Special Education Technology Center

What Special Education Technology Center does

The Special Education Technology Center (SETC) is a Washington State government-funded technical assistance center that equips K-12 educators, AT specialists, and families of children with disabilities (ages 5-24) to implement assistive technology, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and inclusive practices. Founded by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Special Education Division and administered by Central Washington University (CWU) out of Ellensburg, WA, SETC operates as a partner in the Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network (IPTN) and serves Washington State districts exclusively. Its core products include the Exploratorium (a ThingLink-powered interactive 3D classroom with embedded hotspots for exploring AT tools in context), the CLFA Book Collection (a curated accessible literacy catalog with Clicker Sets and activity planning links for students with complex learning needs), a Lending Library for physical and digital AT resources, and the AT & AAC Search Portal.

The organization monetizes through a mix of modest fee-based channels: book sales ranging from $3.99 to $279.95 per title, conference registration (e.g., $80 per person for AAC by the Bay, $45 for the Virtual Literacy Retreat), clock-hour processing fees through ESD partners, and book sales via its online storefront backed by Touchnet payments. The dominant funding stream, however, is state appropriation through OSPI rather than user-generated revenue. Distribution combines a self-serve website, regional in-person training venues (e.g., Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Goodson Rec Center), 12 simultaneous AAC by the Bay conference sites across Washington, virtual parent groups, and content channels including a podcast, YouTube series, newsletter, and social media. Underlying technology is a portfolio of curated third-party platforms (ThingLink, Microsoft/Google accessibility suites, Bookshare, Read&Write, Co:Writer, Snap&Read, Cambium Assessment) rather than proprietary software. The go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, with Family Connections virtual groups, quarterly statewide AT specialist meetings, biennial conferences, and book studies driving engagement among Washington special education practitioners and caregivers.

Name

Special Education Technology Center

Legal name

Special Education Technology Center

Website

https://specialedtechcenter.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

SETC is a Washington State government-funded technical assistance center, administered by Central Washington University under OSPI, that provides assistive technology training, consultation, lending library access, and inclusive education resources to K-12 educators, AT specialists, and families of children with disabilities throughout Washington State.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Special Education Support Services

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (61111), Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

AT Implementation, Coaching & Professional Development (Teachers/Staff) (EDAKAIAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Assistive Technology (AT) & AAC Services (EDAJAKAF), IEP/IFSP-Aligned Curriculum & Lesson Materials (EDAGAMAA)

Keywords

• Assistive technology training
• Special education resources
• AAC consultation services
• Inclusive education support
• Professional development educators

Headquarters

HQ city

Ellensburg

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Professional Development and Training: SETC provides paid professional development including webinars, conferences, and literacy retreats. Revenue generated through registration fees for training events and clock hour processing fees through ESD partners.
2. Book Sales: SETC sells books through its Comprehensive Literacy for All (CLFA) Book Collection and general catalog, including titles like ZigZag ($18.95) and specialty literacy books ranging from $3.99 to $279.95. Washington State educators can check out books from the Lending Library.
3. Conference Registration: AAC by the Bay Conference charges $80 per person for the two-day event, with additional fees for clock hours (12 available).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Special Education Technology Center (SETC) equips Washington State educators and families with assistive technology (AT) and augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) training, consultation, and curated resources. The organization operates a lending library, an interactive Exploratorium digital learning platform, the Comprehensive Literacy for All (CLFA) Book Collection, and delivers professional development through webinars, conferences, and literacy retreats. Its purpose is to create equitable, inclusive learning experiences for students receiving special education or 504 supports.

Product overview

The Special Education Technology Center (SETC) is an educational service organization, not a unified software product. It operates as a resource center providing a portfolio of interconnected services: the Exploratorium (an interactive 3D digital learning space for exploring assistive technology in context), the Exploratorium Catalog (a curated database of AT tools organized by category), the CLFA Book Collection (accessible literacy resources for students with complex needs), a Lending Library (for physical and digital AT resources), Professional Development (webinars, conferences, training including the AAC in Action conference and Virtual Literacy Retreat), Consultation Services (technical assistance on AT implementation), Family Connections (parent support community), and the Awe and Wonder Podcast. These services work together to equip educators and families with assistive technology tools, strategies, and professional learning to create inclusive education experiences for students with disabilities. The organization also provides specific resources for state testing accommodations and hosts regional AT meetings for practitioner collaboration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Exploratorium: An interactive digital learning space designed to support inclusive education through a 3D model classroom and interactive visuals with embedded hotspots, allowing educators, families, and community members to explore assistive and accessible technology tools, strategies, and resources in context.
• Family Connections for Inclusive Voices
• Awe and Wonder Podcast
• Roots2Wings

