Professional Outreach - 1995-2025
PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS
Naraian, S., & Surabian, M. (2014). New Literacy Studies: An Alternative Frame for Preparing Teachers to
Use Assistive Technology. Teacher Education and Special Education: The Journal of the Teacher
Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children, 37(4), 330-346. doi:
10.1177/0888406414538843
PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS, PANEL INVITATIONS, KEYNOTES
• Surabian, M. (2025). Eliminating Barriers to Teaching and Learning: Universal Design for Learning
and Assistive Technology. Presentation and Panel Discussion. Iona University.
• Surabian, M. (2025). The Power of Presumed Competence in A.T. Consideration. NYC Public Schools
Assistive Technology Expo 2025.
• Surabian, M. (2025). Everyone Can Participate: Augmenting Literacy Interventions with Assistive
Technology. Everyone Reading’s 52nd Conference on Dyslexia nad Learning Disabilities
• Surabian, M. (2025). Everyone Can Participate: Redefining Literacy with Assistive Technology.
Dyslexia Alliance for Black Children
• Surabian, M. (2024). Assistive Technology as STEM – AT for All Students PreK-12. Closing the Gap
42nd Annual Conference.
• Surabian, M. (2024). How AT Impacts Learning Disabilities: Research and User Outcomes. SPED
Summit - https://www.spedsummit.com/
• Surabian, M. (2024). Assistive Technology for Learning Disabilities. Guest Lecture. Skidmore College
• Surabian, M. (2024). Assistive Technology for Aging in Place Guest Lecture. NYS Senator Krueger’s
Senior Health Conference. NY
• Surabian, M. (2024). Assistive Technology in the Classroom. Guest Lecture. United Federation of
Teachers.
• Surabian, M. (2024). Assistive Technology in the Classroom. Guest Lecture. Smith College
• Surabian, M. (2024). Everyone can Participate: Augmenting Literacy Interventions with Assistive
Technology. Everyone Reading Conference NYC
• Surabian, M. (2024). How AT Impacts Learning Disabilities: Research and User Outcomes. NYC
Public Schools Assistive Technology Expo
• Surabian, M. (2024). Overview of the Assistive Technology Field. Guest Lecture. IncludeNYC.
• Surabian, M. (2024). Assistive Technology in the Classroom. Guest Lecture. Brooklyn College
• Surabian, M. (2024). Evidence-Based Assistive Technologies for Empowering Learners in the 21st
Century. Reading with TLC, Inc.
• Surabian, M. (2023). Assistive Technology for Aging in Place. Wechsler Center for Modern Aging.
• Surabian, M. (2023). Assistive Technology in the Classroom. Guest Lecture. Queens College
• Surabian, M. (2023). Assistive Technology in the Classroom. Guest Lecture. Brooklyn College
• Surabian, M. (2023). Technology for Improving Access to Education, Communication, and Self-
Regulation. The Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance (PESA).
• Surabian, M. (2023). The Integration of Assistive Technology into Literacy Interventions. Guest Lecture.
Columbia University Teachers College
• Surabian, M. (2022). Assistive Technology in Education. Online guest lecture. Skidmore College
• Surabian, M. (2022). Assistive Technology and Augmentative Communication in Educational Settings.
Online guest lecture. University of Massachusetts, Department of Communication Disorders
• Surabian, M. (2022). AT Users Speak from Experience: The Impact of AT on Students with Dyslexia,
Dysgraphia, Physical Disabilities, and Communication. Online presentation for Infinitec of Chicago
• Surabian, M. (2022). Free and Affordable Assistive Technologies for Learning. Assistive Technology
Expo of Alaska. Online Presentation
• Surabian, M. (2022). The Social-Emotional Impact of Assistive Technologies on Students with Learning
Disabilities. NYC Department of Education – Training for Social Workers and Psychologists
• Surabian, M. (2022). Understanding the Positive Social-Emotional Impact that Assistive Technologies
Provide When Supporting Student Participation in Learning Environments. United Federation of
Teachers Social Worker Appreciation Day - Keynote.
• Surabian, M. (2022). The Impact of Assistive Technology on Learners: Research and Case Studies.
Innovations in Special Education Technology New Jersey (I-SET) Conference - Keynote.
• Surabian, M. (2022). Before They Struggle: A Proactive Approach for Introducing Assistive
Technologies. Don Johnston Webinar Series.
• Surabian, M. (2022). ATLAS: Assistive Technology Literacy for All Students. Nurturing Multiple
Literacies for Learning from the Start. Everyone Reading Conference, NY, NY
• Surabian, M. (2021). Understanding the Impact of Assistive Technologies for Supporting Student
Participation in Learning Environments. United Federation of Teachers Psychologist Appreciation Day
- Keynote.
