Using technology to help our students reach their full potential at Harbor School
Technology is integrated throughout our days at Harbor School. Students have access to various forms of communication, depending on their learning styles. While some of our students use iPads as augmentative devices, others utilize Chromebooks to research preferred subjects. Interactive boards in each classroom enrich lessons as they allow students to explore and discover subjects as they are applied to real life. Differentiating a lesson to meet the various needs in one classroom becomes seamless with ample technology for all of our students.
STEM for All Abilities: Empowering Special Needs Learners Through Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
Our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program is tailored to meet the diverse learning needs of students with disabilities. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on, sensory-rich activities that foster engagement, problem-solving, and collaboration. Lessons are adapted using visual supports, simplified language, and assistive technology to ensure accessibility and success for all learners.
Key components include:
Science: Exploring natural phenomena through experiments and observations using tactile materials and real-world connections. Nature walks, weather charts, and sensory science bins focus on observation, classification, and curiosity; fostering real-world connections to our environment and living things.
Technology: Use of tablets, switches, and interactive whiteboards. Introducing basic coding, digital literacy, and assistive tech tools (e.g., Coding robots, drones, 3D printers).
Engineering: Building and testing structures using age-appropriate kits like LEGO® Education or recyclables to encourage creativity and planning.
Mathematics: Reinforcing functional math skills through games, manipulatives, and real-life applications like counting, sorting, and measuring.
STEM promotes cognitive development, communication, independence, and critical thinking while supporting IEP goals. Collaboration with therapists and paraprofessionals ensures the learning environment is inclusive, safe, and responsive to each student’s unique needs.
Augmentative Technology
Augmentative/Alterative Communications (AAC) systems are utilized in order to facilitate interactions. Various devices including dedicated speech generating devices, iPads with AAC applications, VOCAs (Voice Output Communication Aids), PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), PODD (Programmatically Organized Dynamic Display), Tactile Symbol Systems and Sign Language are examples of systems implemented in order for each student to have a voice. Speech therapists are able to recommend evaluations, customize devices and provide direction for implementation within the classroom.
White Board Systems
Each classroom is equipped with a whiteboard, Mimio system and stylus. Students use the interactive white boards to help support them in the learning process. The whiteboards not only display information for students to view, but they become an interactive screen through the use of the Mimio system and stylus. Students are able to move about the classroom and answer questions by simply touching the board in the appropriate area with the stylus. This is just another modality to help students become engaged in their own learning.
iPads
Technology is engrained throughout the school day at the Harbor School. In any particular classroom, numerous students will be using personalized iPads as AAC devices to help them communicate, answer questions, make requests and socialize with their peers. In addition, our educational iPads serve as reinforcement for academic topics being taught in the classroom. In order to stay on top of what’s new and exciting, our technology department sends out weekly notifications for apps that teachers and therapists might find useful.
