The IEP
Do AT/AAC services or tools need to be documented on the IEP/504 Plan for a student to trial tools from the AT Loan Library?
No, any student with an IEP or 504 Plan can trial tools from the AT Loan Library.
Assistive Technology should not be written into an IEP or 504 until the tool has been successfully trialed with the student and the team has received notification from the AT Team.
Can I add AT/AAC tools to an IEP/504 plan that the student has never used?
It’s always important to know that an intervention will be successful with a student before adding to the IEP/504 accommodations.
If the IEP/504 team is not sure of efficacy but thinks it would be good to trial, best practice is to include this in the “Present Levels…” section of the IEP or in the IEP/504 minutes/notes.
Where do I include AT/AAC in the IEP for students with Long-Term Loans?
Team - Add us as a team member in Synergy (Assistive Technology Specialist). Select ‘consulted’ on the IEP annually.
Special Factors for IEP Development - Does the student need assistive technology devices or services? Check ‘Yes’ and describe the tools (without listing specific names or products).
Supports for School Personnel (Service Summary page) - List AAC Consult (SLP) or AT Consult (OT) separately, with the number of minutes of consult required per year.
More details below.
How should AT/AAC consultation services be listed on the IEP?
AT/AAC services for consultation go on the Service Summary page under “Supports for School Personnel” NOT under “Related Services”.
Description of Supports:
Assistive Technology Consultation
Augmentative Communication Consultation
Provider:
LEA
Role:
Assistive Technology Specialist
Time/Frequency:
Please contact your AT or AAC consultant when determining anticipated amount/frequency.
How should AT/AAC equipment/software be written on the Service Summary page of the IEP?
Assistive technology equipment should be described in general, non-specific terms under the “Supplementary Aids/Services; Modifications; Accommodations” section when the student has access to the equipment on a long-term basis.
This allows greater flexibility in regard to which tool will meet the need (e.g. an Android Tablet can be substituted for an iPad).
**DO NOT NAME SPECIFIC TOOLS, DEVICES, OR BRANDS** in the Services Summary Page. Specifics should be included in the Present Levels of the IEP.
How do I document that the transition team wants to explore AT/AAC tools (with support from the AT/AAC Team) when students are transitioning into PPS? (e.g. Kindergarten transitions)
Document in the present level or parent concerns, and in the IEP meeting minutes. Make sure to complete the AT/AAC Consultation & Tool Request and select the "I need AT/AAC consultation support" option at the bottom of the first page. Add AT/AAC consultation to Supports for School Personnel if indicated (please discuss with your transition coordination).