Date/Location:

June 15, 2026

Description:

Emotional disability, also called emotional disturbance, refers to an inability to learn that is not explained by cognitive, sensory, or health issues, and can involve persistent inappropriate behaviors, depression, difficulty with relationships, physical symptoms tied to stress, and/or episodes of psychosis. Students with emotional disability often face significant barriers to academic success; these students are more likely to be removed from the classroom, suspended, or even expelled due to challenging behaviors, and national statistics show that approximately 30% of students identified with emotional disability will drop out of school (NCES, 2024). Even when present in class, students with emotional disability may struggle to regulate emotions, engage with peers, or participate appropriately, which further compounds academic difficulties. While evidence-based practices such as school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) have been shown to improve outcomes for students with emotional disability, there is a relative dearth of targeted educational tools and strategies specifically designed for this population. Assistive technology (AT) is an underutilized category of tools for students classified with emotional disability.

Speakers:

Raine Sims, M.Ed., ATP

Learning Outcomes:

Identify three ways that emotional disability can impact classroom behavior, learning, and participation, especially when co-occurring disabilities are present.

Compare at least four assistive technology (AT) tools or strategies that support emotional regulation, engagement, or curriculum access for students with emotional disability.

Recommend three evidence-based AT strategies to address behavioral and academic challenges commonly experienced by students with emotional disability.

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CEUs This activity is offered for up to 0.2 CEUs (1.5 hours of instruction). To register for CEUs:

Download, and complete the following forms.

Save the files names: 260615_CTG_Lastname_Firstname

Send both files to ceus@aacinstitute.org

Upon completion of the two forms and passing the quiz, a CEU certificate will be sent

Note: If any difficulty is encountered in using this form, write to ceus@aacinstitute.org to request an alternative file format.