Welcome to the MITTIN Memo

This has been a great month for MITTIN! A few highlights include:

• We have launched our first web-based modules - Sort Recycling, Choose Appropriate Clothing and Take out the Trash, which can now be reached via a link at mittin.org under the Digital Modules & Resources tab. Thank you to everyone who is making this new access possible.
• A second research article has been published which continues to build empirical evidence that MITTIN resources are making a positive impact on student learning.
• There have been many opportunities to connect and share with educators, students and families around the state with a robust schedule of virtual PLC, webinars, conference presentations and school visits to come.
• And, I have also recorded a new introduction to MITTIN which can be found on our homepage mittin.org

There is much to celebrate, yet much more good work to come. If you are interested in learning more about MITTIN, please reach out to our Project Manager, Kristine Gullen, at kristinegullen@maase.org or scan the QR code at the end of the newsletter. We are excited to strengthen our connections throughout Michigan and would love to have you join us.

Happy Valentines Day!

Best Regards,

Dr. Derek Cooley,

MITTIN Committee Chair

MITTIN PL

On the evening of Friday, January 31st and Saturday, February 1st, MITTIN had a professional learning event in Lansing. Fifty participants, who attended either in person or virtually, tested the new MITTIN web-based modules, explored the book, "High Leverage Practices for Inclusive Classrooms" and strengthened their facilitation skills. Anchoring the MITTIN resources in research, attendees explored, collaborated and engaged in strategies to support this work.

“I was so inspired by the professional learning opportunity this past weekend. Having the time to connect with fellow teachers, coordinators, and professionals who share my passion for continuous improvement felt incredibly rewarding. As I begin my 23rd year in education and consider my future path, this experience has provided valuable direction. Thank you for including me in this important work. I look forward to seeing you in June.”   - Kristie Lica  

“Thank you, the opportunity to attend the MITTIN conference was amazing.  Loved all of the activities, the HLP book and all of the great teacher supplies.  I look forward to attending the conference in June...  Your passion and enthusiasm are contagious and deeply appreciated.” 

- Susan Watson    

MITTIN's 2nd Research Publication

MITTIN is grateful for the quality of research being conducted on our digital modules and innovative curricular resources. Building the body of empirical evidence which shows the effectiveness of MITTIN, is exciting and an important part of our work. After reading the article, Dr. Derek Cooley, MITTIN Committee Chair shared, "The most important part is: '...researchers found a functional relation between the non-immersive VR and students’ accuracy in completing task analysis steps on their targeted life skills (see Figure 3).' MITTIN works!!!!" 

Below is the citation and abstract for our most recent article which has been published. Thank you to Dr. Emily Bouck and her MSU research team for this important collaboration.

Using Non-Immersive Virtual Reality to Teach Life Skills to Students With Disabilities in Rural Schools By: Norwine, L.; Bouck, E.; Reiley, S.; Long, H.; Jakubow, L.; & Nuse, J. (2025).  Rural Special Education Quarterly, 87568705241305640.

Abstract: Students with disabilities may find it difficult to learn and gain the life skills needed to live, work, socialize, and attend postsecondary education. In vivo and community-based instruction (CBI) are among the most effective ways to teach life skills, especially with a goal of generalization. Despite the strong relationships that often exist in rural locales between schools and the broader community, students may not be able to access effective instructional practices. Technology-based options, such as virtual reality (VR), offer effective alternatives. Using a multiple probe single-case research design, researchers examined the efficacy of non-immersive VR to provide instruction in targeted life skills to three students with disabilities attending a rural school district. The researchers found two main results: (a) a functional relation between the independent variable—the non-immersive VR—and the dependent variable of student accuracy on the task analysis steps of the targeted life skill, and (b) students maintained high levels of accuracy in completing the task analysis steps post intervention (i.e., independent variable removed).

ATIA 2025 Conference

Pamela Cunningham and Suzanna Ruskusky, two of our MITTIN Committee Members, recently attended the national Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) conference in Orlando, Florida, where they were selected to present “Supporting the Transition to Independence with Interactive Digital Resources.” The annual ATIA conference typically draws over 3,000 attendees both virtually and in person, bringing together experts from around the world to advance assistive technology for individuals with disabilities.

Their engaging session welcomed approximately 20 participants and highlighted MITTIN’s modules, supplemental materials, and assistive technology tools designed to enhance access and engagement. Attendees left inspired and eager to implement these resources with their students nationwide. Additionally, their live session was recorded and will be available on demand for conference attendees to view.