• Surabian, M. (2021). The Complementary Value of Assistive Technologies: A Paradigm Shift for
Sustaining Learner Engagement throughout the Duration of Remediation. Breakthroughs in Twice-
Exceptional Education Conference, New York, NY.
• Jeppe, P. & Surabian, M. (2021). Beyond Remediation: A Necessary Paradigm Shift Toward the
Integration of Individualized Support with Assistive Technologies. Everyone Reading Conference, New
York, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2021). Assistive Technology for Communication, Access, and Learning. NYC Department
of Education Occupational Therapists of District 11.
• Surabian, M. (2021). Assistive Technology for Struggling Students: Solutions for Remote Learning.
NYC Special Education Collaborative for Charter Schools.
• Surabian, M. (2021). Introduction to Assistive Technology. NYC Department of Education Occupational
Therapists of District 10 and 12, and D75 Organizations: 75X168, 75X
• Surabian, M. (2021) Creating An Accessible Workspace: AT Solutions for Higher Education and the
Workplace for Individuals with Learning Challenges. Assistive Technology Conference of New
England (ATCNE).
• Surabian, M. (2020). How to Empower Students to Drive their Own Accessibility Needs. National
Webinar Sponsored by Don Johnston Inc.
• Surabian, M. (2020). What Higher Education Professionals need to Know About Assistive Technologies
for Supporting Dyslexia. Succeed with Dyslexia Conference, United Kingdom.
• Surabian, M. (2020). Introduction to Augmentative Communication. University of Massachusetts
Lecture.
• Surabian, M. (2020). How to “Think AT”: Finding Solutions by Repurposing Everyday Technologies.
Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference (ATIA). Orlando, FL.
• Surabian, M. (2019). How to Think AT: Finding Solutions by Repurposing Everyday Technologies.
Assistive Technology Conference of New England (ATCNE).
• Surabian, M. (2019). Math and Science for All: Creating Classroom Access for Students with Physical
Challenges. Assistive Technology Conference of New England (ATCNE).
• Surabian, M. (2019). Evidence-Based Research for Use of Assistive Technologies in the Classroom.
Everyone Reading Conference, New York, NY
• Surabian, M. (2019). Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities. Legal Services of NYC
Special Education Taskforce.
• Surabian, M. (2019). Assistive Technology for Students with ASD. Training for NEST Program
Occupational Therapists who serve students with ASD across 80 public schools in NYC.
• Surabian, M. (2019). Administrative training on the value of AT in learning. United Federation of
Teachers, Special Education Division - Meeting with the Vice President of the UFT and her team to
discuss known issues in AT use that they are struggling with and problem-solving for training different
sections of their organization.
• Surabian, M. (2019). Assistive Technology in Occupational Therapy. NYC DOE Occupational
Therapists of Brooklyn.
• Surabian, M. (2019). How Technology Enhanced Performance is Validated through AT Research on
Outcomes for Students with Learning Disabilities. Assistive Technology Expo sponsored by NYC
Department of Education.
• Surabian, M. (2019). Assistive Technology for Learning - What Families Need to Know. Montefiore
Rose Kennedy Center for Children. Bronx, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2019). An Introduction to Assistive Technology for Dyslexia. Presentation to the entire
Bank Street College of Education Faculty on the importance of teaching assistive technology across all
of courses in the graduate school.
• Surabian, M. (2019). Assistive Technology for Dyslexia. New York State Dyslexia Day sponsored by
Assembly member JoAnne Simon. Albany, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2019). Assistive Technology for Learning. INCLUDEnyc. Livestream Event. New York,
NY.
• Surabian, M. (2019). Assistive Technology for Learning Challenges. Children's Evaluation and
Rehabilitation Center at Montefiore Hospital, New York, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2019). How “Technology Enhanced Performance” is Validated through AT Research on
Outcomes for Students with Learning Disabilities. The NYC Department of Education AT Expo.
• Surabian, M. (2019). The Impact of Assistive Technology on Student Success: Four Skilled Users Speak
Out. The NYC Department of Education AT Expo.
• Surabian, M. (2019). “I Want to Do it Myself!” – AT Solutions for Empowering Students. Presentation
at The 46th Everyone Reading Conference on Dyslexia and Related Learning Disabilities, CUNY
Graduate Center, New York, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2019). The Impact of Assistive Technology on Learners: Research and Case Studies.
