Assistive Technology Student Assessment Tool (AT-AT)

Contributor: Mike Sauter, Assistive Technology/Alternate Media Specialist, Saddleback College

The Assistive Technology Student Assessment Tool (AT-AT) is an innovative and essential tool designed to support students with disabilities by evaluating their technology readiness and identifying assistive technology (AT) solutions tailored to their individual needs. This student-focused tool captures key data points, including technology readiness, learning styles, access barriers, preferred content delivery methods, and proposed AT solutions. It also includes a matrix for tracking training schedules and resource deployment, ensuring students are equipped with the technology and support they need for success.

Project Scope:

At its core, the AT-AT tool empowers AT Specialists and Alternate Media Specialists to effectively address the unique needs of students with disabilities through the use of assistive technology. It not only helps track a student’s progress but also provides each institution with critical data that supports the broader goal of promoting equality in education for students with disabilities. By analyzing this data, colleges can continue to enhance their AT programs, improve accessibility, and ensure that students receive data-driven, individualized support.

Project Phases:

Phase 1:  

During the Spring and Summer 2023 semesters, the AT-AT tool was piloted at six institutions: Saddleback College, El Camino College, Chaffey College, Glendale Community College, Napa Valley College, and CSU Northridge. The pilot aimed to test the tool’s functionality and gather initial feedback from students and staff.

Phase 2:  

In the Fall 2023 semester, the project team evaluated the data from the pilot and made necessary revisions to the tool. The findings were shared with DSPS departments at each participating institution, and presented at the 2023 California Association for Post-Secondary Education and Disability (CAPED) conference, as well as the CSUN Assistive Technology convention in 2024.

Phase 3:  

As the project gained momentum, additional California colleges and universities were invited to join. Currently there are 21 community colleges and 4 California State Universities that have used the AT-AT tool. The data from these institutions is being collected for presentation at the upcoming 2024 CAPED Conference in San Diego.

What's Next:

The AT-AT team will present the latest findings from the project at the CAPED Conference on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 2:30 PM. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the data collected from participating colleges, the impact of the tool on students, and how other institutions can get involved in future phases of the project.

This initiative continues to drive forward the mission of providing equitable access to education through assistive technology solutions, empowering students with disabilities to reach their full potential. The AT-AT tool serves not only as a practical resource for specialists but also as a strategic platform for tracking progress and advancing the cause of equality in education.

Stay tuned for more updates as the project expands and evolves!

About the Author:

Mike Sauter is the current Co-Chair of the AT CIG and is an Alternate Media/Assistive Technology Specialist at Saddleback College. He is passionate about finding solutions for students with disabilities in Higher Education and uses his over 20 years of experience in the field to advance the cause of equality in education.