How to Describe AT Tools

How to Describe Assistive Technology Tools in the IEP

 Important note:  Remember do NOT use actual names of the assistive technology item (software/hardware/augmentative communication devices) in the IEP. 

Describing the tool allows flexibility for the student for the following reasons:

·         new products with better features

·         the current product is no longer available

·         the student moves to another school district where a different item is available and provides 

the same support

Descriptions of frequently used tools:

If your tool isn’t on the following list, refer to the AT consultation (SETT) report summary or create your own general description using information from the manufacturer’s catalogs, websites or manuals.  If you need assistance, call your Computer Access Facilitator, Augmentative Communication Facilitator, or related service provider for assistance (Vision Itinerant, Itinerant for the Orthopedically Impaired, Audiologist, Occupational Therapist, etc.)

Describe how the student uses the assistive technology to support access to the curriculum.

Applications:

 Boardmaker Online – customizable print-based and interactive activities to provide all students access to learning materials across all content areas (specify content area(s).  

Inclusive Learning Hub (Choose it Maker, Readymades, and Games & Activities) -  customizable and non-customizable interactive accessible web-based activities that feature cause and effect, a reduced field of choices, text to speech, pictures paired with text to support literacy, math, science, and early learning. 

Clicker Software – a reading, vocabulary, writing, and expressive communication customizable tool with features including word prediction, picture support, word banks, highlighting, text to speech and writing grids for literacy and speaking development.

Clicker Writer: customizable sentence grids, word, picture, and phrase banks with text to speech, word prediction, symbol support, and words spoken aloud to help students to increase independence and productivity when writing.

Clicker Books: customizable talking books complete with pictures, text, sound, and video. 

Clicker Talk: customizable recording application that enables students to verbally demonstrate knowledge. 

CoWriter Universal – a set of online tools that include word prediction, speech recognition, flexible spelling, topic related vocabulary in conjunction with voice output. 

EquatIO - digital math / science tool with text to speech, speech to text, worksheet annotation, and on-screen calculator

Ginger Tiger - non-customizable interactive, accessible web-based activities that address language arts, math, basic skills, speech language and cause and effect. 

KiwiWrite Math - digital math annotation tool 

PixWriter – a talking symbol/word processing program that allows student to build sentences by using a keyboard or pictured buttons.

Read & Write for Google – chrome extension that works with web pages and common file types in Google Drive and features simplifying and summarizing text, vocabulary lists, highlighting and collecting highlights, speech to text, text to speech, word prediction, and embedded picture and text dictionaries,

Snap&Read – online reading tool with text to speech support for both accessible and inaccessible text, dynamic text leveling, annotation and study tools.  

HARDWARE

All-Turn-It Spinner : an electronic spinner, with a built-in external switch jack

Big Keys: Enlarged keyboard with 1-inch keys

Big Mac: Single switch communication device

C Pen Reader Pen: hand-held pen that reads the text aloud

Chromebook:  word processing internet based portable device with applications to customize functionality.

Ipod/Ipad with a speaking application: Touch screen mobile device using dynamic display voice output application with XX cells visible per page

Tablet - a portable touch screen application-based device 

Pen Friend – a hand-held voice labeling system

Step by Step: Sequential messaging, single switch communication device

Touch Screen:  Frame for computer that allows items to be activated by touch

Zoom Caps - stickers which enlarge the keyboard letters