Products and services

• Exploratorium An interactive digital learning space featuring a self-guided 3D model classroom with embedded hotspots, allowing educators, families, and community members to explore assistive technology tools, strategies, and resources in context. Built on ThingLink technology.
• Lending Library Physical and digital resource lending service allowing Washington State educators to borrow assistive technology devices, books, and educational materials at no cost. Includes a lending catalog and software catalog for iPad apps.
• Comprehensive Literacy For All (CLFA) Book Collection A curated book collection providing meaningful literacy experiences with accessible print for students with complex learning needs, including activity planning links and Clicker Sets for digital literacy activities. Books available for purchase and through the lending library.
• Professional Development Training Training and professional development services including webinars, classes/conferences, book studies, and the Awe and Wonder Podcast. Covers assistive technology, AAC, and inclusive education for educators and families.
• Consultation Services Technical assistance and consultation services for educators, families, and districts on assistive technology implementation, IEP considerations, and inclusive education practices.
• Family Connections for Inclusive Voices A virtual parent group program providing connection and support for caregivers of individuals with complex bodies and conditions requiring significant support needs. Includes monthly virtual meetings and Roots2Wings hands-on sessions with assistive tech immersive labs.
• AAC by the Bay Conference A biennial two-day conference focused on AAC topics, delivered simultaneously across multiple Washington State locations, drawing 800+ attendees.
• AAC in Action Conference A two-day intermediate AAC conference covering foundational practices, access methods, vocabulary strategies, partner training, CVI-informed system design, alternative access, and ethical evaluation of AI-supported AAC systems.
• Virtual Literacy Retreat An engaging virtual retreat designed to equip educators with practical strategies, evidence-based tools, and inspiring examples to create inclusive literacy opportunities, grounded in the Comprehensive Literacy for All methodology. $45 registration fee.
• Awe and Wonder Podcast A podcast focused on AAC and assistive technology topics, providing ongoing education and awareness for educators and families.
• State Testing Accommodations Resources Resources and guidance for using assistive technology during Washington State assessments, including guidelines for text-to-speech, speech-to-text, word prediction, ASL accommodations, and Spanish language testing supports.
• AT & AAC Search Portal A searchable database portal (currently under construction) for assistive technology and augmentative alternative communication resources, organized by challenge areas and learner needs.

Quantifiable outcome

• 800+ attendees at AAC by the Bay Conference across 12 Washington locations

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration19 records

AI capability5 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Central Washington University (CWU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSETC is administered by CWU, located at Black Hall 125 in Ellensburg, WA. CWU is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. CWU provides institutional infrastructure and staff support for SETC operations.
• Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network (IPTN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSETC is a partner in IPTN, collaborating with districts to strengthen inclusive practices and expand meaningful access for students with disabilities.
• Open Doors WashingtonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization featured in Family Connections resources, supporting families of children with disabilities.
• Roots2WingsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRoots2Wings partners with SETC for Family Connections events, providing hands-on sessions featuring assistive tech immersive labs. Event held at Lake Washington Institute of Technology.
• Lake Washington Institute of TechnologyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue partner for Roots2Wings events. Located at 11605 132nd Avenue NE, Kirkland, WA 98034-8506.
• ESD105 (Yakima)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEducational Service District providing clock hours for SETC professional development webinars. Clock hour enrollment available through pdenroller.org/cwu/catalog.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• PACER Center: Minnesota-based parent training and information center serving families of children with disabilities. Directly comparable to SETC's Family Connections and Roots2Wings family-facing programming, though with a broader advocacy scope.
• OCALI (Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence): State-supported Ohio resource center serving educators and families of students with disabilities and autism. Directly comparable to SETC as a state-level hub for AT/AAC information, professional development, and family/community engagement.
• T/TAC at VCU (Virginia): Virginia's Training and Technical Assistance Centers network providing professional development, AT resources, and consultation to school personnel serving students with disabilities. Directly comparable to SETC's PD, consultation, and resource-catalog functions.
• Florida Inclusion Network (FIN): Florida's state-level initiative providing technical assistance and professional development to districts on inclusive practices for students with disabilities. Comparable to SETC's IPTN-aligned district support and educator training focus.
• PATINS Project (Indiana): Indiana's state-funded initiative promoting access to AT and information for K-12 students with disabilities. Directly comparable as a state-level technical assistance center delivering AT training, consultation, and resources to Indiana educators—mirroring SETC's role in Washington.
• WATI (Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative): Wisconsin state-level initiative supporting school-based AT teams through training, evaluation resources, and ongoing consultation. Closely comparable to SETC's AT implementation support and statewide professional development mission.

Broad incumbents

• CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology): National nonprofit pioneering Universal Design for Learning and accessibility frameworks, including the AEM Center. Comparable to SETC as a leader in educational AT/accessibility, but operates nationally with broader UDL scope rather than state-anchored TA.
• Indiana Institute on Disability and Community: University-administered institute (Indiana University) operating multiple AT/special education resource centers with state and federal funding. Comparable structural setup to SETC's CWU administration, with broader scope across disability research and policy.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCMdDoVoSJM8_VbHSaD6-gmA
• Facebookfacebook.com/specialedtechcenter
• Instagraminstagram.com/special_ed_tech_center
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/special-education-technology-center-cwu

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Special Education Technology Center