Assistive Technology

Purpose

Assistive technology strives to give students the skills, voice, and tools to reach educational goals that might not otherwise be realized.

Definition

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.

Services

Equipment - students are evaluated and provided with adaptive equipment that best meets individual needs including items such as switches (easier than a mouse), touch screens, augmentative computers (use computer to talk), Intellakeys (larger keyboard) and portable word processor (weighs very little and used if difficulty with fine motor skills). Equipment Loan Agreement form: [Image:Parent agreement.doc]
Software - students use software to help them talk, write, and read. Textbooks are sometimes loaded on the computer; and software such as Solo is used. Solo software facilitates writing out loud (computer says the word as it is typed), co-writes (words pop-up as you type them for spelling ease/dyslexia/typing assistance), and writing papers (helps organize the entire paper taking a students through the writing process).
Research - staff have access to the latest adaptive technology and resources by attending conferences, studying research, networking, and updating skills.
Hands-on work with students - staff attend class with the student to go through an equipment training process to determine if the equipment and software are appropriate; assure that the student can use the equipment/software to maximize participation in the classroom; and tweak any software or equipment glitches that may be occurring.

Process of Acquiring Assistive Technology Services

An evaluation is completed, including a functional evaluation in the child's customary environment, to assess what a child with a disability will need inorder to function in the educational system beginning in preschool. Assessment form: [Image:Assistive Technology Pare.doc]
Trial of equipment allows the student to tryout various pieces of computerized or adaptive equipment in order to find which ones facilitates the most access to education. The district will purchase, lease, or otherwise provide for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by children with disabilities to meet educational needs.
Related equipment services include selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing of assistive technology.
IEP (Individual Educational Plan) is written to include the adaptive equipment and software being used throughout the year. This also includes coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs.
Monitoring the IEP will occur so changes can be made if equipment is not working or if updates equipment is available to maximize student performance.
Training or technical assistance for professionals who provide services for, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of children with disabilities.

Read 180

Students select a book from a database of over 23,000 titles. After reading the books, students take a short quiz on the computer to verify comprehension.