Implementing Assistive

Technology in School and

Beyond

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Family Driven

Non-Profit 501(c)3

Family Network on Disabilities of Florida, Inc. (FND) is:

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We DO:♥ Provide Support

♥ Provide Information♥ Help Identify Options

We do NOT:

Act As Attorneys

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WELCOMEThe purpose of this presentation is to

provide some insights into how Assistive

Technology is implemented and utilized to develop opportunities for

individuals in school and beyond.

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Assistive Technology offers the capability to achieve greater independence and inclusion.

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"Any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition or

use of an assistive technology device is defined as an assistive technology service."

What is an Assistive Technology Service in the school system?

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AT Services• Evaluation

• Acquisition

• Selecting and Adapting

• Coordination

• Training

As required in:

• Special Education

• Related Services

• Supplementary Aids and Services7

What is an Assistive Technology device?

Any item, whether commercially acquired, off the shelf, modified, or customized, that can

increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of an individual with a

disability (IDEA CFR 300.5).8

Levels of Assistive Technology:

Assistive technology devices can be classified according to levels of technology and life skill areas.

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Low tech devices: Equipment that is easy to use and do not require electrical power.

Characteristics:

Strategies, methods and/or techniques’ that rely primarily on user's ability to move or utilize

various body parts

Can be free, no expense

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Low Tech can be…..

Knocking on a door

Sign language; finger spelling

Tapping or squeezing hand 

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Middle or Elementary tech devices: They include most battery-operated devices.

Incorporates strategies, methods, and/or techniques with relatively simple materials and equipment

Can rely on off-the-shelf inexpensive technologies

Commonly simple

Characteristics:

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Middle or Elementary tech can be……

• Pencil grip

• Slant board

• Page turner

• Raised line paper

• Non-tipping cups

• Velcro fasteners

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High tech devices: Include complex and programmable equipment.

Characteristics:

Typically a mechanical and or hydraulic technology used to accomplish

the user’s purpose

I can be a combination of technologies

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High Tech Can Be …

• Daily Living Aids

• Vision and Hearing Technology

• Mobility and Ambulation

• Computer Access

• Communication Tools

• Educational Software15

Identifying Assistive Technology Needs

NOT REQUIRED?

NEED MORE INFO

REQUIRED?

???

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STEP 1

Establish a clear understanding of the student’s present level of academic

achievement.

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Develop goals and objectives that address the student’s needs, and are

aligned to the general curriculum.

Step 2

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Step 3

Determine what tasks, if any, are difficult or impossible for the student.

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AT Checklist

• Vision• Writing• Hearing• Mobility

• Communication• Control of the Environment

• Reading, Studying, and Math

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A Student’s Perspective

• What has helped me or made things more difficult for me?

• How has my disability created challenges? • What specific AT devices or services have

helped me to be more successful?• How has the school system helped me to

access the curriculum in a regular education environment?

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When considering AT some questions that the IEP team can ask are:

What are the Sunshine State Standards?

Is the student able to complete them with accommodations?

Is there currently AT being used?

Would AT help?

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Identify schedule for data collection.

Step 4

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Step 5

Decide whether or not AT devices and services are needed.

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NOT REQUIRED?

NEED MORE INFO

Results of AT Consideration

REQUIRED?

???

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More Information is Needed

Determine the nature and extent of AT devices and

services needed

The IEP team

decides that additional

information is needed to:

NEED MORE INFO

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Documentation in the IEP

The team requests an AT evaluation and documents the evaluation in the IEP as an AT

service.

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Assistive Technology is Required

AT is required and the IEP team knows the nature and

extent of the AT devices and services needed.

AT devices and services to be provided, are documented in

the IEP.

REQUIRED

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Documentation in the IEP

The IEP Team anticipates that the student will not be able to make

adequate progress towards mastery of the IEP goals and objectives without AT.

The specifics of the devices and services must be included in the IEP.

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Assistive Technology is not required at this time

Best practices indicate

that the basis of the

decision is documented.

NOT REQUIRED

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Implementation of AT

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions

• Be open minded-

“Collaboration is the key to success”

• Maintain a connection between

school and home use of AT

• Share the responsibility31

• Develop and keep a resource manual

• Monitor and adjust the process

• Consider extended school year use

• Celebrate your successes

Implementation of AT

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NOT REQUIRED

NEED MORE INFO

REQUIRED

Ongoing Process

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Sources of AT beyond the school system!

• Medicaid• Vocational Rehabilitation

• Social Security• Private Insurance

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FAAST OverviewFAAST is a non-profit organization

funded by the U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) through the

Assistive Technology Act of 2004 and the State of Florida Department of Education Division of Vocational

Rehabilitation.

Web-based Loan Closet

• FAAST has developed a web-based statewide registry of loan closets to facilitate the use of used assistive technology equipment.

FAAST Statewide Device Lending Library

• This new program allows people to borrow assistive technology equipment for a 30 day loan period to try out in their own home or office environment.

THEMES & INFLUENCES

• Encourage the possibilities• Honor the dreams of families• Translate dreams into action• Teach families to help others

to understand their perspectives

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“Where there was once an observer, let there now be a participant.”

- Eliot Eisner

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Thank

You!

(800) 825-5736(727) 523-1130tiles@fndfl.orgwww.fndfl.org

Thank you!

Please do not hesitate to call if we can be of any assistance to you.