Keynote Presentation at the Innovations in Special Education Technology (I-SET) Conference,
sponsored by the New Jersey Association of Pupil Services Administrators (NJAPSA).
• Herlihy, D & Surabian, M. (2018) How to Think AT: Finding Solutions and Repurposing Everyday
Technologies. Pre-conference Workshop at The Assistive Technology Conference of New England
(ATCNE).
• Surabian, M. (2018). Beyond Remediation: The Case of Assistive Technology. Keynote Presentation at
The 45th Everyone Reading Conference on Dyslexia and Related Learning Disabilities, CUNY
Graduate Center, New York, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2018). Assistive Technology for Students in the NYU Nest ASD Program: Professional
Development Training for OT’s and PT’s. United Federation of Teachers Building, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2018). Assistive Technology for Children w/ Disabilities. Bank Street College, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2018). The Use of Assistive Technologies with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse
Students with Special Needs. Hunter College, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2017). Preconference Session - Technology Enhanced Inclusion: Increasing Participation
for Individuals with Severe Disabilities in Education, Employment, and Leisure Activities. ATCNE
Conference, Warwick, Rhode Island.
• Surabian, M. (2017). AT Solutions for Increasing Learning Independence and Classroom Participation.
ATCNE Conference, Warwick, Rhode Island.
• Surabian, M. (2017). Assistive Technology for Students with Learning and Accessibility Challenges. NY
SPED Charter School Center, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2017). Assistive Technology for Children with Severe Disabilities. Presentation for New
York University, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2017). The Impact of Assistive Technologies for Students with Disabilities. NYC
Committee on Special Education & Parent Councils.
• Surabian, M. (2017). Assistive Technology for Children with Low Incidence Disabilities. Presentation
for New York University.
• Surabian, M. (2017). Assistive Technology (AT): Often Maligned as a “Crutch”— But Crutches
Empower Users to Stand Alone. The 44th Everyone Reading Conference on Dyslexia and Related
Learning Disabilities, CUNY Graduate Center, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2017). Making Education Accessible for Young Children with Communication, Physical,
and Learning Challenges. Presentation for New York University.
• Surabian, M. (2017). AT for Children with Disabilities. St. Josephs’s College, Brooklyn, NY. 2017
• Surabian, M. (2017). AAC for Children with Disabilities. Bank Street College, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2017). The Use of Assistive Technologies with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse
Students with Special Needs. Hunter College, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2017). Assistive Technology for Children with Disabilities. Bank Street College, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2017). The Impact of Assistive Technologies for Students with Disabilities. Brooklyn
College, Brooklyn, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2017). The Use of Assistive Technologies with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse
Students with Special Needs. Hunter College, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2016). Nation-wide phone seminar: Managing Your MS Symptoms with Technology.
CanDo MS Webinar Series, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2016). An Overview of Assistive Technology for Ed Tech Students. NYU Department of
Educational Technology, New York, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2016). Assistive Technology: Solutions for Increasing Learner Independence and
Classroom Participation. Accessibility Camp NYC Unconference. New York, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2016). Facilitator for Assistive Technology for Education Work, & Leisure Group on
Accessibility in NYC. NYC Digital Equity Convening. New York Public Library, NY, NY.
• Jeppe, P., Spoden, A., Surabian, M. (2016). Panel: Assistive Technology and its Impact on Learning for
Students with Disabilities. ARISE Coalition event at Advocates for Children. New York, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2016). 2 Presentations: Kinems - Using Personalized Kinetic and Multi-Sensory Learning
Games with Microsoft's Kinect; Total Talk and Orbit - Innovative AAC Based on the Latest Advances in
Apple iOS for iPad and iPhone. 34th Closing the Gap Conference, Minneapolis, MN.
• Surabian, M. (2016). Nation-wide Webinar: Managing Your MS Symptoms with Technology. CanDo
MS Webinar Series, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2016). 3 Presentations: Free and Affordable Technology Supports for Struggling
Learners; Making Note-Taking Accessibility for Students using Sonocent Audio Notetaker; Kinetic and
Multi-Sensory Learning Games for Classroom and Therapy. The 43rd Everyone Reading Conference on
Dyslexia and Related Learning Disabilities, CUNY Graduate Center, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2016). 2 presentations: Note-taking Supports in the Classroom & Multi-Sensory Learning
Games. EdCampAccessNJ. The College of St. Elizabeth, NJ.
