Assistive Technology (AT) FAQ:
Q: What is Assistive Technology (AT)?
A: Assistive technology (often abbreviated as AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
AT can be:
low tech like communication boards, writing slant boards, or pencil grips
high tech such as special purpose computers.
hardware such as prosthetics, attachment devices (mounting systems), and positioning devices.
computer hardware, like special switches, keyboards, and pointing devices.
computer software such as screen-readers or communication software.
be inclusive or specialized learning materials and curriculum aids.
can be specialized curricular software.
much more, including electronic devices, wheel chairs, walkers, braces, educational software, power lifts, pencil holders, eye-gaze, and head trackers Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA.org)
Q: What does an Assistive Technology Consultant do?
A: AT Consultants are responsible for the following:
Collaborate with IEP and 504 teams to suggest supports and strategies that address academic barriers in the student's environments.
Provide training to parents, students and staff on different software, programs and supports.
Educate others on the use of the SETT framework to identify barriers and determine appropriates supports for students.
Work with instructional Technology to incorporate Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
Review Technology in district and encourage use.
Identify funding sources for additional technology resources.
Mentor/Model/Coach
Q: What is the AT Checklist and how do I use it?
A: The is a tool you can use to document AT devices/strategies tried and share with IEP and/or 504 teams or get some ideas for interventions. We suggest that you try some of the strategies/interventions for at least six weeks before connecting with us.
Q: I'd like an iPad for one of my students. How do I get one?
A: Although an iPad can be a great tool for some students, it doesn't necessarily work for all. To determine which device and/or strategy will be the best fit for your student to help them be successful, we use a process called the SETT Framework. We carefully look at your Student, their Environment and the Tasks they are asked to do in their educational setting to choose the appropriate Tool for them.
Q: How long does an evaluation or consultation take to complete?
A: This is a brief overview of the consult/evaluation process:
Contact: when you fill out the AT Contact Form, out goal is to contact you within five business days of receiving your request.
Consult: consults can be scheduled quickly. You can talk to an AT consultant over the phone, via email or in person to complete a consult.
Assessment: the assessment duration depends on the needs of the student and may need a follow up date. An assessment must be completed within 30 days of the REED or Parental Consent to Evaluation followed by a new IEP.
Assessment Recommendations: the recommendation timeline depends on student need. If necessary, an AT action plan will be included in the assessment with more specific timelines.
Q: My student's previous teacher/team suggested an AT consult for the fall. What do I do?
A: If the AT consult is in the student's IEP, you must contact us (if we have not been contacted already by the previous educator; email us to find out).
If the AT consult is not in the student's IEP and the previous case manager suggested the consult or already submitted the request, use your best professional judgement and decide if YOU think it's appropriate at this point. It takes some time to get to know students at the beginning of the year and you should try your own strategies and best practice before you contact Assistive & Instructional Technology (even with a previous consult request).
If you feel the consult is not necessary at this time, it's okay to wait to see if your new interventions, strategies and/or environment provides the support the student needs to be successful. If you do feel it's appropriate, we're happy to collaborate with you and your team.
Q: Will the AT Consultant always make a recommendation for a technological device?
A: Assistive Technology has a continuum of low-tech to high-tech options when consultants are making recommendations for your student.