Tiers of Support

DCSD SWAAAC offers 3 Tiers of Support within Douglas County Schools. Tiers are determined by the SWAAAC team's rubric of support. The SWAAAC team primarily addresses assistive technology needs in communication and academics for students on an IEP or 504 plan. Each student’s assistive technology needs are individualized. The SWAAAC team will assist the school team in writing AT into the IEP. With Tier 1 supports, the SWAAAC team will consult with the school team and help guide them in AT options that are available to students in DCSD. With a student needing Tier 2-3 support, the SWAAAC team will consult with the school team and help guide them in AT options and provide equipment or software as needed. SWAAAC may assist in writing funding reports for personal devices or a SWAAAC district loan for students requiring a high tech communication system. The Assistive Technology consultation process may take several months to complete depending on the students’ needs.

**For any students on a 504 requesting assistive technology consultation, the school will be responsible to review the AT consultation and as a 504 team determine what the school will provide for this student.

Tier 1: Universal Supports: The SWAAAC team offers universal supports to all stakeholders in Douglas County Schools. The SWAAAC team offers access to online resources, printables, and training opportunities. In addition, there are many assistive technology options available at the district level that SWAAAC considers Tier 1 supports, such as universal design options on computers and tablets, and some writing software, such as Google Read and Write (Free Version), low tech communication boards, and picture based communication systems. These supports can be used without a SWAAAC consultation request. If a Tier 1 option meets the needs of your student to access their education, list this support on their IEP or 504. See AT and the IEP for correct wording on an IEP.

Tier 2: Targeted Supports: The SWAAAC team provides assistive technology consultation, equipment/software loan/trial, device/equipment training, and limited coaching for Tier 2 supports. Tier 2 support examples include students that need specialized software for writing/reading, such as Google Read and Write- Premium Version (Requires Read&Write Request filled out), adapted keyboard or mouse, and switches for cause and effect and access to educational materials.

Tier 3: Intensive Supports: The SWAAAC team provides assistive technology consultation, device/equipment training, equipment/software trial, assistance with funding reports for personal devices or district loan when needed or appropriate, assistive technology planning, consultation, coaching and modeling. Tier 3 support examples may be students that need or have a high tech communication system and or use mounting systems for wheelchairs.