Assistive Technology Overview

AT Hardware and Software AT Team ScopeAT Request ProcessAT in the IEP

Assistive Technology Solutions and Services:

AT Solutions (hardware and software):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 a child with a disability.

AT Services:

Any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device

Includes: evaluation, training, maintenance and modification

Academic Solutions

Math Software to auto-format math problems Software for virtual manipulation

http://www.intellitools.com/http://www.freedomscientific.com/LSG/products/testtalker.asp

Academic Solutions cont.

Reading Use of electronic text Text to Speech software

http://www.freedomscientific.com/LSG/products/wynn.asphttp://www.kurzweiledu.com/kurz3000.aspxhttp://www.donjohnston.com/products/solo/index.html

Academic Solutions cont.

Writing Use of keyboards (portable or other) Word prediction software

http://www.neo-direct.com/intro.aspxhttp://www.donjohnston.com/products/cowriter/index.html

Academic Solutions cont.

Organizational Skills Graphic organization software Electronic planning tools

http://www.donjohnston.com/products/draft_builder/index.htmlhttp://www.inspiration.com/

Communication Solutions

Light (Low) TechCommunication Boards and Books Use of Picture Exchange Communication

http://www.mayer-johnson.com/products/boardmaker-software/http://www.pecs.com/http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/product/27918

Communication Solutions cont.

Mid TechSpeech Generating Devices (SGDs) with 1-

300 message unit capability

http://www.ablenetinc.com/http://www.attainmentcompany.com/home.phphttp://www.amdi.net/

Communication Solutions cont.

High TechSGDs with 1000s of message units

http://www.dynavoxtech.com/default.aspxhttp://www.prentrom.com/http://www.saltillo.com/

Computer/SGD Access

Alternative Mice and KeyboardsJoysticksOn Screen KeyboardsLarge Format Keyboards

http://www.infogrip.com/http://www.intellitools.com/http://www.madentec.com/intro/

Computer/SGD Access cont.

Switches and Switch Interfaces

http://www.ablenetinc.com/http://www.donjohnston.com/

Computer/SGD Access cont.

Mounting Systems

http://www.rjcooper.com/index.htmlhttp://www.daessy.com/http://www.ablenetinc.com/

Who provides AT?

Not just our AT TeamSpecial Ed TeachersOTs/PTsSLPsAudiologistsVision TeachersAdaptive PE Teachers

Assistive Technology Team - Scope

AcademicsCommunicationComputer Access

The Assistive Technology Team

Academics and Computer Access:Marika Wong, Sped. Teacher mwong@seattleschools.orgPat Delaney, OTR/L pjdelaney@seattleschools.org

Communication: Margaret Poore, SLP mrpoore@seattleschools.orgAnanda Dorje, SLP adorje@seattleschools.org

Assistive Technology (AT) Request Process –

Guiding Principles:

• Assistive Technology (AT) must be considered in the IEP

• Our job is to help IEP teams consider appropriate AT

• AT consideration is a dynamic, ongoing team process

Request Process, cont.

•First step is to request an AT consult using the form found online. Your child’s teacher or related service provider can access it.

•The form asks for background info and a description of the problem within area of need (i.e., reading, writing, communication, organization, computer access)

•We then meet as a team to discuss student needs and next steps

We use a Consult Model

To encourage IEP Teams to try accommodations before a referral for AT eval

To build team capacity to make decisions about pre-referral interventions.

To problem solve as a team

To act quickly in getting solutions in the hands of students

Assistive Technology (AT) in the IEP:

Guiding Principles:

AT is not a qualifying category AT may be included in SDI goals/objectives It is not necessary to include AT in SDI

goals/objectives to receive supports Goals are driven by areas of qualification AT supports functional abilities within an area of

qualification AT is written into IEPs with the participation of an

AT team member

Here’s where you’ll find it on p.1:

The Present Levels section may include a description of the AT used and how and/or why the student uses AT

Example 1: “Student has significant difficulty with written production due to slow and laborious handwriting. She also spells below grade level. Student requires access to a portable word processor and word-prediction software.”

Example 2: “Student is not understood by peers or adults in the school setting. She requires the use of a voice output communication device to supplement her unintelligible speech”

Service Matrix p.6 – SAS/PM