Assistive Technology (AT) Success Stories

At Shell Rock Elementary in the Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District, a first-grade student is learning, growing and thriving – thanks to a strong team working together to support her every step of the way.

McKenna’s journey began early in life after a brain injury as an infant. With the help of Central Rivers Area Education Agency (AEA), her family received support through Early ACCESS services. A team of specialists – including occupational, physical and speech therapists – worked closely with her and her family to build a strong foundation for learning.

Today, that same spirit of teamwork continues at school. Central Rivers AEA staff partner with Shell Rock Elementary teachers and paraprofessionals to make sure McKenna can take part in every part of the school day. Together, they’ve found creative ways to help her learn, play and connect with classmates.

Here’s just a glimpse into McKenna’s school day:

These tools and strategies are helping McKenna grow more confident and independent – and her progress is a reflection of the care and collaboration behind the scenes.

“I love sharing how far this girl has come, and we couldn’t have done it without the help of all her amazing supporters and cheerleaders!” said Kassy H., McKenna’s mom.

“Helping McKenna participate in academics, art, music and PE takes creativity and planning. Having everyone at the table makes it possible,” said Jennifer Buseman, CRAEA Occupational Therapist.

This partnership between Central Rivers AEA and Waverly-Shell Rock CSD shows the power of inclusion – and what’s possible when a team works together to support every learner. Sometimes, success starts with one small step – and grows into something truly inspiring!

At Lou Henry Elementary in Waterloo Community School District, a student who uses a wheelchair is now exploring, learning and playing in a whole new way – thanks to the power of teamwork.

When teacher Trisha Crawford dreamed of creating a custom play gym for one of her students, she reached out for help – and a community of support stepped in. Partnering with Matt McCulley, Sustainable Construction instructor at the Waterloo Career Center, and the occupational therapy team at Central Rivers Area Education Agency (AEA), the vision quickly came to life.

Matt and his students built a custom, accessible play gym designed to meet the child’s unique needs. Then, with input from the Central Rivers AEA occupational therapy (OT) team, the gym was personalized with sensory-rich features like lights, bells, mirrors, textures and adaptive switches. The result? A fun, functional space where the student could explore, learn cause-and-effect and play with joy – all from an accessible position.

“When the student first experienced the play gym, the look of pure joy said it all,” said Dr. Elizabeth Voigt, occupational therapist with Central Rivers AEA. “It opened a new world of learning through play.”

Inspired by the success, the team didn’t stop there. Matt volunteered to build three more gyms, which are now bringing smiles and meaningful accessibility to students across several Waterloo elementary schools.

This collaboration between Central Rivers AEA, Waterloo Community School District and the Waterloo Career Center is a shining example of what’s possible when educators, therapists and community members work together!

Sometimes, a simple idea can lead to big change – and for these students, it all starts with play.

Meet Halle – she’s a shining light at New Hartford Elementary School.

Crystal Klahsen, Central Rivers AEA Speech-Language Pathologist and Brain Injury Resource Team member, has worked closely with Halle.

“In the past, Halle’s speech was difficult to understand. She used an iPad with a communication app to express herself,” said Klahsen.

Over the years at Aplington-Parkersburg and Dike-New Hartford schools, Halle has made incredible progress.

“Since kindergarten, with support from school and home, she’s blossomed,” Klahsen said. “Now, she no longer needs a communication device, and her speech has improved remarkably. Halle’s future looks bright, and I’m grateful to be part of her journey!”

Halle’s mother, Samantha Price, is thankful for the AEA’s partnership with their schools.

“I am 100% confident that without the resources provided from the AEA, Halle would not be talking now,” said Price.

“The AEA’s support and patience in guiding our family through Halle’s diagnosis and their expertise have been incredibly helpful as we navigate what it means for her academically and socially,” said Price. “We couldn’t have made this progress without the support and assistance of all parts of our AEA.”

Two special education teachers at Dike-New Hartford and Aplington-Parkersburg have also worked closely with Crystal.

“Working with Crystal for two years has been a privilege. Her contributions have made a lasting impression on me,” said Randi Maverts.

“Crystal is not only excellent with students but also collaborates well with colleagues. She guided me through challenges early in my teaching career with her caring demeanor,” Maverts said.

“Her dedication, positive attitude, and passion for effective communication make her an invaluable team member, fostering an inclusive learning environment for all students.”

Colleague Caitlynn Berkey also values her daily collaboration with Crystal.

“Crystal’s passion for communication drives her work with students at Aplington-Parkersburg,” said Berkey.

“Using creativity and evidence-based methods, she empowers students to excel, creating a supportive environment where they thrive.”

As Halle continues to grow and thrive, her journey stands as a testament to the invaluable support and collaboration fostered by professionals like Crystal Klahsen and the dedicated teams at Central Rivers AEA. It’s a reminder that student success in schools is truly a team effort!

Meet Caroline, a young lady with a passion for journalism who has started her college career at Drake University. Caroline was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at one. She received years of support from her AEA. From physical and occupational therapists to media resources that improved her typing skills and led to her passion for writing, Caroline remembers it all. Through her lived experiences, Caroline demonstrates the positive influence of the AEA in shaping the foundation for her future success.

What started as a social media post turned into so much more for Central Rivers AEA (CRAEA) Occupational Therapist, Kandy Wittry. “One day I shared an adaptive backpack for children in wheelchairs ad from Target, saying how I would love to buy these for each of my kiddos,” said Wittry. “I was thinking nothing would come of it, but so many of my Facebook friends replied how great of an idea this was.” Multiple comments and messages flooded in her inbox with people asking to donate.

“I decided to set up an official fundraiser on Facebook because of how many people were serious about helping.” She thought a $200 limit was plenty for a goal, but within one day, had over $700 of donations that kept growing. “I was flabbergasted by the outpouring of support – Facebook friends, coworkers, old classmates and even former professors reached out – everyone wanted to help!” She told her coworkers at school how this had blossomed into something bigger than expected and needed help. Wittry and her fellow occupational therapists and teachers created a list of students that could benefit from such a backpack.

Wittry ended up raising $1,400 for about 50 of these adaptive backpacks. Accessibility and equal access have always been a passion of hers due to personal experiences. “When I was two, I had a stroke. I was fortunate to recover enough to not need a wheelchair, but I’ve always struggled with accessibility things.” From doing things in adaptive ways, one-handed, she learned the importance of equal access. The backpacks go on the back of a wheelchair, and there are larger zipper pulls, special hooks for the handles, extra pockets (for children on feeding tubes), small holes to feed tubes through the backpack – everything was contained to one spot. “These backpacks make my students feel like they’re a part of the community and make their lives easier.”

Wittry hopes that the success of this simple act can bring awareness to accessibility and promote equal access in her community. The idea is for the backpacks to last students for a few school years, but there are always new students and new situations coming in. At this point, she doesn’t see this becoming an annual fundraising event unless people express interest. “I just wanted to feel like I made a difference. This was one way to achieve that.”

For more information about the success of the fundraiser or if you want to donate to benefit other students, contact Kandace Wittry, CRAEA Occupational Therapist at kwittry@centralriversaea.org.