ePPP Communication April 24, 2009

ACCESS PROGRAM 2008/2009

The Assistance, Collaboration, Consultation, Evaluation Support Services (ACCESS) program provides consultation, professional development and alternate format materials to assist school divisions and early intervention programs in supporting students who are identified with visual and/or hearing disabilities. The ACCESS personnel available for consultation for 2008/2009 include:

• Susan Carney, consultant for students with visual disabilities,
  
  
• Wendy White, consultant for students with hearing disabilities,
  
  
• Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) and,
  
  
• Saskatchewan Pediatric Auditory Rehabilitation Centre (SPARC).
  

The Response to Intervention (RtI) model will be utilized to guide interventions for students with visual and hearing disabilities. The RtI model ensures that classroom teachers empower students to reach their full potential through assistive technology, differentiated instruction, inclusive practices, and early intervention. For students not reaching their full potential through these interventions, targeted interventions through ACCESS may be required.

Prior to a consultation, the ACCESS consultant will complete an initial phone call to the school/program to gather information on the classroom adaptations and interventions currently in place. The following link will guide you to the fact sheets of classroom adaptations for students with visual and/or hearing disabilities to be utilized:

http://www.education.gov.sk.ca/ACCESS

Should you have any further questions, please contact Melanie Elliott, Program Manager, Children's Services, Melanie.Elliott@gov.sk.ca. Thank you.