Trudy Sanchez, MS Ed., OTR/L 2010 ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY K-12 Policies and Procedures MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Trudy Sanchez, MS Ed., OTR/L 2010 What is AT? AT Definition from IDEA The Tech Act-PL :  AT Device: Any item, piece of equipment or product system whether acquired commercially off-the-shelf, modified, or customized that is used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.  AT Service: Any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device

Trudy Sanchez, MS Ed., OTR/L 2010 Examples of AT? Augmentative-Alternative Communication (AAC)-Speech Generating Devices (SGD)-  Low/Mid Tech-Big Mack, Step-by-Step, Cheap Talk, Tech Speak, Go Talk  High Tech-Dynamic display devices-Tango, Dynavox, Spring Board, Vantage, Eye-gaze system Access-to curricular tools-hardware and software-for writing, reading, math, learning strategies-  LoTTIE Kit-(Low Tech Tools for Inclusive Education)  Adaptive keyboards  Switches/interfaces  Touch screen monitors  Voice recognition  Screen-readers-Premier, Read Write & Gold, Kurzweil  Braille, Magnifiers, Book Holder  Adapted books-RFB&D, CDs, On-line textbooks, BookShare

Trudy Sanchez, MS Ed., OTR/L 2010 Education of all Handicapped Children Act Public Law P.L provides for IEP (Individualized Educational Plan and related services - requires schools to provide ESE students FAPE (free appropriate public education) IDEA-1990 – increases access to general education classes IDEA-1997-mandates that AT be considered and included in IEP IDEA provides access to instructional materials Assistive Technology- The Law

Trudy Sanchez, MS Ed., OTR/L 2010 District procedure for AT assessment begins at the school level…Step 1 The School Support Team Develops the Assistive Technology Implementation Plan K-12 (ATIP) for access to the curriculum and/or communication FM# The School Support Team  Identifies the student’s needs, tasks, strategies and tools using task pages 1-8 (SETT format-Joy Zabala)  Completes task pages relevant to the student’s needs  Implements the strategies and tools selected for the specific task for a minimum 9 weeks  Finishes plan summary (Make additional copies of page 2 as needed.)

Trudy Sanchez, MS Ed., OTR/L 2010 District procedure for AT assessment begins at the school level…Step 1 con’t The School Support Team Develops the Assistive Technology Implementation Plan K-12 (ATIP) for access to the curriculum and/or communication FM#7067 continued * FM#7067 requires answers to the following questions:  * Who initiated the ATIP-K12 (Parent, Teacher, Para, Therapist)?  * What are the recommendations of your Curriculum/Program Support Staff?  * What academic skill(s) do you want this student to do that he/she cannot do now?

Trudy Sanchez, MS Ed., OTR/L 2010 District procedure for AT assessment continues at the school level…Step 2 2. The School Support Team Determines the effectiveness of Strategies/Tools: (check one)  The tools/techniques were effective to meet the student’s access &/or communication needs in the curriculum.  Places the Assistive Technology Implementation Plan K- 12 (FM-7067), in the student’s cumulative folder  Schedules IEP interim meeting to add goals supported by AT  Notes completion of the Assistive Technology Implementation Plan K-12 (FM-7067) in the conference notes section of the IEP  Sends completed ATIP K-12 to District AT Coordinator: Mail Code 3334

Trudy Sanchez, MS Ed., OTR/L 2010 Before requesting an AT assessment consider…  Additional strategies/tools needed for trials. Send a copy of this plan to your Region Chairperson for Speech & Language Programs for processing. List additional strategies/tools needed.  Region Chairperson for Speech & Language will log the request and forward it to the District AT Coordinator  Requested device is delivered to the school  Interim IEP is held to add goals that integrate use of the AT in the student’s curriculum  The school Support Team completes the PLAN SUMMARY (page 2) and sends the ATIP K-12 to District AT Coordinator: Mail Code 3334

Trudy Sanchez, MS Ed., OTR/L 2010 NOW request an Assistive Technology screening/assessment 3. The School Support Team has implemented strategies/tools as determined by the ATIP-K12 (FM#7067) for 9 weeks  The strategies/tools were not adequate to meet the student’s access &/or communication needs request an Assistive Technology screening/assessment. Send the following information/documents with your request:  a copy of the ATIP K-12 (FM#-7067) after implementation period, documented dates tried and results  a copy of the signed Notice of Intent and Parental/Guardian Consent to Conduct a Screening/Assessment form (FM#-6279)  on FM#-6279 check other; write “Assistive Technology”  a copy of latest IEP

Trudy Sanchez, MS Ed., OTR/L 2010 The AT Assessment Cycle- An Ongoing-Process Send completed packets to Region Chairperson for Speech & Language Programs for processing  Region Chairperson for Speech & Language will log the request and forward it to the District AT Coordinator  Requested device is delivered to the school  Administrator signs form indicating receipt of tool/device  School Support Team self trains with suggested website, PPs and strategies  Student implementation begins  Interim IEP is held to add goals that integrate use of the AT in the student’s curriculum  The School Support Team completes the PLAN SUMMARY (page 2) and sends to District AT Coordinator: Mail Code 3334

Trudy Sanchez, MS Ed., OTR/L 2010  FM#7067 – Assistive Technology Implementation Plan FM#7067 K-12- K-12-used to determine AT is needs for a student with an IEP/504 plan in grades K  FM#6279 – Notice of Intent and Parent/Guardian Consent to Conduct a Screening/Assessment (check box other – enter – assistive technology)  FM#6279 – Notice of Intent and Parent/Guardian Consent to Conduct a Screening/Assessment (check box other – enter – assistive technology)  FM#6790 – Assistive Technology Equipment Release/Transfer-  FM#6790 – Assistive Technology Equipment Release/Transfer- releasing school will document the factors for consideration and submit the request to the District Assistive Technology Committee FM# Assistive Technology- Forms

Trudy Sanchez, MS Ed., OTR/L It is my job to implement AT. 2. I can learn about AAC or AT. 3. He/she may be developmentally ready. 4. If it’s broken it can be fixed. 5. I will find out how much it costs. 6. The time is worth it. 7. He/she will use the device. 8. It is all about the students. 9. Switch toys can be meaningful. 10. I can get training and support.

Trudy Sanchez, MS Ed., OTR/L 2010 Ms. Maria (Trudy) Sanchez Occupational Therapist District Coordinator for Assistive Technology Mail Code 3334 Office , Audix – Ms Cheryl (Berwisht) Howard Physical Therapist District Support for Assistive Technology Mail Code 3334 Office , Audix –