• Surabian, M. (2016). Classifying and Matching Assistive Technologies to Needs for K-12 Education -
Interactive Workshop. Columbia University Teachers College, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2016). AAC for Speech Disorders. Bank Street College, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2016). Augmentative Communication and Assistive Technology. St. Joseph’s College,
Brooklyn, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2016). Augmenting the Classroom, Augmenting the Student. NYC Special Education
Collaborative, 6th Annual Education Conference. Baruch College, NY, NY
• Surabian, M. (2015). Google Chrome Apps & Extensions: Cloud-Based AT that Follows the User.
International Society for Technology in Education Conference (ISTE). Philadelphia, PA.
• Surabian, M. (2015). AAC Lecture Series: AAC: Insight, Empathy, & Impact; Intro to AT and AAC
Devices; AAC & Speech Therapy Apps; Columbia University Teachers College, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2015). The Impact of Technology on Enhancing Participation in School, at Work, and
Leisure. Asperger Syndrome & High Functioning Autism Association Conference. Adelphi University,
Garden City, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2015). Chrome Applications for Learning Disabilities. The Uncommon Charter School,
Brooklyn, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2015). Assistive Technologies or Instructional Technologies? Columbia University
Teachers College, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2015). Assistive Technology Supports for Struggling Learners: Reading, Writing,
Organization, Note-taking, and Math Tools. NY SPED Charter School Center, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2015). Assistive Technology for Early Childhood Needs and ELL’s. Bank Street College,
NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2015). AAC: Theories, Myths, Case Studies, & Apps. NYU Communicative Science &
Disorders, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2015). Assistive Technology in Differentiated Instruction. City College of NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2014). Google Chrome Apps and Extensions: Cloud A.T. Follows the User. 32nd Annual
Closing the Gap Conference, Minneapolis, MN.
• Chester, M., Grasmick, N., King, J., & Surabian, M. (2014). Innovations in Student Assessment to
Measure 21st Century Skills and Knowledge for all Learners. Panel discussion. NYS Assemblyman
Michael Benedetto (Chair), Education Committee. Council on State Government Eastern Regional
Conference, 54th Annual Meeting and Regional Policy Forum, Baltimore, MD.
• Surabian, M. (2014). Incorporating Assistive Technologies into Adult Day Programming. The Block
Institute, NY, NY
• Surabian, M. (2014). The Impact of Assistive Technologies on Student Learning: A Practical Discussion
on Classroom Solutions. NYC SPED ED Conference , Baruch College, NY, NY
• Surabian, M. (2014). Assistive Technologies for Inclusion: K-12 Education. Columbia University
Teachers College, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2014). Assistive Technology in Education. Lecture at Fordham University, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2014). Augmentative Communication: Theory & Practice. Lecture at St. Joseph’s
College, Brooklyn, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2014). Utilizing Assistive Technologies to Enable, Enhance, and Augment Student
Participation in the Classroom. Eight one-day workshops for the Division of Students with Disabilities
and ELL of the NYC Department of Education. Location: Everyone Reading Association, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2014). Beyond Differentiation: How Assistive Technologies Augment Student Learning.
41st Annual Conference on Dyslexia and Related Learning Disabilities. Kimmel Center at New York
University, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2014). Utilizing Assistive Technology in the Classroom; & The Role of Assistive
Technology in Day Habilitation and Work Opportunities; & Tablet Applications for Learning, Physical,
and Communication Needs. Lectures at the Interagency Council of Developmental Disabilities
Agencies, Inc., NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2014). Google Apps: AT Exists in the Cloud; & AT Does Make a Difference in the
Classroom. (two presentations). Invited Speaker for the Power Up Conference, sponsored by the
Missouri Assistive Technology Advisory Council, Osage Beach, MO.
• Surabian, M. (2014). The Impact of Assistive Technologies on Student Learning. Presentation at the
Special Education Collaborative's 4th Annual Education Conference, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2014). Panel Discussion with Industry Professionals on Accessibility. Met & Parsons
Museum Accessibility Collaboration Workshop, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2014). Google Chrome Apps and Extensions: Cloud A.T. Follows the User. 32nd Annual
Closing the Gap Conference, Minneapolis, MN.
• Chester, M., Grasmick, N., King, J., & Surabian, M. (2014). Innovations in Student Assessment to
Measure 21st Century Skills and Knowledge for all Learners. Education Committee panel discussion
chaired by NYS Assemblyman Michael Benedetto. Council on State Government Eastern Regional
Conference, 54th Annual Meeting and Regional Policy Forum, Baltimore, MD.
