Lorinda Tait Parents What you need to know about assistive technology.

Lorinda Tait Definition of Assistive Technology Devices The term 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 functional capabilities of children with disabilities. (From the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) P. L , Section 1401 (a) (25).)

Lorinda Tait Assistive Technology Service Any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive technology (AT) device.

Lorinda Tait Evaluation and Service Team Vivian Garner (Special Education Administrator, Hill) Lorinda Tait (Teacher Speech and Language Impaired/ Assistive Technology Consultant) Gretchen Garmyn (Special Education Teacher, North) Ruby Frazier (Occupational Therapist, Secondary) Karen Wilson (Occupational Therapist, Secondary) Bruce Bower (School Social Worker, D. Rich) Jim Veurink (Special Education Teacher, Everett) Kerri Davis (Teacher Speech and Language Impaired, Everett)

Lorinda Tait Assistive Technology Consideration? There are only three conclusions that can be reached about assistive technology prior to or during the Individualized Education Program Team meeting!

Lorinda Tait Consideration of Assistive Technology 1.Current interventions are working and nothing new is needed. 2.An assistive technology (AT) device or service is already in place (or there has been a trial). We know that it does work, the characteristics of the device are written into the IEP.

Lorinda Tait The Last Possible conclusion…... The IEPT may conclude that they do not know enough to make a decision. In this case, they will need to gather more information. A referral for an assistive technology service and possible evaluation is indicated.

Lorinda Tait How is a need determined? It is a process.

Lorinda Tait The Student What does the student need to be able to do? Write, spell, read, math, study, listen, communicate, daily living, recreation and leisure activities? What are the student’s special needs? Vision, hearing, mobility, cognition, memory? What are the student’s current abilities?

Lorinda Tait The Tasks What activities take place in the environment? Are there activities in which the student needs to increase participation or independence? How might the activities be modified to accommodate the student’s special needs? How might technology support the student’s active participation in those activities?

Lorinda Tait The Tools Devices and services, everything that is needed to help the student succeed. Is instruction addressing these needs through remediation? If so, a new tool is not needed. Are compensatory skills being taught? If so, a new tool is not needed.

Lorinda Tait What changes are we looking for with Assistive Technology (AT)? If the student performs the desired task with inadequate quality, can AT enhance the quality of the output? If the performance is characterized by inadequate quantity, can AT enhance the quantity? If the problem is accuracy, can AT enhance the accuracy of task completion? If the student performs the task too slowly, can AT enhance the rate?

Lorinda Tait What needs to be changed? If the student refrains from performing the desired task, can technology be used to enhance engagement? If the student fails to spontaneously engage in the desired task, can technology enhance engagement? If the student is unable to perform a desired task independently, can assistive technology enhance independence?

Lorinda Tait The Tools Continued What no tech, low tech and/or high tech options are needed to support this student doing identified tasks in identified environments? What strategies might be used to invite increased student performance?

Lorinda Tait Misconception: All assistive technology is “high tech” and expensive. Reality: While some assistive devices are both expensive and sophisticated, some of the most practical and satisfactory solutions are inexpensive, simple “low tech or no tech” adaptations and/or devices.

Lorinda Tait Misconception If a technology is available, it will be used. Reality: The successful use of a device is based on several factors. Everyone must be involved in the process of assessment, selection and training for any device to be fully utilized. Student, teachers, therapists, aids, family and everyone should be involved!