Wayne County RESA’s New Assistive Technology Center Streamlines Support for Students with Disabilities
Wayne RESA’s Assistive Tech Team
When students need a little extra help communicating, writing, or accessing lessons, the right technology can make all the difference. For some, that might mean a device that reads aloud, generates speech, or lets them operate a computer with an eye gaze or a single touch.
These communication tools are known as Assistive Technology, and demand for them in Wayne County continues to grow every year. Currently, there are over 2,300 devices in the hands of students. That’s why the Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) recently overhauled how schools access them.
A Central Hub for Support
To improve efficiency, the Wayne RESA’s Assistive Technology Team moved its tech resources to the RESA Annex, which offers greater accessibility with a dedicated entrance and nearby parking. The new process for tech check out is more straightforward with a new appointment-based pick-up/return. On paper, it might look like a simple move. But, in practice, it’s a major upgrade that’s transforming how quickly students receive the support they need.
Before, schools often faced limited flexibility for dropping in and picking up equipment, long waits for devices or had to navigate a complex checkout process. Now, with a centralized pickup and drop-off site, districts across Wayne County can request, test, and return devices in a fraction of the time. Special educators, including special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists, can now schedule appointments online to trial and exchange assistive devices, cutting delays from weeks to just days. For students, this means faster access to tools that help them learn.
Assistive Technology Offered through Wayne Co. RESA
Hardware:
- Speech-generating devices
- Customized printed symbol boards
- Alternative access devices: including eye-tracking cameras, adaptive key- boards, and single-switch controllers
Software:
- Accessibility and Learning-Support programs: reading and writing support software, text-to-speech, speech-to-text
- Software-based custom symbol boards/text grids
Training That Travels Back to the Classroom
The new Tech site isn’t just a storage room for equipment. It doubles as a hands-on training center where special educators can learn how to use each device effectively before introducing it to students.
The training piece is crucial. When educators understand how to match the right tool to a student’s needs – whether it’s a communication device, adaptive keyboard, or software for reading support – those tools actually get used in everyday learning, rather than sitting on the shelf.
“When students get the tools they need without delay, they are able to focus on learning rather than waiting.”
Dr. Jennifer Taiariol
Assistant Superintendent, Wayne County RESA
Faster Access, Greater Inclusion
By improving logistics, Wayne RESA made inclusion more practical. A more efficient process ensures that students who need technology for access to learning can receive it. “When students get the tools they need without delay, they can focus on learning rather than waiting,” said Dr. Jennifer Taiariol, Wayne RESA
Assistant Superintendent for Special Education and Early Intervention Services.
This strategic yet straightforward upgrade helps ensure that every student, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to participate in the classroom fully. It’s a reminder that progress in special education often begins behind the scenes – with the systems that make access possible.
Sources:
- Wayne RESA Assistive Technology page – Confirms the move to the Wayne RESA Annex (5454 Venoy Rd., Room 161) and that pick-up/ drop-off appointments are made via an online scheduler; also states WATT provides AT devices/services to local districts and PSAs in Wayne County.
- WATT “Make & Take” lab (laminator, poster printer, Boardmaker/ LessonPix access) documented in RESA guidelines—teachers can prep AAC/visual supports immediately, accelerating classroom implementation.
- Faster trials + on-site training mean tools are selected sooner and used correctly in class—more learning time, less waiting (supported by WATT’s updated processes and AT research).
- RESA’s mission and service footprint (33 districts + 97 PSAs) show that centralizing AT access at the Annex benefits districts across Wayne County, including communities in Sen. Camilleri’s district.
