1. Presented by: Karen G. Karrenbauer Assistive Technology Resource Teacher ATS/Fairfax County Public Schools Compiled by a variety of ATS staff

2. ATS provides assistive technology support to FCPS students with disabilities and is part of the Department of Special Services. ATS provides support to students on ATS caseload and entire schools. An ATS staff member is assigned to every school to provide assistive technology support.

3. Assistive technology support to students Training for students and staff Suggestions for software, integration strategies, and good websites Activities and resources created by special education teachers in FCPS

4. Step 1- Try on-site technology first. “What task(s) does the student need to do that is currently difficult or impossible, and for which assistive technology may be an option?” Try some basic technology and strategies with the student or place some software with the teacher to try with the student first.

5. *fine motor (computer access) *Motor aspects of writing *composing written material *communication *reading *math *pre-readiness skills *seating and positioning *mobility *vision Based on answers to the questions, together we will determine the following categories

6. Step 2-Referrals must be made by the IEP team on the PLOP page. It is recommended that you consult with your ATS resource teacher prior to writing a referral request into the IEP.

9. Step 3- The case manager or teacher should contact the ATS resource teacher to let them know that a referral has been initiated by the IEP team.

10. Step 4- Necessary paperwork will be completed. AT recommendations may be made and software and/ or equipment may be placed. Teacher and student will receive training.

11. Step 5- School staff implement the suggested AT on a regular basis. This is our time to see what works, what doesn’t work and to try new things.

12. The ATS resource teacher will write a report. If AT was found effective and is required, the student will be placed on ATS caseload. Parents will get a copy and the school will get a copy. The school copy should be placed in the special services file. An IEP addendum must be completed.

14. 1. Start with the individual child. 2. Collaborate with the team: Teacher, speech therapist, ABA Coach, parents, additional personnel as needed. 3. Observe, observe, observe…. 4. How & why does the child communicate? Expressive language/ behaviors/AAC Myths Paper

15. 5. No Tech: Photographs of familiar objects/people Boardmaker pictures- appropriate to situation

16. Big Mac Tech Talk 8 Go Talk 9

17. Dynavox Mini-Mo Dynavox V Max Tango

18. PRC: Springboard Lite PRC: ECO 2

19. i pad with Proloquo2Go The iPod Touch is currently under formal FCPS field assessment.

20. 1. You know this: There is no one “perfect” device for individuals who require AAC to express their needs and wants. 2. Using AT and AAC devices are an ongoing process/ lots of trial and error. 3. FCPS schools and ATS are here to help support you and your children to have the best learning experience possible.

21. September 22- October 25, 2010 DynaVox Mayer-Johnson presents an educational conference: Literacy, Learning & Communication Virtual! Looking for tools and strategies that promote language and literacy development in children with disabilities with a focus on autism? http://www.dynavoxtech.com/events/literacyandlearnin g/agenda.asp

22. Check out: HelpKidzLearn, a web site full of free software and resources from Inclusive Technology. http://www.HelpKidzLearn.com “The first Internet browser developed specifically for children living with variants of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, PDD not otherwise specified and PDD-NOS, also called atypical autism. The new version of Zac Browser now includes a link towards the latest news as well as open discussions on the subject of autism via « The Autism News.com ».”The Autism News.com http://www.ZacBrowser.com

23. Be on the lookout for information on the: ATS R.A.T. E. Conference November 6, 2010 8:00am -1:00pm Rachel Carson M S More information will be available through the Parent Resource Center and ATS