Mike accepting Picademy graduation certificate from Andrew Collins, Raspberry Pi Foundation

In the Summer of 2018, I was one of 500 educators selected from around North America to participate in Picademy. This two day hands on program is designed to provide support on the subject of digital making. Using Raspberry Pi computers, a simple $35 computer, a world of possibilities opens up!

I continue to explore this low cost computer solution, specifically how it can be used as an Assistive Technology solution for an individual with a disability. In fact, in my capacity as the Director of The Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center at Disability Rights New Jersey, I am partnering on a project with the Asbury Park School District to develop a computer science program for students in Special Education classrooms. The goals of this program will be to introduce the concepts of coding to the students and build their expertise through the use of Raspberry Pi computers. Once skills have been acquired, the students will be partnered with disability organizations in the community in order to create Assistive Technology solutions. For more information about the project, explore the slides below.

Want to replicate this project in your school? Contact me to discuss the details.