The Team Approach to

AT/TSE Assessment

Adapted from the work of Joy Zabala and Penney ReedRevised and updated from

Dr. R. Fahey and Dr. A. Finch By: Teresa Pinder

Assessment -vs.- Evaluation

Dimension:Focus of Measurement

• Process –vs.- Product OrientedUses of Findings

• Diagnostic –vs.- JudgmentalStandards of Measurement

• Absolute –vs.- ComparativeRelationship

• Reflective/Cooperative –vs.- Prescriptive/Competitive

Who makes up the AT team? Special educator Parent and other family

members General education teacher Appropriate specialists Assistive technology

specialist Student / User

Who are these specialists and what are their

roles? Speech/language pathologist (SLP) Occupational therapist (OT) Physical therapist (PT) Audiologist School psychologist Social worker

AT Considerations for the Team:

Would AT assist in better performance or improve abilities with less restrictions and/or greater

independence?

What tasks do we want the student to do that he/she is unable to do that reflects his/her skills abilities?

(reading, writing, communication, etc.)

Is any form of AT currently being used and if so, how successful is it?

Elements of an AT Assessment Use a team approach

Focus on student needs and abilities

Examination of task to be completed

Consideration of relevant environmental

issues

Elements of an AT Assessment

Trial use of the AT

Providing necessary supports

Viewing the assessment as an on going

processWhen something changes

the team takes another look

SETT Framework

(Zabala)

S: for the StudentE: for the EnvironmentT: for the TasksT: for the Tools needed for the student to address the task(s)

SETT Framework for assessment, decision

making and implementing the AT

plan.

Who is the student?

What are the student’s special needs? What are the

students current abilities?

What does the student need to do? (main areas of concern)

Identify about the student:What we knowWhat we need to know!

S: The Student

E: The Environment

What are the instructional and physical arrangements in the environment(s)? Are there special

concerns? What materials and equipment are

currently available in the environment(s)? What supports are available to the

student and the people working with the student on a daily basis? How are attitudes/expectations of

others in the environment affecting student performance?

T: The Task What activities/tasks occur in the student’s natural environments which enable progress of the IEP goals?

What is everyone else in the environment doing? (peers, siblings,

others?)

What are the critical elements of the activities/tasks and what makes these difficult for the student?

T: The Tool(s) Is a solution of AT tools and strategies required for the student with these needs and abilities to do these tasks in these environments? What low tech, mid. tech, and high

tech solutions should be considered? How might the student’s special needs be accommodated without changing the important elements of the tasks/activities? What strategies might be used to

incorporate AT solution(s) into the situation/activities ?

How long will we try the device/solution(s)?

When will we get started?

Who will be responsible for follow-up?

Where can we get trial a device/system? State Loan Library Free loaners or short leases from vendors Community sources for short term loan Websites for downloads and information

Implementing an AT Plan

AT Trial Plan

Follow-up and Decision Making

Re-evaluation following trial period

Recommendations from team members

Training of student and others

Identify funding sources

Emergency/ back-up planning for downtime

Establish a follow-up schedule

Dell, A. G., Newton, D. A., & Petroff, J. G. (2008) Assistive technology in the classroom: Enhancing the School Experiences of Students with Disabilities. Pearson-Prentice Hall. Upper Saddle River, NJ. ISBN-13: 978-0-13-119164-8; ISBN-10: 0-13-119164-0

Cook, A.M. & Polgar, J.M. (2008) Cook and Hussey’s assistive technology: Principles and practice. (3rd Ed.) St. Louis, MO: Mosby. ISBN: 978-0-323-03907-9

Web Sites: www.onionmountaintech.com http://www.joyzabala.com

Resources: