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NOLA Public Schools pilots assistive-technology lending library; student 'King' highlighted
Summary
The district said a new Educational Service Agency (ESA) pilot is lending iPads and communication tools to nonverbal students; superintendent highlighted one student—'King'—and said the pilot covers eight charter networks across 11 schools.
NOLA Public Schools showcased a pilot assistive-technology lending library during its May board meeting, describing how lightweight tablets and communication apps are helping nonverbal students participate in class.
Superintendent Dr. Fatima Fulmore introduced a video about "King," a student at Morris Jeff Community School, and described the ESA pilot as a shared resource that lets schools check out devices and tools. "For King, that simple iPad has turned I can't into I can," the presentation said.
The district identified the service as the NOLA Public Schools Educational Service Agency (ESA) assistive-technology lending library and said it is currently in pilot mode with eight charter networks in 11 schools. The superintendent credited speech-language pathologists and related staff for implementing the tools; the presentation named speech-language pathologist Dr. Bonagi and Chief Student Support Officer Dr. Shayla Gidry as staff involved in the work. Jennifer Koko from the Center for Learner Equity was also credited with helping launch the effort.
Fulmore said the ESA "brings schools together without taking away their independence" and described the pilot as intended to expand so that more students who do not speak verbally can access communication tools without delay. The board did not take formal action on the pilot during the meeting; the presentation was framed as a program highlight and celebration of early successes.
