Testimonies from Organizations:
"I just wanted to reach out and share that our chapter members (Social Workers and Psychologists) are still raving about your presentations. They have shared that thanks to your presentations, they are able to offer and suggest possible Assistive Technology that does not require an IEP. Additionally, when the student is being evaluated for Special Education services, they are now more familiar with what are some possible options that can be explored. I personally believe your presentation was not only informative but presented in such a practical and realistic manner that it helped them truly comprehend what’s out there. Hopefully, there is a Part 3 presentation for our chapter in the future. If not, perhaps we can spread the training to our Education professionals. Once again, just want to say thanks. The training has created a positive ripple to help us enhance the support we offer students."
- Director at NYC United Federation of Teachers
"Over the past number of years our school has deepened our understanding of UDL significantly. Most importantly, we’ve applied our learning to pry open access and engagement for so many our students. Still, we've only scratched the surface, and we have yet to fully engage too many students. Working with Mark Surabian, we are developing our understandings and capacities with assistive technology, to better support our students. We've started small, with a targeted group of students. Already, these students are more engaged in their learning, both actively and cognitively. Their self-esteem and agency are noticeably buoyed, even at this early point, as well. Almost as importantly, this work is impacting staff and all students. Teachers and staff are seeing learning and communication challenges in a new light. Our work with assistive technology is further shifting views on learning and performance and capacities. The exposure to new learning tools and modalities is further normalizing varied needs, too, for all of our children, while opening their minds to even broader applications for these tools and views of each other. At our school we endeavor to shift mindsets and to open new doors of opportunity for students. Our work with Mark Surabian is helping us to accomplish both, accelerating and altering the positive trajectories for so many of our children.'
- Principal of a NYC Pre-K - 5 Magnet School
"As Assistant Principal of [school name] I have partnered with Mark Surabian this school year to bring assistive technology into our school. The process has been incredibly fruitful, starting with the education and enlightenment of our staff members and followed by the introduction and stewardship with our students. With a burgeoning special education population, we needed a partnership such as this one to be able to best meet the diverse needs of our students. Mr. Surabian has been the driving force behind all of those ventures and his involvement in our school community has been vital."
- Assistant Principal of a NYC Blue Ribbon K-5 School
'I hope you are doing well! The OTs here at [school name] have been reflecting on the impact your student presentations left last year. We were hoping to pick up our conversation where we left off...potentially brainstorming ideas to have AT/STEM/STEAM-based workshops with some of our students in hopes of getting them excited about AT. In addition to this brainstorm, we were wondering if you'd be able to join us on-site for some of these workshops in either April or May of this year. Is that something you would be interested in? Thanks!"
- OT Coordinator of Private School for Gifted Students with Special Needs
"Thank you again so much for meeting with my staff! They were really excited and can’t wait to continue working with you! With that said I’d like to schedule 2 sessions for our whole staff to meet with you to do some basic AT understanding and training."
- Special Education Liaison of a NYC Bilingual School
'I'm a social worker on the NYC Superintendent's team. I attended a PD you did with the UFT and it blew my mind—there is so much out there to support our students and I would love to bring your expertise to our staff. We are planning a full-day in-person Inclusion focused PD for all of our social workers and counselors in March (around 100). I would love to connect with you to see if you might be able to present!"
- NYC School Social Worker
"I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the assistive technology (AT) presentation you gave to our school's Special Education team. From the feedback I received, this was one of the most powerful presentations many teachers and others support staff members had attended. I knew at minimum the team needed to learn more about AT to help expand their awareness. Your presentation, however, far surpassed my expectations and much like the team, I am also inspired to be a greater advocate for AT. Should you have availability in the Fall, I would be grateful to have you come back to the school and continue sharing information, skills, and resources that when leveraged for students, will be tremendously beneficial for them. You helped many people understand the responsibility they have but also the ability within themselves to support students through technology and that is truly profound. With Appreciation."
- Assistant Principal of a NYC Middle School
