1 Quality Indicators for Device Demonstrations April 21, 2009 Lisa Kosh Diana Carl

2 What are Quality Indicators? Quality Indicators

3 Quality Indicators in Assistive Technology Initiated in the Fall of 1998 A grass roots effort Validated by hundreds of practitioners and consumers Validated by research in 2004 Facilitated by the QIAT Leadership Team

4 Purpose of QIAT Improve quality of services by providing a systematic way of planning, developing, and delivering AT devices and services Increase consistency of services by providing consistent, clearly understood descriptions of quality AT services Support implementation IDEA and other legal mandates

5 Beneficiaries of QIAT School districts - quality AT services Individual service providers - continuous improvement Consumers and families - integrated AT services Universities - competent service providers Policy-makers - judicious policy

6 Primary QIAT Tools Indicators in 8 areas Intent statements Common errors Innovation configuration matrix (ICM) in each area Based on the Program Evaluation Standards by the Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluation and Taking Charge of Change by Hord, Rutherford, Huling-Austin, and Hall.

7 QIAT Indicator Areas Consideration Assessment AT in the IEP Implementation Evaluation of Effectiveness Transition Administrative Support Professional Development

8 Matrix Provides clear, operational terms for implementing an innovation Identifies the components of an innovation Identifies a number of possible variations that might be observed in implementation Identifies ideal practice and the variations considered acceptable

9 Quality Indicator UNACCEPTIBLE Variations PROMISING PRACTICES 1. The education agency has written procedural guidelines that ensure equitable access to assistive technology devices and services for students with disabilities, if required for a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). 1 No written procedural guidelines are in place. 2 Written procedural guidelines for few components of AT service delivery are in place. (i.e. assessment or consideration) 3 Written procedural guidelines that address several components of AT service delivery are in place. 4 Written procedural guidelines that address most components of AT service delivery are in place. 5 Comprehensive written procedural guidelines that address all components of AT service delivery are in place. Quality Indicators for Administrative Support of Assistive Technology

10 QIAT Visit the QIAT Web site at Join the QIAT list at the Web site

11 Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Device Demonstrations Method Adapted from the work of Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology (QIAT) Consortium

12 Device Demonstration Consumers learn about potential devices and categories in a way that assists with making an informed choice about assistive technology.

13 Purpose To be used as a self-assessment tool for programs to identify specific areas in need of improvement for program planning. To increase consistency of services among Statewide AT Act Programs. To assist Statewide AT Act Programs with effective implementation of the AT Act requirements.

14 Quality Indicators for Device Demonstrations What it is not intended to do: The indicators and self-assessment matrices are not monitoring tools that will be used by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), rather they can be used as a self- assessment tool for Statewide Programs that is aligned with RSA monitoring.

15 Process Development Creation and revision of indicators Identification of variations/matrix elements Validation Wide distribution – input from field

16 Background Development Fall 2007 – Work Group formed, drafted document of practices Spring 2008 – Document shared at Annual Conference in Salt Lake City – received comments from attendees Summer/Fall 2008 – Revised document based on comments; formatted practices to match QIAT indicators Winter 2009 – Revise indicators

17 Next Steps Development Complete draft indicators and self-assessment matrices Validation Share draft Indicators with AT Act program audiences and wider audiences to validate indicators Revise as needed

18 Areas Area A - Comprehensive Statewide Demonstrations Area B - Access to Appropriate Technology Area C - Conduct of Effective Demonstrations Area D – Competencies of Demonstrators Providing Demonstrations Area E - QI for Referrals

19 Area A – QI 1 Indicator Demonstration programs serve individuals in all areas of the state in which they are located.

20 Area A – QI 2 Indicator Assistive technology demonstration programs serve people of all ages across the full range of functional needs which result from any type of disability.

21 Area B – QI 1 Indicator Demonstration programs have access to a full range of technology items that will enhance functional capabilities.

22 Area B – Q 2 Indicator Devices used in demonstrations are representative of the current, available technology.

23 Area B – QI 3 Indicator Devices used in demonstration are in working order.

24 Area C – QI 1 Indicator Procedures are clearly defined and consistently applied.

25 Area C – QI 2 Indicator: Demonstrations are provided in a mutually agreeable timeframe.

26 Area C – QI 3 Indicator Communication prior to the demonstration includes a discussion of the functional needs of the individual and provides an overview of what to expect during the demonstration.

27 Area C – QI 4 Indicator Devices are demonstrated in a logical grouping so that people are shown a variety of appropriate devices to meet their needs.

28 Area D – QI 1 Indicator: Those performing demonstrations have the knowledge and skills needed to understand the needs of diverse individuals of all ages.

29 Area D – QI 2 Indicator Those conducting demonstrations have knowledge of a full range of AT devices.

30 Area D – QI 3 Indicator Collectively, those conducting demonstrations can apply their knowledge and skill that is needed to demonstrate AT devices based on the individuals unique needs and abilities.

31 Area E – QI 1 Indicator The program builds and maintains a current Network of AT professionals who have the Expertise to conduct evaluations, make specific recommendations for assistive technology devices and services, and provide and supply equipment.

32 Area E – QI 2 Indicator A variety of information is available for the individual to explore funding options for acquisition of assistive technology devices.

33 Area E – QI 3 Indicator Individuals are provided comprehensive information about state and local assistive technology vendors, providers, and repair services.