Christine Pak Assistive Technology Resource Teacher, FCPS

provides assistive technology (AT) support to Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students with disabilities builds capacity of school teams to incorporate assistive technology options for all students with disabilities assigns an AT resource teacher to provide AT training and support to every FCPS school and center (AT resource teachers support an average of eight to ten sites each) provides augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), adaptive access, support for the visually-impaired, support for the deaf and hard of hearing, and instructional software training and support to FCPS students with disabilities offers individual AT consultations for students with disabilities through a comprehensive assistive technology referral process provides direct ongoing school-based assistive technology support to students with disabilities who have been previously referred to ATS ATS

ATS Referral Process ATS referrals must come through an IEP process. This can be done through an annual IEP or an addendum to the IEP. After the referral process is complete, an addendum to the IEP will need to be done to reflect the recommendations. Once a student is on ATS caseload, he/she will receive ongoing support until the IEP team decides that the student no longer requires ATS support.

The Assistive Technology Implementation (AT) Plan is a list of assistive technology adapted access equipment, devices, software or other peripheral that are placed for the students on ATS caseload. One copy is placed in the student’s Special Services file and another copy is kept with the student’s current case manager. This is a working document, so the technology listed may change over the course of the year. As changes are made, the ATS case manager will update the records. Assistive Technology Implementation Plan

AAC Planning Form ATS resource teachers use the AAC Planning documentation form any time a new device (both high and low end) is placed with a student. ATS resource teachers: 1. Observe (and/or work with) the student and discuss communication needs/goals with the teacher and SLP (if the student receives speech and language services). 2. Depending on the student, a few devices may be tried with the student before deciding on a device to be placed on a trial basis with the student. 3. Deliver a trial device and show staff basics on how to use it. Try it with the student. Meet with the teacher and SLP to complete the initial AAC Planning document. Schedule follow-up meeting time within 6 weeks (some cases, trial period may need to be longer). 4. Meet with the teacher and SLP at the follow-up meeting; the data collected will is used to determine whether or not the device is working for the student. 5. Fill out the follow-up AAC Planning document on the ATS data manager with the teacher and SLP. When everyone agrees on the success of the device, a designated device will be placed with the student. * ATS resource teachers will continue to provide ongoing support.

AAC Follow-Up Form

iPad and Communication Apps

Proloquo2Go app Proloquo2Go enables people to talk using category based vocab with some core words/ symbols or typed text in a natural-sounding voice Speech can be generated by tapping buttons with symbols, selecting buttons using an adaptive switch or typing using the on-screen keyboard with word prediction Offers a full-featured augmentative and alternative communication solution for people who have difficulty speaking. Has a default vocabulary of over 7,000 items, advanced word prediction, full expandability, and is extremely easy to use.

LAMP Words for Life App

The Words for Life app is based on the Core word based Unity® language system. LAMP Words for Life is designed to meet the communication needs of children with autism. Furthermore, it was created to use in conjunction with Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP), a proven-therapeutic approach that uses consistent motor plans for accessing vocabulary LAMP Words for Life is structured to enable early success and allow the student’s vocabulary and communication skills to grow in a way that doesn’t require re-learning along the way. Because this is a pre- programmed vocabulary program, Words for Life doesn’t require extensive customization LAMP is a therapeutic approach based on neurological and motor learning principles as well as clinical experiences to address the language development and communication needs of children with autism or other developmental disabilities. It provides a consistent motor pattern for words and a systematic way to develop communication skills allowing for unlimited language growth opportunities LAMP Words for Life App

ATS sponsors an annual Real Assistive Technology for Everyone (RATE) conference Training for Everyone

Parent Resource Center ATS is trying out these “hands-on” trainings for parents this year. The workshop is limited to 18. Our first Tech Thursday training is on 9/26 (Online Interactive Reading Resources) but it’s already full. Look out for the following Tech Thursday trainings coming up! Microsoft Word Strategies for Writing – 12/5/13 Templates for Student Projects – 2/20/14 Free Text Readers & FCPS Databases – 5/8/14 Additional information and other workshops are on the PRC webpage:

Free Resources