Implementing Assistive Technology in School and Beyond · 2015-05-30 · presentation is to provide...

Implementing

Assistive

Technology in

School and

Beyond

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Family Driven

Non-Profit 501(c)3

Family Network on Disabilities of

Florida, Inc. (FND) is:

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We DO:

♥ Provide Support

♥ Provide Information

♥ Help Identify Options

We do NOT:

Act As Attorneys

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WELCOME

The purpose of this presentation is to

provide some insights into how Assistive

Technology is implemented and utilized to develop opportunities for

individuals in school and beyond.

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Assistive Technology offers the

capability to achieve greater

independence and inclusion.

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"Any service that directly assists an individual

with a disability in the selection, acquisition or

use of an assistive technology device is defined

as an assistive technology service."

What is an Assistive Technology Service

in the school system?

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AT Services

• Evaluation

• Acquisition

• Selecting and Adapting

• Coordination

• Training

As required in:

• Special Education

• Related Services

• Supplementary Aids and Services 7

What is an Assistive

Technology device?

Any item, whether commercially acquired, off

the shelf, modified, or customized, that can

increase, maintain, or improve the

functional capabilities of an individual with a

disability (IDEA CFR 300.5). 8

Levels of Assistive Technology:

Assistive technology devices can be

classified according to levels of

technology and life skill areas.

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Low tech devices: Equipment that is easy to

use and do not require electrical power.

Characteristics:

Strategies, methods and/or techniques’ that rely

primarily on user's ability to move or utilize

various body parts

Can be free, no expense 10

Low Tech can be…..

Knocking on a door

Sign language; finger spelling

Tapping or squeezing hand

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Middle or Elementary tech devices:

They include most battery-operated devices.

Incorporates strategies, methods, and/or techniques

with relatively simple materials and equipment

Can rely on off-the-shelf inexpensive technologies

Commonly simple.

Characteristics:

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Middle or Elementary tech

can be……

• Pencil grip

• Slant board

• Page turner

• Raised line paper

• Non-tipping cups

• Velcro fasteners

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High tech devices: Include complex

and programmable equipment.

Characteristics:

Typically a mechanical and or

hydraulic technology used to accomplish

the user’s purpose.

I can be a combination of technologies.

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High Tech Can Be …

• Daily Living Aids

• Vision and Hearing Technology

• Mobility and Ambulation

• Computer Access

• Communication Tools

• Educational Software 15

Identifying Assistive Technology Needs

NOT REQUIRED?

REQUIRED?

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STEP 1

Establish a clear understanding of the

student’s present level of academic

achievement.

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Develop goals and objectives that address the student’s needs, and are

aligned to the general curriculum.

Step 2

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Step 3

Determine what tasks, if any, are

difficult or impossible for the student.

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AT Checklist

• Vision

• Writing

• Hearing

• Mobility

• Communication

• Control of the Environment

• Reading, Studying, and Math

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A Student’s Perspective

• What has helped me or

made things more difficult for me?

• How has my disability created challenges?

• What specific AT devices or services have helped me to be more successful?

• How has the school system helped me to access the curriculum in a regular education

environment? 21

When considering AT some questions

that the IEP team can ask are:

What are the Sunshine State Standards?

Is the student able to complete them with

accommodations?

Is there currently AT being used?

Would AT help?

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Identify schedule for data collection.

Step 4

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Step 5

Decide whether or not AT devices

and services are needed.

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NOT REQUIRED?

Results of AT Consideration

REQUIRED?

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More Information is Needed

Determine the nature and extent of AT devices and

services needed

The IEP team

decides that additional

information is needed to:

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Documentation in the IEP

The team requests an AT

evaluation and documents the

evaluation in the IEP as an AT

service.

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Assistive Technology

is Required

AT is required and the IEP

team knows the nature and

extent of the AT devices and

services needed.

AT devices and services to be

provided, are documented in

the IEP.

REQUIRED

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Documentation in the IEP

The IEP Team anticipates that the

student will not be able to make

adequate progress towards mastery of

the IEP goals and objectives without AT.

The specifics of the devices and

services must be included in the IEP.

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Assistive Technology is not

required at this time

Best practices indicate

that the basis of the

decision is documented.

NOT REQUIRED

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Implementation of AT

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions

• Be open minded-

“Collaboration is the key to success”

• Maintain a connection between

school and home use of AT

• Share the responsibility 31

• Develop and keep a resource manual .

• Monitor and adjust the process.

• Consider extended school year use.

• Celebrate your successes!

Implementation of AT

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NOT REQUIRED

REQUIRED

Ongoing Process

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Sources of AT beyond the

school system!

• Medicaid

• Vocational Rehabilitation

• Social Security

• Private Insurance

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FAAST Overview

FAAST is a non-profit organization funded by the U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) through the

Assistive Technology Act of 2004 and the State of Florida Department of Education Division of Vocational

Rehabilitation.

Web-based Loan Closet

• FAAST has developed a web-based

statewide registry of loan closets to

facilitate the use of used assistive

technology equipment.

FAAST Statewide

Device Lending Library

• This new program allows people to borrow

assistive technology equipment for a 30 day

loan period to try out in their own home or office

environment.

THEMES & INFLUENCES

• Encourage the possibilities

• Honor the dreams of families

• Translate dreams into action

• Teach families to help others

to understand their perspectives

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“Where there was once an observer,

let there now be a participant.”

- Eliot Eisner

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Family Network on Disabilities

2196 Main St. Suite K

Dunedin, FL 34698

(727) 523-1130

(800) 825-5736

tiles@fndfl.org

www.fndusa.org

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© Family Network on Disabilities, Inc.