Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Implementing
Assistive
Technology in
School and
Beyond
1
Family Driven
Non-Profit 501(c)3
Family Network on Disabilities of
Florida, Inc. (FND) is:
2
We DO:
♥ Provide Support
♥ Provide Information
♥ Help Identify Options
We do NOT:
Act As Attorneys
3
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.
4
Assistive Technology offers the
capability to achieve greater
independence and inclusion.
5
"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?
6
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.
9
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
11
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:
12
Middle or Elementary tech
can be……
• Pencil grip
• Slant board
• Page turner
• Raised line paper
• Non-tipping cups
• Velcro fasteners
13
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.
14
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?
16
STEP 1
Establish a clear understanding of the
student’s present level of academic
achievement.
17
Develop goals and objectives that address the student’s needs, and are
aligned to the general curriculum.
Step 2
18
Step 3
Determine what tasks, if any, are
difficult or impossible for the student.
19
AT Checklist
• Vision
• Writing
• Hearing
• Mobility
• Communication
• Control of the Environment
• Reading, Studying, and Math
20
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?
22
Identify schedule for data collection.
Step 4
23
Step 5
Decide whether or not AT devices
and services are needed.
24
NOT REQUIRED?
Results of AT Consideration
REQUIRED?
25
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:
26
Documentation in the IEP
The team requests an AT
evaluation and documents the
evaluation in the IEP as an AT
service.
27
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
28
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.
29
Assistive Technology is not
required at this time
Best practices indicate
that the basis of the
decision is documented.
NOT REQUIRED
30
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
32
NOT REQUIRED
REQUIRED
Ongoing Process
33
Sources of AT beyond the
school system!
• Medicaid
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Social Security
• Private Insurance
34
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
35
“Where there was once an observer,
let there now be a participant.”
- Eliot Eisner
36
Family Network on Disabilities
2196 Main St. Suite K
Dunedin, FL 34698
(727) 523-1130
(800) 825-5736
www.fndusa.org
Please take a few moments to fill out the workshop evaluation.
Click here to continue
Thank you!
© Family Network on Disabilities, Inc.