• Surabian, M. (2014). A.T. in Education, K-12. Lecture at Fordham University, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2014). Augmentative Communication: Theory & Practice. Lecture at St. Joseph’s
College, Brooklyn, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2014). Utilizing Assistive Technologies to Enable, Enhance, and Augment Student
Participation in the Classroom. Eight one-day workshops presented for the Division of Students with
Disabilities and ELL of the NYC Department of Education. Location: Everyone Reading Association,
NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2014). Beyond Differentiation: How Assistive Technologies Augment Student Learning.
41st Annual Conference on Dyslexia and Related Learning Disabilities. Kimmel Center at New York
University, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2014). Utilizing Assistive Technology in the Classroom; & The Role of Assistive
Technology in Day Habilitation and Work Opportunities; & Tablet Applications for Learning, Physical,
and Communication Needs. Lectures at the Interagency Council of Developmental Disabilities
Agencies, Inc., NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2013). Google Apps: AT Exists in the Cloud; & AT Does Make a Difference in the
Classroom. (two presentations). Invited Speaker for the Power Up Conference, sponsored by the
Missouri Assistive Technology Advisory Council, Osage Beach, MO.
• Surabian, M. (2013). The Value of AT for Inclusion in After-school Programming. Presentation at the
Partnership for Afterschool Education Conference (PASE), NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2013). The Impact of Assistive Technologies on Adults with Developmental Disabilities.
Presentation at FEGS Health and Human Services Agency Conference, NY, NY.
• Calvert, J., Surabian, M. (2013). The Chrome Toolbox: Using Free Cloud-based Supports for Students
with Learning, Visual, Language, and Access Challenges. Presentation at the Ensuring Learning for All
Students Conference, White Plains, NY
• Naraian, S., Surabian, M. (2012). Reframing assistive technology: A critical literacy approach. Paper
presented in the “Technology Use in Special Education” Session at the annual conference of the
American Educational Research Association, Vancouver, BC.
• Calvert, J., Surabian, M. (2012). The Chrome Toolbox: Determining AT Apps in the Cloud. Presentation
at the NY/NJ Google Apps Summit at Kean University, Union, NJ.
• Surabian, M. (2010). The Value of Assistive Technology for Children and Adults with Disabilities.
Presentation at The ADVANCE Conference on Disabilities, NY, NY.=
• Surabian, M. (2010 - 2011). Assistive Technology and Augmentative Communication. Presentations at
Dominican College, Orangeburg, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2010, 2011). The Practical Use of Assistive Technologies. Presentations at Parsons
School of Design, NY, NY.
• Cleveland, N., Surabian, M. (2010). The Fundamentals of Eye-Tacking for Computer Access.
Presentation at the Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference in Orlando, FL.
• Surabian, M. (2008 - Present). The Use of Assistive Technologies in Higher Education. Faculty
presentations at Pace University, Pleasantville, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2008 - Present). The Use of Assistive Technologies in K-12 Education. Ongoing
presentations at Columbia University Teachers College, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2008 - 2011). Assistive Technology for Learning Challenges. Numerous presentations at
the International Dyslexia Conference, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2007 - 2012). Assistive Technology for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. Onsite
lectures and tele-lectures for The National MS Society, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2006). A.T. in Education, K-12. Lecture at Fordham University, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2006, 2007). The Need for Assistive Technology. Presentations at New York University,
Graduate School, Interactive Telecommunications Program, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2001). Inclusion: Approaches and Implementation. Training lecture for District 13, NYC
Department of Education, Brooklyn, NY.
• Surabian, M. (2000 - 2002). Assistive Technology: “Computer Applications for Learning, Physical, and
Communication. Seminars presented for New Perspectives in Education Continuing Education Program
at Bank Street College, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (1998 - 2010). Assistive Technology Applications for Education, Work, and Leisure.
Numerous presentations on various AT & AAC topics at YAI National Institute for People with
Disabilities International Conferences, NY, NY.
• Surabian, M. (1999). How AT Services Enable Children with Disabilities to Successfully Access School
Curriculum. Presentation at OPPI’s Annual Conference on Disabilities, Puerto Rico, US.
• Surabian, M. (1998 - Present). A.T. Applications for Individuals with Disabilities. Yearly Training
lectures at the Therapy & Learning Center Brooklyn, NY.
• Surabian, M. (1997, 1998). Assistive Technology for Individuals with Physical or Learning Disabilities.
Presentations given at two consecutive conferences of the Rockland County Association for Learning
Disabilities, Middletown, NY.
• Surabian, M. (1997). Internet Resources for Disability Research. Presentation at the NY. State Assoc. of
Day Services Conference, Albany, NY.
• Surabian, M. (1997). Value of A.T. for Enhancing College Study. Lecture at Malcolm X College,
Brooklyn, NY.