The Magnificent Seven: An AT Model That Really Works!

Meet the Sheriffs Lenore Remley RESNA certified LATS Caitlin DiCristofalo 7 years as Bachelors- Level Assistive Tech in Hernando County

The tale of Hernando County… Two years ago, the AT Team consisted of: Two LATS for 22 schools One did evals, one covered technical troubleshooting Rarely attended IEP meetings Teachers/Therapists were expected to create their own visual supports as recommended by evaluation, with additional support from AT specialists if needed

The tale of Hernando County… In 2011, more than 2,000 newborns were diagnosed with drug withdrawal syndrome, narcotic exposure, or both, according to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration* Florida has the highest unintentional drowning rate in the nation for the 1–4 yr age group** *http://www2.tbo.com/lifestyles/breaking-news/2012/jul/23/more-babies-born-addicted-to-narcotics-in-florida-ar-439663/ **http://www.doh.state.fl.us/demo/InjuryPrevention/DrowningPrevention.html

The tale of Hernando County… Pre-K in Hernando has severe population--many due to drugs or drowning injuries--that need a lot of support when they enter school

The tale of Hernando County… In 2011, the ESE Director and SLP Coordinator had a new plan: Two LATS Evaluations Trainings IT Inventory IEP Meetings Five Paraprofessionals (SLA/ATLs) Assigned to various schools for weekly support Create visual supports

The tale of Hernando County… Regional AT satellite Demonstration Lab

Corralling the Team: Step by Step Meet the Deputies:

Corralling the Team: Step by Step Revamp AT Procedures Clarified AT procedures Presented to Staffing Specialists and Therapists Created new forms: AT referral Tech Tracking Training record

Corralling the Team: Step by Step Training—introduce ATLs : Devices: static and dynamic display communication devices, Alphasmarts, access switches, touch windows, ECUs, iPods/iPads Software: Boardmaker, Read & Write Gold, MS Office, First Class, various cause effect software Visual Supports: creating paper materials UDL strategies and techniques

Corralling the Team: Step by Step Workspace: AT Lab Wide central table for cutting, laminating, conducting meetings Desk space for 5 ATLs and AT Specialists Shelves! Equipment Networked printer, laminators, binding machine, paper cutters, corner rounder, scanner, velcro, markers, pens, tape, cardstock, housekeeping supplies

The Cattle Drive: Team Routine ATLs: Each is assigned 3-5 schools Visit each school at least once a week Check in with ESE teachers and therapists Install software, program devices, computer peripherals Deliver/pick up equipment

The Cattle Drive: Team Routine AT Specialists: Evaluations Report written within a week ATL is briefed Attend IEP meetings

The Cattle Drive: Team Routine Weekly AT Meeting: Everyone sits at table to report Brainstorming Plan appointments and evaluation dates Fix/replace devices, fix/create visual supports Review students’ progress over time Minutes

Professional Development Pixon Project Powerpoint Books ABCs of Autism Read & Write Gold

Other Projects Booth at 5K Walk ‘n Roll Disability Fair Read & Write Gold trainings for Gen Ed classroom teachers at other schools

Plans for future Next steps faculty meetings Training new LATS Update forms on a regular basis Update policies and procedures as the laws change Training IEP teams to make good AT decisions (ongoing)

Q&A