1. Assistive Technology in LPS
Presenter: Rachel Kuberry
LPS AT Specialist

2. Agenda Topic Time What is AT? The low to high tech continuum
15 minutes
AT in our district/special education programs
AT Assessment Process
What AT is NOT… and other instructional technology
Apps and iPads
Q&A

3. What is AT?
Assistive technology device means 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.
IDEA section 300.5

4. What about AT services?
Assistive technology service means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. The term includes--
(a) The evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability…
(b) Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing AT…
(c) Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing AT…
(d) Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with AT…
(e) Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability and their family…
(f) Training or technical assistance for professionals, employers, or other individuals who provide services to that child…
summarized from IDEA section 300.6

5. Low-tech to High-tech Continuum
Check out the AT Pocket Mod
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Create your own here:

6. Low-tech to High-tech Continuum
LPS specific AT Continuums:
Look at AT Continuums specific to LPS here: lps.lexingtonma.org/Page/2062

7. Low-tech to High-tech Continuum
The simplest assistive technology alternative that successfully assists the student should always be selected
Many low, mid, and high-tech tools are already available within the district and students can use these tools right away
More information can be found within the Assessing Students Needs for Assistive Technology (ASNAT) resource manual by the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI) which can be downloaded here:

8. Low-tech tools available in all schools via the LoTTIE kits:
AT in our district
Low-tech tools available in all schools via the LoTTIE kits:
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Learn more about our LoTTIE kits here: lps.lexingtonma.org/Page/2058

9. Mid-tech tools available in all schools include:
AT in our district
Mid-tech tools available in all schools include:
A variety of portable word processors
Computer word processing and spell checker
Digital graphic organizing software (Inspiration and Kidspiration)
Digital text projects within our libraries
Text to speech tools

10. High-tech tools available in some schools include:
AT in our district
High-tech tools available in some schools include:
Generic Name
Specific Name
Speech to text software
Dragon
Scan and read text to speech software
Kurzweil
Word prediction software
Co:Writer
Mulitmedia, customizable word processor
Clicker 6
Onscreen keyboard
Keystrokes
List is not exhaustive

11. AT in our district – How do we decide?
We use the SETT Framework to decide what AT should support the district, special education programs in our district, and individual students
Student
Environment
Tasks
Tools
More information on SETT can be found here:

12. Let’s talk about AT Assessments:
AT assessments are assessments that make recommendations for a specific problem
AT assessment should begin with a specific reason for referral and referral question
AT assessments are NOT standardized assessments and do NOT measure academic skills
AT assessments are completed within the standard 30 day testing period, but may include recommendations for extended trials after the testing period
AT assessments should include involvement of all Team members, including the student and parents

13. AT Assessments include:
Background information:
special education testing
general education testing
previous and current AT/IT
classroom/environment
special education services
tasks including IEP goals/objectives
Interviews:
Parent
Teachers/therapists
Student

14. AT Assessments include:
Observations:
classroom observation
work sample review
assistive technology trials
additional applicable measures (ex. Written Productivity Profile)
Discussion/Summary
Recommendations

15. Programmatic AT Assessments:
Focus on a group of student or special education program
Use the same process as the process for individual assessments
Recommended AT is placed within the classroom/program for use by all students within the classroom/program

16. What AT is NOT… Instructional Technology
Instructional technology is the incorporation of technology- based devices and strategies, in support of curriculum and instruction, in order to improve student learning. 
The integration of Instructional technology allows teachers to provide:
rich content resources
student exploration opportunities
tools to help students organize their thinking and analyze information
multiple formats for students' demonstration of understanding

17. Instructional Technology
Our district is currently supported by a team of Instructional Technology Specialists
These specialists work with all teachers, including special educators, to facilitate the use of instructional technology
Examples of instructional technology in our district include:
iPads in lower elementary classrooms
iPad pilot at Lexington High School
FASTT Math
Type to Learn
Teacher websites
“Clicker” technology

18. Collaboration between AT and IT
Special education technology committee meets biweekly. This committee includes special education faculty and technology faculty.
Assistive technology specialist attends weekly instructional technology meeting.
Technology and special education faculty collaborate to plan (and sometimes teach) district-wide professional development.
Educational technology department makes decisions regarding instructional technology, but seeks collaboration from the special education department when applicable.

19. Apps and iPads
Start by asking… is it about the app or the iPad or both?
The process for organizations to buy apps is different than it is for individuals… Let’s talk about it!
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Check out our website on iPads lps.lexingtonma.org/page/2163 for resources including sites to use to find apps

20. Additional Resources:
Website with all materials from this presentation: lps.lexingtonma.org/Page/3049
Massachusetts’ newly updated AT guide called Access to Learning:
Pocket Mod:
AT Continuums by WATI:
AT Continuums by Lexington: lps.lexingtonma.org/Page/2062
LoTTIE Kit information: lps.lexingtonma.org/Page/2058
SETT Framework: