Assistive Technology

Introduction

The Assistive Technology Department assists school teams to identify and implement assistive technology supports/equipment to help students with disabilities to access their educational environment and meet their IEP goals. We work to ensure that students. families, and staff have the tools and training necessary to ensure inclusive and equitable access to learning for students of all ability levels.

Assistive technology (AT) is any device, software, or equipment that helps people with disabilities learn, communicate, or function better. AT enables and promotes inclusion and participation in the educational environment.

If you believe your child requires the use of AT to meet educational goals and objectives, please contact the case manager or service provider on the child's IEP team to initiate a consultation.

AT for Academics

AT for academic learning is a variety of tools, devices, software, and equipment tht help students with learning challenges or disabilities access their academic environment. Examples include word prediction software, speech recognition software, digital text readers, and study tools.

All staff and students in SDUSD have access to Read&Write for Goggle Chrome, an extension available in Google Chrome browser that contains the above listed features and more. Staff and students can access this support from any computer while logged on to Chrome browser with their district ID (studentID#@stu.saandi.net) and password.

Read&Write for Education Academy has many resources and guides for use of this tool.

AT for Communication or AAC

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) represents all that ways that someone communicates besides talking. Augmentative means to add to someone's speech. Alternative means to be used instead of someone's speech. People of all ages can benefit from AAC and it comes in many different forms. Your chid may benefit from one type of AAC or a combination of unaided and aided AAC to access their education. AAC does not stop a chold from learning or using verbal speech, but in fact can support it! It is important that we honor all types of communication, including use of AAC.

The information sheet on the right is available in the following languages:

AAC modeling is a way to show someone how to use AAC to communicate their ideas, needs, and wants. It is also known as Aided Language Stimulation. Children learning AAC need lots of modeling before they can produce similar messages. Modeling helps them see what using AAC looks like and how it works in real conversations.

When modeling, you point to or press words on the AAC system while speaking. You can model in any environment and during daily activities.

AAC Parent Handout - English.pdf

AAC Programming Guides

English

Equipment

Loan Agreement Form

All AT equipment that is loaned to a student while they are enrolled in SDUSD requires an Assistive Technology Loan Agreement Form is completed.

Troubleshooting

For an iPad that is malfunctioning, the issue may be resolved by following the troubleshooting guide linked here.

Repairs

When a student is issued a piece of equipment, it is done so with the understanding that it may break or experience technical glitches. If your child's district-issued piece of equipment is broken or damaged, please communicate with a member of your child's IEP team that it is in need of repair. They will reach out to the AT team to initiate the repair process.

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