Assistive Technology Overview AT Hardware and Software AT Team Scope AT Request Process AT in the IEP

Assistive Technology Solutions and Services: AT Solutions (hardware and software): Any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially, off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability.

AT Services: Any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device Includes: evaluation, training, maintenance and modification

Academic Solutions Math Software to auto-format math problems Software for virtual manipulation

Academic Solutions cont. Reading Use of electronic text Text to Speech software

Academic Solutions cont. Writing Use of keyboards (portable or other) Word prediction software

Academic Solutions cont. Organizational Skills Graphic organization software Electronic planning tools

Communication Solutions Light (Low) Tech Communication Boards and Books Use of Picture Exchange Communication

Communication Solutions cont. Mid Tech Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) with message unit capability

Communication Solutions cont. High Tech SGDs with 1000s of message units

Computer/SGD Access Alternative Mice and Keyboards Joysticks On Screen Keyboards Large Format Keyboards

Computer/SGD Access cont. Switches and Switch Interfaces

Computer/SGD Access cont. Mounting Systems

Who provides AT? Not just our AT Team Special Ed Teachers OTs/PTs SLPs Audiologists Vision Teachers Adaptive PE Teachers

Assistive Technology Team - Scope Academics Communication Computer Access

The Assistive Technology Team Academics and Computer Access: Marika Wong, Sped. Pat Delaney, Communication: Margaret Poore, SLP Ananda Dorje, SLP

Assistive Technology (AT) Request Process – Guiding Principles: Assistive Technology (AT) must be considered in the IEP Our job is to help IEP teams consider appropriate AT AT consideration is a dynamic, ongoing team process

Request Process, cont. First step is to request an AT consult using the form found online. Your child’s teacher or related service provider can access it. The form asks for background info and a description of the problem within area of need (i.e., reading, writing, communication, organization, computer access) We then meet as a team to discuss student needs and next steps

We use a Consult Model To encourage IEP Teams to try accommodations before a referral for AT eval To build team capacity to make decisions about pre- referral interventions. To problem solve as a team To act quickly in getting solutions in the hands of students

Assistive Technology (AT) in the IEP: Guiding Principles: AT is not a qualifying category AT may be included in SDI goals/objectives It is not necessary to include AT in SDI goals/objectives to receive supports Goals are driven by areas of qualification AT supports functional abilities within an area of qualification AT is written into IEPs with the participation of an AT team member

Here’s where you’ll find it on p.1:

The Present Levels section may include a description of the AT used and how and/or why the student uses AT Example 1: “Student has significant difficulty with written production due to slow and laborious handwriting. She also spells below grade level. Student requires access to a portable word processor and word-prediction software.” Example 2: “Student is not understood by peers or adults in the school setting. She requires the use of a voice output communication device to supplement her unintelligible speech”

Service Matrix p.6 – SAS/PM