1. Assistive Technology: What Every Parent Needs to Know
bit.ly/ATparentforum
Nicole Natale, MS, CCC-SLP
Senior Education Specialist
CREC Resource Group

2. Goals for Today Define Assistive Technology (AT)
Best Practice in the Schools
Question and Answer

3. Assistive Technology
What does it mean to you?

4. The Case Against AT

5. IDEA Definition of AT
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 functional capabilities of a child with a disability. (20 U.S.C. 1401(1))
Exception in law and best practice

6. What Can Be AT? Pencil grips Slant boards Visual Supports
Handheld portable scanners that read aloud
Word prediction
High tech communication devices
iPads with communication apps
GPAT list

7. Continuum of AT Assistive Technology No/Low Tech Mid Tech High Tech
*Simple
limited Maintenance
No electronics
*Complex Electronics
*More Maintenance
*More Electronics
*Some Maintenance

8. What is the purpose of AT?
Provide access
Independence
Level the playing field

9. AT Service within IDEA includes
any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device, including:
the evaluation and purchasing leasing or acquiring the device,
selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing the device

10. Services Continued
coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices
training or technical assistance for such child or the family
training or technical assistance for professionals... (20 U.S.C. 1401(2))

11. Consideration of Special Factors
IDEA indicates that AT should be considered during every IEP for every student.
CT AT Guidelines
AT in the IEP

12. Necessary AT may be included in several sections of the IEP, as noted in the following list:
Special Instructional Factors
Child’s Profile
Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance
Postsecondary Transition Services
Measurable Annual Goals and Objectives
Description of Specially Designed Instruction
Modification and Accommodations
Statewide and district testing

13. Q and A - Ask Me Anything

14. Additional Resources Services Providers CT (alphabetized)
ACES Assistive Technology
CES Assistive Technology
CREC Assistive Technology
Eastconn Assistive Technology
Easter Seals CT Assistive Technology
NEAT Assistive Technology

15. Internet Resources Center on Tech and Disability Family Portal CTD
QIAT
GPAT
WATI
TATN