Coweta County In-Service Training for Assistive Technology

Purpose To assist teachers, related service providers, and administrators with providing assistive technology devices and services to students with disabilities in accordance with the requirement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. (IDEA)

Definition of Assistive Technology Assistive Technology Devices are defined in IDEA as: “Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities.” (section300.5)

Considering Assistive Technology All special education students must be considered for Assistive Technology when a student is determined eligible for special education, or when their IEP is being reviewed.

Considering Assistive Technology All Special Ed. students should have access to assistive technology in all school environments, including the regular ed. classroom, resource classroom, and/or self contain settings.

Assistive Technology Decision Making Guide 1.In what instructional area is the student exhibiting difficulty? 2.What tasks are required for each of these areas? 3.Can the student accomplish the identified tasks independently using standard class room tools. If yes, AT is not required and the decision-making ends here.

Assistive Technology Decision Making Guide (con’t) 4.Can the student accomplish the tasks with the modifications, accommodations, and/or assistive technology that is currently in place? If yes, document the assistive technology devices/tools and services in the IEP. 5.Can the student accomplish the tasks with the modifications, accommodations, and /or assistive technology that is currently in place. (IF no, consider the use of assistive technology (low and high tech) that are readily available.)

Accommodations/Strategies Assistive Technology Word processing devices -high tech Communication devices-high tech Pencil grips-low tech Raised paper-low tech Computer access-high tech Visual schedules-low tech Over lays-low tech

Considering Assistive Technology Needs When to make a Referral for AT –The IEP team will request assistance in completing the consideration process when the IEP team is unable to determine whether or not the student requires assistive technology or when they are unable to identify assistive technology solutions that would be appropriate to meet the student’s needs.

Monitoring the use and Effectiveness of Assistive Technology The IEP Team will monitor the student’s use of the recommended assistive technology and makes changes when necessary.

Monitoring the use and Effectiveness of Assistive Technology The IEP Team will collect data on the student’s use of assistive technology. Assistive Technology will be revised as needed based on data collected by the team.

Resources for Assistive Technology PREMIERE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY GRANT This grant entitles ALL Coweta County schools to unlimited site licenses for several software programs. (available for regular ed. and special ed. students.) Your Educational Technology Support Specialist (ETSS) is available to install these software programs on school computers to provide students with assistive technology with reading, written expression, and math.

Software Programs available through Premiere Scan and Read with word predictor Talking word processor Scan and view Ultimate Talking Dictionary The Talking Calculator Text to Audio

THANK YOU!! For more information regarding assistive technology, please contact your school assistive technology representative