At a SWAAAC regional meeting, the 27J team received some guidance on wording and documentation of assistive technology in the IEP.
If a student uses assistive technology, it needs to be documented in PLAAaFP, special factors, and Accommodations sections.
-An example of wording for the Special Factors section of the IEP:
“XX uses assistive technology for....” (communication - writing - reading... document any and all that are applicable)
-Specifics regarding the technology being utilized belongs in the PLAAaFP and Accommodations sections of the IEP. Specifics do not include the brand name of a device, but a description of the type of device including its function. For example, “voice output communication device”.
Student with Speech to Text:
Special Factors- John uses assistive technology for writing.
PLAAaFP- John uses speech to text to assist with writing longer assignments (1 page or more) in the classroom.
Accommodations- Speech to text for longer written assignments
Student with communication device:
Special Factors- John uses assistive technology for communicating
PLAAaFP- John uses a high tech 60 button communication device to help communicate with his peers and teachers in the classroom.
Accommodations- Provide modeling of communication system, Encourage John to communicate using his high tech communication device
***Please do not write SWAAAC consult in the accommodations section of the IEP. You can document that you are reaching out to SWAAAC in the meeting notes!***