AT in Lexington

AT Devices:

IDEA defines an AT device as “… 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 a child with a disability. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device.”

Tier 1 tools are tools already in your classroom that can be used by any student. These tools are generally considered "low-tech". Examples of tier 1 AT tools include word banks, reading guides, graphic organizers, slanted surfaces, tools from the LoTTIE kit, and more. The student's educational team is is expected to use these tools as soon as the student's problem is identified. They do not need to contact the AT Specialist, unless they want a "professional consult" for training on an AT tool.

Tier 2 tools are tools located within your classroom or your school. These tools are generally considered "mid-tech". Examples of tier 2 AT tools include word processing, audiobooks, spell check, text to speech ("Speech toolbar"), and more. The student's educational team is is expected to use these tools if they've already tried tier 1 AT tools and these tools did not meet the needs of the student. They do not need to contact the AT Specialist, unless they want a "professional consult" for training on an AT tool.

Tier 3 tools are sometimes located within your school, but are often only available from loan from the AT Specialist. The student's educational team should contact the AT Specialist for an AT Consult if they want to try a Tier 3 AT tool. They should do this after trying tier 1 and tier 2 AT tools.

To learn more about specific tier 1, 2, and 3 tools for specific problem areas (such as spelling, expressive communication, written expression, and more), visit this website. This website includes our AT Continuums which outline AT tools in each specific area, including information about where to find the tools and who to contact if you need more training.

AT Services:

Don’t get “AT services” confused with the IEP service delivery grid. Not all AT services must be documented in a student’s IEP service delivery grid. Some AT services are wrapped into AT assessments and consults, such as selecting and customizing AT devices. Some AT services are wrapped into other related services on the student’s IEP, such as speech and OT. Some AT services are documented in additional information, such as training and device trials. Only when the services is required on an ongoing basis, is the AT service documented in the service delivery grid of the IEP. This type of service comes out of the recommendation of an AT Consult or AT Assessment.

When it comes to AT service provider, think back to the graphic at the top of this page. It depends on what AT device the student is using who the AT service provider technically is. An AT specialist may provide assistive technology services, but so can many other service providers including:

• special education teachers
• teachers of the visually impaired
• teachers of the deaf/hard of hearing
• speech and language pathologists
• occupational therapists
• librarians
• digital learning coaches

In order to model our AT services in Lexington after best practices in the field, we’ve moved away from a “one-shot” AT Assessments to an ongoing AT Consult model. If you’re stumped on a student and have already tried the available Tier 1 and Tier 2 AT tools, you can request an AT Consult. You’ll find additional information on AT consults on this website. AT Consults are generally reserved for students in district-wide special education programs and “special cases”, as most students’ needs can be met with Tier 1 and Tier 2 tools. And yes, we still do full AT Assessments, though recommendations for a full AT Assessment generally come through the AT Consult process.

If you don't know how to use any of the tier 1 or tier 2 AT tools, just email the AT Specialist to set up a "professional consult" and time for training.