UAAACT Utah Augmentative Alternative Assistive Communication and Technology Alpine School District Team (D)

Who or what is UAAACT? UAAACT is a multi-disciplinary team designed to assist and assess students with various communication/access needs who need low to high level technology. UAAACT is state and district funded and is associated with the Utah Center for Assistive Technology (UCAT). Our team is comprised of Speech-Language Pathologists, Special Education Teachers, Occupational Therapists, Assistive Technology Specialists, and other disciplines as needed.

Whom Do we Serve? UAAACT serves all students in Alpine School District with a disability that affects their ability to communicate. UAAACT services are not limited to Special Ed students. This includes verbal, written, print, and access disabilities.

What services does UAAACT provide? UAAACT Lending Library/Equipment Consultation Assessment Additional support as needed (including training and trouble- shooting)

Where do I start? It all starts with a referral. Referral forms can be found on the district website under special education forms (or type “UAAACT Referral” in the district website search box). We can also send you a blank referral in the district mail. Contact Sandy Averett to request a copy. A referral is REQUIRED for any UAAACT action. This helps us track students served, and the number of students served is the primary source of our funding from the state. The referral must be completed by a professional (teachers, related servers, IEP team members- sorry, no aides or interveners) and ALL referrals REQUIRE an LEA signature. Completed referrals are sent to Jill Allgaier at the District Office.

REFERRALS = # of STUDENTS SERVED =$$$$$ =EQUIPMENT

When do I submit a Referral? To check out equipment To request a consultation To request a full student assessment To address other specific concerns you may have about communication or assistive technology.

Which checkbox do I select? EQUIPMENT: Check this box if you know what type of equipment you would like to use with your student. Be as specific as possible (e.g. “Go Talk 4, Big Mack”, etc.) If you don’t know the specific name of the equipment, you can describe it. If you have an idea of something you’d like to try, go for it!

What constitutes a Consultation? CONSULTATION: check this box if you have an idea of what you would like to try, but would like to talk about equipment and/or strategies with a UAAACT team member. This may include a student observation or a professional-to- professional consult, by phone, , or in person.

When is an Assessment appropriate? ASSESSMENT: Check this box if you are unsure about which strategies or assistive technology to use; if you have already discussed your concerns with other IEP team members/related servers; and if your team decides that a student assessment is needed. This is a multi-step process consisting of: a pre- assessment visit, an assessment visit, and post- assessment or follow-up visits.

How long does Assessment take? Once a referral for an assessment is received, you will be contacted by a UAAACT team member to schedule the pre-assessment A checklist and packet of forms for your team will be sent to you in the district mail. Pre-Assessment: One or two team members will visit your school to review paperwork and observe the student in his/her classroom environment.

When paperwork is completed, (including permission to evaluate) the assessment is usually scheduled 1-2 weeks after the pre- assessment. Two to four members of the UAAACT team will visit with your student to try some devices and strategies. You will need to reserve a space and invite parents and IEP team members to the last portion of the assessment. A comprehensive written report will follow.

What is the UAAACT Lending Library? The library, at Dan Peterson, houses hundreds of pieces of equipment including switches, mounts, communicators, software, high and low assistive technology supports, training manuals, and various other pieces of equipment. You can view our equipment catalog on-line at the district website via direct link on the Sp Ed page.

How do I get equipment? You may pick up equipment at the UAAACT Library Mon-Fri anytime between 7:30-4:30. You must have a signed referral to check out equipment. Appointments are appreciated and allow us to get equipment ready for checkout. Call (801) ext. 108 for Sandy Averett in the UAAACT Library or Starla Blackburn. You may also make arrangements to have equipment delivered to you at your school.

How long can I keep it? The equipment is for lending. *All needs to be returned to the library at the end of each school year for inventory, needed repairs, and replacement. A new referral form must be filled out each year---again: REFERRALS = STUDENTS SERVED = $$$ =EQUIPMENT *Some equipment is lent for 1-6 months.

Contact Information Jill Allgaier, Sp Ed Coordinator Sandy Averett, AT Specialist Starla Blackburn, SLP Melanie Adams, Sp Ed tchr RiKelle Deaton, SLP Kelli Mansanarez, Sp Ed tchr Justin Pope, OT Nate Pope, OT