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In this episode of Practical Access, hosts Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines welcome Dr. Honora Wall, an expert on dyscalculia, a math-related learning disability. Dr. Wall, founder of the Dyscalculia Training Research Institute (DTRI), sheds light on the unique challenges faced by individuals with dyscalculia, offering practical strategies for teachers and families to better support students struggling with math.

Key takeaways include:

• Understanding Dyscalculia: Dr. Wall explains how dyscalculia differs from dyslexia and other neurodivergent traits, emphasizing that it's not a deficiency but a difference in brain wiring.
• Practical Classroom Strategies: Tips for identifying early signs, using real-time feedback, and incorporating supportive tools like visual aids and step-by-step guides to make math less intimidating.
• Reducing Math Anxiety: Families can focus on fun, low-pressure math activities like puzzles, card games, or discussions about tempo in music to create positive associations with math.
• Empowering Students: Dr. Wall highlights the importance of fostering a supportive, judgment-free environment where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth.

Whether you're an educator or a parent, this episode offers valuable advice to help students overcome barriers and thrive.

We love to hear from our listeners! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Twitter (@Accesspractical) or Instagram (@Practical_Access).

Resources:

The Dyscalculia Training Research Institute (DTRI) Website: https://www.thedtri.org/

Teaching Students with Dyscalculia: https://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Students-Dyscalculia-Honora-Wall/dp/1732760160

Honora Wall’s Podcast, What in the World is Dyscalculia: https://rss.com/podcasts/dyscalculia/

Honora Wall’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqXKkHFgVlACI_NqM2J34pg

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In this episode of Practical Access, hosts Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines welcome Dr. Sarah Bush, Lockheed Martin Eminent Scholar at the University of Central Florida and co-author of The Math Pact series. The conversation dives into strategies for making math education engaging for all students, including those with disabilities.

Dr. Bush discusses the synergy between high-leverage practices (HLPs), mathematics, and effective teaching practices (ETPs), emphasizing the importance of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in both general and special education. She advocates for asset-based approaches to teaching, highlighting the need to leverage students’ strengths and avoid harmful deficit labels.

Key insights include:

• Avoiding Deficit Labels: Shift focuses to students’ strengths and build on them to support areas of growth.
• Value in Math Education: Replace rigid teaching rules with flexible, meaningful practices, like emphasizing the true meaning of the equal sign and avoiding ineffective keyword strategies in problem-solving.
• Creating Positive Math Experiences: Teachers should cultivate an open, contextual approach to math, encouraging engagement and reducing negative associations. Dr. Bush stresses the importance of never framing oneself as “not a math person” in front of students.

Dr. Bush also reflects on what makes an inclusive math classroom truly exceptional—empowered, confident teachers who foster a caring and nurturing environment, set high expectations, and provide tools for students to succeed.

This episode is packed with practical strategies for educators looking to create inclusive, effective math classrooms that inspire confidence and success in all learners.

We love to hear from our listeners! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Twitter (@Accesspractical) or Instagram (@Practical_Access).

Resources:

Sarah Bush's Bio: https://ccie.ucf.edu/person/sarah-bush/

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics: https://www.nctm.org/

Math Pact Series: https://www.corwin.com/landing-pages/the-math-pact?srsltid=AfmBOorx3GL6RwftuSyi3uY6dwF96tn9h_QvrDpPNwoNrO9Da0RpG366

NCTM and CEC Position Statement on Teaching Mathematics to Students with Disabilities: https://www.nctm.org/uploadedFiles/Standards_and_Positions/Position_Statements/NCTM-CEC-Disabilities-Position-Statement-December2024.pdf

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In this episode of Practical Access, hosts Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines dive into the critical role of assistive technology (AT) in math and science education with guest Dr. Tiffanie Zaugg. Dr. Zaugg is a former AAC Coordinator in the school district of Iowa and creator of EL, a chatbot designed to revolutionize teaching practices and enhance student learning experiences. Dr. Zaugg shares insights on using AT to support students with diverse needs. The discussion highlights:

• Framework for AT Use: Exploring the SETT Framework (Student, Environment, Tasks, Tools) to identify specific needs before selecting tools.
• AI and AT Innovations: Utilizing AI-driven tools like MathGPT and platforms like Microsoft's Math Solver to enhance accessibility and comprehension.
• Accessible Resources: Recommendations like the Inclusive 365 guide and leveraging built-in device features for speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and more.
• Teacher Empowerment: Strategies for new educators to build a basic AT toolkit, even in resource-limited settings, and the importance of shifting mindsets around AT as an essential, not optional, resource.
• Debates on Technology in Classrooms: Navigating trends like cell phone restrictions and their implications for students relying on mobile devices as AT.

Dr. Zaugg also addresses resistance to AT use, offering practical ways to reframe its importance and promote its integration in classrooms. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or parent, this episode provides actionable strategies to ensure students can thrive with the support of assistive technology.

Tune in for a thoughtful discussion that reimagines how we approach learning in STEM through innovation and accessibility.

We love to hear from our listeners! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Twitter (@Accesspractical) or Instagram (@Practical_Access).

Resources:

Tiffanie’s Chatbot, EL: https://www.canva.com/design/DAF4ZnhZ8TI/bGhftIi8zBjLuBFANJBP2w/view?utm_content=DAF4ZnhZ8TI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

Equatio: https://www.texthelp.com/products/equatio/

Math Solver: https://math.microsoft.com/en

MathGPT: https://math-gpt.org/

Inclusive 365: https://inclusive365.com/