologies are seamlessly integrated into daily practices.

Blake is a Grade 1 student at Houston Christian School, an independent school in Houston, BC. He is supported by a dedicated team of educators and family members, including his mother, Cheri Kobes (LST), along with Dawn Bishop and Debbie Vrolyk (Intervenors), Jill Weeres (Speech-Language Pathologist), and Denise Perry (Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments).

On October 21, 2022, SET-BC and the New Westminster School District joined together to do a hands-on workshop for EAs, LSTs, Teachers and other SD40 Staff on the topic of “Supporting AAC Users in Schools.” SET-BC Educator Jessy To was honored to be invited to co-present with SD40 SLP Andrea Lalic for this unique collaboration.

Sarah is a Grade 9 student at Matthew McNair Secondary in Richmond (School District #38). Sarah is supported by an amazing school-based and district team, including Hannah Liu (Special Education ACCESS Teacher), Jinny-Lynn Rubia (Educational Assistant), Lisa Mackay (Speech Language Pathologist), Janet Lee (Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments) and Alex Tham (Occupational Therapist).

Russell, a grade 5 student in SD41, shares his excitement about using his SET-BC technology. Russell is a student who has low vision. He requires a number of adaptations in the classroom to participate fully. Over the year of SET-BC service, he learned to use his technology to complete daily assignments and activities.

“Who is SET-BC? What services do you provide?” These are questions we often hear. It’s a challenge to squeeze all that we do into a few good words. So instead of “ands” and “as wells”, let’s focus more on who, than what.

Since receiving a NovaChat device, Asher has made remarkable progress and significantly improved his communication.

Bailey is a bright and happy Grade 2 student at c̓əsqənelə Elementary in Maple Ridge (SD 42) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who shines as a member of her class. She has a wonderful team supporting her on her communication journey.

At Sk’aadgaa Naay Elementary in Haida Gwaii (SD50), classroom teacher Marcie and Educational Assistant (EA) Willow have embarked on a journey beginning in kindergarten and continuing in grade 1, to implement Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technology in the classroom, specifically utilizing iPads with TouchChat.