Assistive Technology: Principles and Practice

Ty Holston

Objectives

• State why all students with exceptionalities MUST be considered for Assistive Technology• Contrast the differences between AT

consideration and AT evaluation• Explain what is taken into consideration

during the process of evaluating individuals for AT

Assistive Technology MUST Be Considered

•For every child with an IEP•But not all children will need/require assistive technology!!!!!!

Assistive technology devices are identified in the IDEA as “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 children with disabilities. An assistive technology device “does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device.” (example –cochlear implants)

.

Assistive technology services include “any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, and use of an assistive technology device”. Assistive technology services include but are not limited to evaluation, device acquisition, device maintenance and repair, training for the student, his family, and educators as needed, and technical assistance.

What Do We Consider?

The Student

•What are the student’s strengths / abilities?

•What are the student’s learning barriers?

•What does the student need to do?

* This information is found on the profile page of your IEP

The Environment

• Classes and situations where the help is needed…

•What is the physical arrangement of the room or area where the child will need/use the assistive technology?

•What activities take place in the environment?

The Tasks• What are task(s) that the student needs to be able to

accomplish to meet the IEP goals?• Can the activity be modified or accommodated to meet the

students need?

*Keep the physical and cognitive abilities as well as the temperament of the child in mind.

The Tools• What tools are you currently using?

• What tools are available in the setting?

Standard Classroom Tools

• Computer• There are many accessibility option on the

computer• Paper• Pencil• Pen• Calculators• Rulers• Any item(s) that all students have access to are

considered standard classroom tools