1. AssistiveTechnology101 SPECIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

2. Presented by Alma Rodriguez, Assistive Technology Coordinator Alma Rodriguez, Assistive Technology Coordinator Barbara Charles, SLP & Assistive Technology Team Leader Barbara Charles, SLP & Assistive Technology Team Leader

3. OBJECTIVES TPW become familiar with Assistive Technology laws and IEP procedures. TPW become familiar with the light-tech and high tech equipment in the area of Assistive technology devices.

4. IDEA’97ANDASSISTIVETECHNOLOGYDEVICES

5. IDEA and Assistive Technology IDEA addresses AT in two ways: IDEA addresses AT in two ways: In the inclusion of definitions of “Assistive technology devices and Assistive technology services. References are in both Part A, which covers the 3-21 age group and Part C, which covers the 0-3 age group. In the inclusion of definitions of “Assistive technology devices and Assistive technology services. References are in both Part A, which covers the 3-21 age group and Part C, which covers the 0-3 age group.

6. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICES...... 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 individuals with disabilities. 20 U.S.C. Chapter 34, Section 1401 (25)

7. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES “...... any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.

8. Assistive Technology Services Evaluation Evaluation Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of the devices Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of the devices Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, retaining, repairing or replacing of Assistive technology devices. Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, retaining, repairing or replacing of Assistive technology devices.

9. Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions or services with Assistive technology devices. Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions or services with Assistive technology devices. Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability, or if appropriate, that child’s family. Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability, or if appropriate, that child’s family. Training or technical assistance for professionals, employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise involved in the major life functions of individuals with disabilities. Training or technical assistance for professionals, employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise involved in the major life functions of individuals with disabilities.

10. Areas Affected by Assistive Technology Positioning Positioning Computer Access Computer Access Environmental Control Environmental Control Augmentative Communication Augmentative Communication Assistive Listening Assistive Listening Visual Aids Visual Aids

11. Mobility Mobility Computer-Based Instruction Computer-Based Instruction Physical Education, Recreation, Leisure and Play Physical Education, Recreation, Leisure and Play Self-Care Self-Care

12. Environmental Control/ Recreation, Leisure, and Play

13. Computer Access

14. Computer Based Instruction

15. Augmentative Communication

16. Positioning and Mobility

17. Daily Living Skills

18. IDEA’97 additionally ensures: Each public agency shall ensure that Assistive technology devices or services, or both are made available with a disability if required as part of the child’s: (a) special education (b) related services (c) supplementary aids services 20 U.S.C. Chapter 34 Section 1412(2), (5) (B)

19. Texas State Education Code 29.004 Comprehensive Assessment........ 29.004 Comprehensive Assessment........ The assessment shall be conducted using procedures that are appropriate for the student’s most proficient method of communication.

20. Commissioner’s/SBOE Rules –Each district shall establish at least one ARD committee that shall make decisions concerning eligibility determinations, development of the IEP, consideration of assistive technology.................

21. Assistive Technology and the ARD Clearly defined policies Clearly defined policies Special Education staff with a good understanding of Assistive Technology Special Education staff with a good understanding of Assistive Technology Family as key team members Family as key team members Specialized technology teams Specialized technology teams Sufficient budget or access to special technology funds Sufficient budget or access to special technology funds

22. Assistive Technology Process Referral (30-60 days) Referral (30-60 days) Observation/Evaluation Observation/Evaluation ARD addresses AT Recommendations/PEIMS ARD addresses AT Recommendations/PEIMS Research, Funding, and Order Materials/ Equipment Research, Funding, and Order Materials/ Equipment Training/Implementation Training/Implementation Monitoring Monitoring

23. Ten Things Administrators Should Know Technology is expensive Technology is expensive Training is crucial Training is crucial Certification is rare Certification is rare Conventions have it all Conventions have it all Team Approach is crucial Team Approach is crucial Sales Reps are not consultants Sales Reps are not consultants

24. The individual determines the technology The individual determines the technology Talk to people in your state Talk to people in your state Try it before you buy it Try it before you buy it YOU HAVE TO DO IT YOU HAVE TO DO IT

25. Resources Linda Chromaster – Region One ESC Linda Chromaster – Region One ESC Lchromaster@esconett.org Peter Graves – Region One ESC Peter Graves – Region One ESCPgraves@esconett.org