2. Assistive Technology in the Woodstock Public Schools Click to view next slide

3. Introduction What Assistive Technology means for Woodstock Board of education, superintendent, principals, teachers, parents, children Special education

4. The Law and Assistive Technology All 4 Acts of Law have the same definition of assistive technology. IDEA Rehab Act (Section 504) ADA Tech Act

5. Under IDEA parents have the right to: Due Process Confidentiality Consent for evaluation and use of assistive technology Request an independent assistive technology evaluation

6. Definition: Assistive technology is… “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 children with disabilities.”

7. What Does It Really Mean ? Any device or “tool” that helps a student function more independently or successfully Communication Device Wheelchair Pencil Grip Computer

8. The 2 Parts of Assistive Technology AT Devices computer communication mobility daily living environmental control AT Related Services evaluation information gathering training maintenance upgrade

9. AT Basic Truths Assistive technology is more than computers Assistive technology can help ALL kids Decisions about assistive technology should start with low tech devices and only move to higher tech devices, if the low tech tools do not meet the student’s needs. AT devices are TOOLS not cures!

10. The Assistive Technology Continuum LOW TECH Specialized pens, papers, markers, highlighters, color coding, post-it notes, NCR paper, slanted surfaces MID TECH Tape or digital recorders, calculators, spell/grammar checker, electronic organizer, mini-book lights HIGH TECH Alternative keyboard, word processing or prediction, communication devices, CD-ROMs, environmental control devices, scanners, text readers, internet

11. For students without disabilities, technology makes things easier… For students with disabilities, technology makes things possible… (N. Keenan)

12. AT Services EvaluatingSelectingAcquiring TrainingMaintainingCoordinating

13. Long Term Vision How will the AT benefit the child in the future? Which technology is temporary and which is permanent? How will current assistive technology match with future needs? How can we integrate all technology to benefit all children?

14. “The success of technology has more to do with people than machines. All the right parts and pieces together won’t work miracles by themselves. It is people who make technology powerful by creatively using it to fulfill their dreams.” The Alliance for Technology Access

15. Thank you for you interest in Woodstock Schools AT information Thank you for you interest in Woodstock Schools AT information