Dr. Larry Beard Co-Authors Textbook

 

Jacksonville State University's Dr. Lawrence A. Beard, son of Juanita E. Beard and the late Reverend William O. Beard of Athens, recently co-authored a textbook entitled Assistive Technology: Access for All Students.

 

The book is available through Prentice Hall Publishing Company and such book outlets as Barnes and Noble. Assistive technology is any piece of equipment or service that can help a student with exceptionalities interact with their educational environment as well as their working and living environments.

 

Dr. Beard, associate professor of special education, said he co-authored the book because there was a lack of information available on this important subject in the life of some students. This book is organized around the theme of universal design and discusses how assistive technology can help educators meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. It examines assistive technology for young children, high incidence disabilities, positioning and mobility, communication, sensory impairments, distance learning and more.

 

Ethical standards of practice and multiculturalism are considered throughout. The book addresses student interactions in a variety of settings and discusses how assistive technology can be used not only in the school, but also in the home, community, workplace and independent living environment.

 

Dr. Beard is a 1973 graduate of Athens High School and has a rich background working with students with exceptionalities, including work experience at the Lurleen B. Wallace Developmental Center in Decatur and the Shrine School for Exceptional Children in Jasper, Alabama. His administrative experience includes work with the Florida State Department of Education, and being the program chair for the Program in Mental Retardation Education at Tuskegee University. Dr. Beard has also had higher education experience at Georgia Southern University.

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