Kristin Leslie, MAT, OTR/L Assistive Technology Implementation

Special Education Technology Center Consultative Collaborations : Meet with school teams via phone, video conferencing or on site to help determine appropriate technology to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Lending Library: Loan software, switches, switch accessible toys, augmentative communication devices, alternate keyboards and environmental control devices. Staff Development: Provide webinars, as well as in-person tech assistance on educational software products. Provide classes on a wide range of AT topics.

Washington Administrative Code AT Defined 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 student eligible for special education. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device. Assistive technology service means any service that directly assists a student eligible for special education in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.

Assistive Technology Service. WAC A (1) The evaluation of the needs of a student, including a functional evaluation of the student in the student's customary environment (2) Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by students eligible for special education; (3) Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices; (4) Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs; (5) Training or technical assistance for a student eligible for special education or, if appropriate, that student's family; and (6) Training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education or rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of that student.

Federal Laws Pertaining to Assistive Technology Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA ) Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

Low Incidence AT Implementation: Individual level

High Incidence AT Implementation: Building, School, and District level

Common AT Software Supports for Sped Students ProductDescription CoWriter, Word QWord Prediction Software Clicker 5/PixWriterPicture Supported Writing Software WYNN / KurzweilOptical Character Recognition/Electronic Study Aids Read Out LoudText To Speech Dragon Naturally SpeakingSpeech to Text Kidspirtation, Inspiration, Draft Builder Graphic Organizers/Concept Mapping Classroom SuiteSwitch Accessible Program for Academics

Tech Consideration Process The IEP team must consider and document AT needs at every IEP. Referral Discussion of issues - decide which AT to trial Trial Decision Purchase Installation of software Training of staff and student Implementation Plan Maintenance and Updates Where Does Ed Tech Fit into This Process?

What are the barriers?

Money Time

Training Follow Through

Installing,.. Barriers with Ed Tech Solutions Where did the software go? Networking Nightmares… Downloading Dilemmas …

DecisionAction NeededStaff to Complete ByComments CoWriter in all labs at the high school Purchase Install SPED ED Tech DecWork with AT person to ensure accessibility for all Technology Training Training for SPED teachersAT PersonJanIn the lab for hands on experience Train para’s Train Students AT Person Feb Mar Teaching Strategies Use on a current assignment Download a Topic Dictionary from Don Johnston website AT Person Ed Tech AprilGen or SPED teacher should be present Require to use on weekly Assignments Requires weekly download of new Topic Dictionary from Don Johnston Website weekly. Teacher Ed Tech Weekly

Ed Tech – Sped Liaison Facilitate communication between Ed Tech and Sped Receive Sped tech installation requests and address in a timely manner Manage Sped Software-inventory with the knowledge of the key function of that software. Facilitate downloading from key sites to increase the effectiveness and capability of software supports.

"The secret of creativity is knowing how to hide your sources." Albert Einstein.