Peer-Focused Assistive Technology Support

Media

Presented at 11:45am in Virtual Room 1 on Friday, November 19, 2021.

#34119

Speaker(s)

  • Cassandra LePouttre, Assistive Technology Advisor, Smith College

Session Details

  • Length of Session: 1-hr
  • Format: Lecture
  • Expertise Level: Not provided
  • Type of session: General Conference

Summary

The assistive technology advisor for Smith College, Cassandra LePouttre, has trained and supported her peers in the transition from in-person to remote instruction. As a student employee, Cassandra will relate the effectiveness of peer-focused support, and how this helps to provide a bridge between administrative and student perspectives.

Abstract

This presentation will focus on the relationships that were created between students, faculty, and administration, and how having a role as a student employee has benefited both other peers and their relationships with their professors, faculty, and staff.

The benefits of a student employee position will be presented here. This position has allowed for a flexible student schedule, diverse technology training skills, and opportunities for raising disability awareness and support.

A student employee can provide a bridge for conversations between administration and students, in a way that is unique to their position. These benefits will be highlighted in this presentation.

Keypoints

  1. Peer-support relationships that build skills, confidence, and independence.
  2. Flexible schedule and personalized support.
  3. Bridge between administration and students.

Disability Areas

Topic Areas

Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Cassandra LePouttre

As a graduating mathematics major and assistive technology advisor at Smith College, I have had the pleasure of providing peer support to other students as we have navigated this transition from in-person to remote learning. With 3 years of experience working for the Office of Disability Services at Smith College, and 2 years of experience working as an assistive technology trainer at Holyoke Community College, I hope to share the insight I have gained from working with a diverse population of students with disabilities.