It’s best to start the year off with a work calendar that reflects important deadlines, events and meetings. Here is a list of some of the items you may want to record before you get caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities of the school year:
Depending on how you structure your AT Department, you may have an AT team that will meet regularly as well. Regardless, it is helpful to consider everyone in special education a potential member of your district AT network. Therefore, it is a good idea to schedule visits at various team meetings throughout the year to provide updates and guidance on AT business, get input about AT needs on campuses, provide staff development on specific topics, and learn about what other teams are doing. While it is unrealistic to attend every meeting of all teams, post all the meetings to your calendar anyway so you can send the team leader a report on AT business when needed or follow up afterward regarding items that may pertain to AT.
The AT Specialists in Region 13 created this handy timeline with suggested deadlines for accomplishing tasks throughout the school year.
A good place to start with learning about technology for Special Ed students is to know about the instructional technology available to all students and staff in your district. Browse the district website, contact the Technology Department, or speak to a campus or district technology representative to find out what the district offers and how it is being used.
Examples:
Explore any assistive technology your district already has in use or lost in closets.
Throughout the year, you will be asked to provide solutions to student needs. If the resources provided by the district are not adequate, search the web for free tools.
Examples:
See the Resources web page for more suggestions
Know your weaknesses when it comes to AT. Perhaps you are an occupational therapist who has never programmed an AAC device or app. Or maybe you are a Speech-Language Pathologist who is unfamiliar with accessible instructional materials. Seek out ways to fill in the gaps:
Technology is an expansive and constantly changing field. You will need to spend time on a regular basis exploring and learning about new devices, programs and features of technology. Schedule time on your calendar for your own professional learning, and use that time wisely to gain knowledge that will support your students.