Overview of AT for SpEd Teachers

Below, you'll find all the resources you need to make IEP team decisions about what tools to use, and to help students learn to use them. Scroll down to see sample language for IEPs, and easy-to-use teaching materials. All that without even having to refer to your AT specialist! (See also: When to Refer.)

Note: to view videos and documents, you must be signed in to your CVUSD account. 

Basics of Assistive Technology for SpEd Teachers (30-minute Video Training Updated Oct 2020):  

How to pick technologies to try: 

Considering Assistive Technology - Tools Menu: 

Here is a very helpful menu from the AT Process in Schools website of reading, writing, math, and organizational accommodations (including technology tools) that the IEP team could consider, based on the specific needs of a particular student. 

Top 6 Most Recommended Tools for CVUSD Students: 

Below you'll find a resource I created to help teachers keep track of the most used and recommended AT tools for CVUSD Students. This includes audiobooks, text-to-speech, and speech-to-text. Handy links in the document take you to short videos with more information! 

How to Document: Sample Language for the Special Factors Page of an IEP

When a student will use assistive technology: 

First say what the tools are, and refer the reader to services page e.g. - STUDENT requires the use of text-to-speech with highlighting for reading, audiobooks, and speech-to-text with word prediction for writing. Please see accommodations section for further details. 

Then specify why AT services are not needed even though tools are - STUDENT'S IEP team does not require AT consultation services because the teacher will provide instruction to the student and/or family about the technology tools recommended. 

Remember to check the box for "yes"! 

When a student will not benefit from assistive technology: 

Required language - Assistive technology supports (such as text-to-speech and speech-to-text) were considered for STUDENT but the IEP team found that they would not be beneficial. 

Optional details you might add with rationale - At this time STUDENT still needs to develop the receptive and expressive language skills to be able to learn to use assistive technologies for reading and writing. Furthermore S/HE benefits more from accommodations such as an adult reader, and modifications such as shortened assignments for writing. 

Remember to check the box for "no"! 

How to Teach Students to Use their AT:  

First, show your student(s) videos about each tool from the AT Services menu above. Then check out these easy printables to accompany your lessons: