AT and the IEP :AT and the IEP Christine M. Rosario GPSS-SPED Assistive Technology


Objectives: :Objectives: Participants in “AT and the IEP” will learn about: Federal regulations regarding AT. Basic Definitions and Examples. GPSS Forms.


What is AT? :What is AT? Assistive technology 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 the functional capabilities of children with disabilities. (Federal Register, August 19, 1991, p. 41272).


Human Function :Human Function Existence (Self help) Communication Body Support, Protection and Positioning Travel and Mobility Environmental Interaction (Driving, cooking) Education and Transition Sports, Fitness, and Recreation


Slide 5:Student Success!!


Slide 6:Student Success!!


No/Low Tech vs. High Tech :No/Low Tech vs. High Tech


Light Technology (Low Tech) Examples: :Light Technology (Low Tech) Examples: Pencil grips Adapted rulers Highlighter tape Communication boards Specialized paper Adapted Utensils


High Technology Examples: :High Technology Examples: Speech Generating Devices (Augmentative and Alternative Communication [AAC] Digital recorders Computers/handheld scanners for text to speech Computer for speech to text (speech recognition) Switch activated devices


IDEA & AT :IDEA & AT AT needs must be considered If necessary, AT evaluation must be performed AT devices and/or services must be provided if required in the child’s IEP


Consider AT: :Consider AT: Review Present Levels of Academic Achievement & Functional Performance and evaluations Develop goals and objectives Determine if tasks are difficult or impossible for the student Decide whether AT devices are needed Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4


GPSS form 40 AT Checklist :GPSS form 40 AT Checklist


When documenting: :When documenting: ONLY Assistive technology devices and services that are determined educationally necessary by the student’s IEP team should be clearly documented in the IEP. Avoid naming BRANDS of devices.


A Quick Review ofBasic Requirements :A Quick Review ofBasic Requirements AT needs must be considered If IEP team determines AT is necessary, it must be included in IEP If AT is included in IEP, it must be implemented


References :References Lee Hamill, Caroline Everingtion (2002). Teaching Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities. New Jersey: Merril Prentice Hall Texas Assistive Technology Network. (Feb 2001). Providing Assistive Technology: A Legal Perspective. Retrieved August 25, 2007 from http://www.texasat.net/default.aspx?name=trainmod.legal Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative. (May 2007). AT Consideration. Retrieved August 25, 2007 from http://www.wati.org/AT_Services/consideration.html


References cont. :References cont. Behrmann, Michael - Jerome, Marci Kinas (2002). Assistive Technology for Students with Mild Disabilities: Update . ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education Dubbels, Kursten. Assistive Technology in the Individual Education Plan Outline. Retrieved August 25, 2007 from http://www.nls.org/atiep.htm