Welcome to the QIAT website, the official site of the QIAT Community. This website supports QIAT’s mission of guiding the development and delivery of quality assistive technology services by providing the QIAT Community with a gateway to resources.

The QIAT Community is a nationwide grassroots group that includes hundreds of individuals who provide input into the ongoing process of identifying, disseminating, and implementing a set of widely-applicable Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Services in school settings that can be used as a tool to support:

  • school districts as they strive to develop and provide quality assistive technology services aligned to federal, state and local mandates
  • assistive technology service providers as they evaluate and constantly improve their services
  • consumers of assistive technology services as they seek adequate assistive technology services which meet their needs
  • universities and professional developers as they conduct research and deliver programs that promote the development of the competencies needed to provide quality assistive technology services
  • policy makers as they attempt to develop judicious and equitable policies related to assistive technology services.

QIAT Collaboration

image of QIAT Blue Book Study with QR code with additional information

A book study for The Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology: A Comprehensive Guide to Assistive Technology Services (QIAT Leadership Team, 2015) will be facilitated by members of the QIAT Leadership Team starting in January 2023. The book study will focus on the 8 indicator areas of QIAT. Multiple ways of engaging will be available. An asynchronous discussion group will be available on Facebook, live discussions will be hosted in collaboration with existing AT professional development opportunities.

image of Joy Zabala Fellowship

The Joy Zabala Fellowship for Assistive Technology and Accessible Educational Materials

Joy Smiley Zabala (1946-2021) was an inspiring leader, a gifted communicator, a passionate advocate, and a beloved friend. The Joy Zabala Fellowship will support emerging, early career professionals who, in collaboration with a seasoned mentor, will a) strengthen their expertise and skills in services supporting assistive technology (AT) and/or accessible educational materials (AEM) and b) share what they learn with the larger community of stakeholders. The focus of this fellowship is to expand and guide the provision of services of AT and/or AEM..

Click here to view a  video from the Zabala family.

The application process is closed for 2023-2024.

The inaugural Joy Zabala Fellowship pairs (2022-2023), selected from a field of more than 40 applicants, are:

  • Matthew Newton (mentor), a Technology Coordinator, Teacher, and AT Specialist in Virginia, will work with Kristin Blain (mentee), a Special Education Curriculum and Access Consultant in Michigan.
  • Elisa Wern (mentor), an Occupational Therapist and AT Professional in Florida, will work with Susan Key (mentee), a Special Education Specialist in an Educational Service Center in Texas.
  • Stacy Springer (mentor), an Occupational Therapist and AT Professional in Ohio, will work with Bethany Britt (mentee), an IEP Compliance & Special Education Supervisor in Ohio.

Celebrate and ensure Joy’s legacy, please make your tax-deductible gift to the Joy Zabala Fellowship today!

All donations go directly to the Joy Zabala Fellowship to support the activities of the mentorship partners. CAST, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, serves as the fiduciary agent of the Fellowship. CAST and the QIAT Leadership team donate their time and administrative support to the Fellowship.

Mail donation checks payable  to CAST, Inc. Please note Joy Zabala Fellowship on the check  and mail to:

Joy Zabala Fellowship Fund, c/o CAST, Inc.178 Albion St., Suite 210 Wakefield, MA 01880