Gayl Bowser
Gayl Bowser, M.Ed., is a prominent independent educational consultant, author, and leader specializing in assistive technology (AT) for students with disabilities. Based in Roseburg, Oregon, she has dedicated over 30 years to creating high-quality service systems that integrate technology into educational programs.
Current Roles and Leadership
- Independent Consultant: Provides AT consultation, coaching, and technical assistance both internationally and throughout the United States through her firm, Assistive Technology Collaborations.
- QIAT Leadership Team: A founding member and leader of the Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology (QIAT) Consortium, which establishes professional standards for AT services in schools.
- Public Service: Currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Douglas Education Service District
Notable Publications
Gayle has co-authored several foundational texts in the field of assistive technology, often collaborating with Penny Reed:
- Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology: A Comprehensive Guide to Assistive Technology Services – A core manual for AT service delivery.
- Leading the Way to Excellence in AT Services: A Guide for School Administrators – Focuses on administrative support for AT programs.
- Education Tech Points: A Framework for Assistive Technology – A system for identifying where and when to consider AT in a student's education.
- Hey! Can I Try That? – A book designed to help students and parents understand and select appropriate AT tools.
Awards and Recognition
Bowser has received multiple awards for her contributions, including the Milken Educator Award in 1993, recognizing her as one of Oregon’s Distinguished Educators. She has also been honored with the Teacher of the Year Award from the Oregon Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and a Service Award from the National Technology and Media Division of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC TAM).
Professional Background
Before becoming a consultant, Bowser served as the Coordinator of the Oregon Technology Access Program (OTAP) and as the State of Oregon’s Specialist in Assistive Technology. Her career also includes experience as a general education teacher, special education teacher, and school administrator.
SESSION DESCRIPTION
Big Ideas about AT Services for Small and Rural School Districts
Assistive Technology (AT) programs are often designed with very different visions and very different models in mind. In larger districts AT teams may be fully staffed and include a variety of AT experts with extensive AT knowledge. However, many small and rural education agencies do not have the resources to develop dedicated AT teams. What can they do to ensure that their students have the AT that they need? In this session, we will examine the results of a series of interviews with directors of special education and identify the essential elements of AT service design for small and rural education agencies. Based on this information we can look at models that will help us plan to use those elements in our own settings.
Target audience and experience level: Intermediate - AT Specialists, School Administrators
*Sessions are open to all registrants regardless of experience level or roles.
Primary Life Cycle: All ages