MTT Competency 8 By Julieta Montes Assistive and Instructional Technologies, Integrating Diverse Needs And Abilities

Assistive Technology According to the United States Assistive Technology Act of 1998, assistive technology (also called adaptive technology ) refers to any "product, device, or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that is used to maintain, increase, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities."

Types of AT in the Classroom Visual Impairment Auditory Impairment Speech Impairment Psych Impairment Back Impairment Motion issues By UnumProvident

Common Assistive Technology ImpairmentExamples Motion Alternative keyboards Foot mouseWriting software Back Foot mouseErgo keyboardAuto adj. Work station Visual Screen readerBraille displayHi-Rez monitor Auditory Computer aided note taking Kinetic beeper Speech Voice synthesizer computer Psych Oversized monitor Task organization software Word-prediction software

The ARD Process ARD: The letters stand for Admission, Review, & Dismissal committee. This is the name of the committee responsible for making the educational decisions for a student. The parents, or adult students, are members of the ARD committee. IEP: The letters stand for Individual Education Plan. This is the plan written by the ARD Committee and describes the services that a student will receive from special education.

The ARD Process 1. Review of assessment data 2. Determination of elegibility 3. Competencies/needs (AT) 4. Determination of services to be provided 5. Determination of placement 6. Extended year services 7. Least restrictive environment 8. Assurances 9. Signatures 10. Initial consent at initial ARD

Instructional Technology According to the Association for Educational Communications and Technology Instructional Technology is the “theory and practice of design, development, utilization, management, and evaluation of processes and resources for learning.”

The MTT...  Identifies appropriate information and current research  Collaborates with classroom teachers  Is familiar with resources relating to equity and access  Demonstrates knowledge of technology-based tools  Demonstrates knowledge of assistive technology  Recognizes that technology may be assistive, instructional or both  Identifies personnel who is responsible for AT decisions  Facilitates the implementation of tech-enhanced strategies  Knows how to plan and design for diversity

MTT focus on... Student-centered Diverse needs and abilities Technology-based learning experiences Law and regulations

Conclusion The MTT makes informed decisions regarding the use of technology-based solutions to provide students with an enhanced learning experience. The MTT serves as a facilitator for content teachers and staff to reach all needs and abilities in the classroom.

Useful References Panhandle Area Educational Consortium Texas Assistive Technology Network Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs Assistive Technology Act of “Identify the Right Assistive Technology” by UnumProvident Microsoft, “Types of Assistive Technology Products