Assistive Technology
AT Consultant:
Daniela Gatzke (Dani), Occupational Therapist and Assistive Technology Consultant for ZED since 2014. Active member of the Region 10 AT CoP.
Please email me at dgatzke@zumbroed.org for assistance with finding tools, getting training related to AT, or data collection support.
Annual / Eval AT Consideration
Annual AT Consideration Form to meet and document the AT consideration requirement at each IEP meeting. This form will give you an emailed response that can be used to create a thorough IEP AT statement. List of tools/features you may want to consider for your students
Alternaitvely, use AT SELECT to complete an AT consideration- creates fillable, downloadable PDF and website guides you through filling it out.
Info around AI
With all the new AI tools out there, here is an article that can provide some guidance: https://studentprivacycompass.org/bearden4/
Khan Academy AI for Education course, free
Chatterbox AI, an AI assistant developed for the classroom. Alternative for Alexa etc.
Online AT Tool Finders:
AT Toolbox from Techpotential- the Toolbox lists AT tools for working with clients who have learning disabilities, ADHD, and executive function challenges. It is categorized by various learning needs and links to each vendor’s website. However, this new improved version also indicates available platforms for each tool (e.g., Windows, Mac, Chrome, iOS, Android, online), briefly describes noteworthy features, and provides links to selected additional info and training resources.
Understood- Techfinder uses feature match by area of concern and platform to help identify useful resources
Arc Tech Toolbox, a site that will help you find tools with tool reviews and opportunity to help others by providing reviews. Tools are sorted by platform, goals they can support, user needs, features, age group and price.
Free or Low Cost Assistive Technology for Everyone, a website with a list of free or low cost tools available for the different features.
Bridging Apps- App finder allows you to search apps by age, subject area/categoery, review status, price, skill etc.
General Assistive Technology Resources:
Equipment loan options:
Minnesota Government STAR Program- equipment loan, demo, exchange and reuse. Loans are free, but return shipping must be covered by the district.
PACER Simon Technology Center, consultations, lending library, training opportunities. Free membership for families $200 annual fee for school membership to access the lending library.
AT info/ further resources:
Info about the SETT process
QIAT, Quality Indicators of Assitive Technology- guidelines to the AT process and use.
Accessible Educational Materials Navigator/ Decision Making Support has a tool that allows students to try out a variety of text supports at grade level.The AEM Explorer is designed for readers with low vision, physical challenges, and learning and attentional difficulties who may benefit from enlarged, spoken, highlighted, or re-formatted text. It does not address Braille use, and the Explorer assumes that the guide using the application has vision.
NATE- National Assistive Technology in Education Network Handbooks, forms, tools, research, and links related to AT
Call Scottland, a great site with various resources related to assistive technology (training, downloads, infos)
Technology for HOME, an AT resource for people with AT needs who either are or plan to be living alone.
OT's with apps- Dysgraphia / Dyslexia apps, but also many other AT resources
UDL Guidelines a great page that helps you set up your classroom following universal design, so all learning styles can benefit!
AI Resources:
See videos below!
The (currently) best ideas on how to use AI with your students
How to use AI tools to support ELL
Tools:
Microsoft Co-pilot is free to use now and has Chat-GPT 4 connection
Google Gemini- also free
Magic School AI (some free, some paid features)
Elicit- summarizes and analyzes research papers
Oasis- AI powered voice typing tool
Math GPT- cheat-proof math tutoring tool
Khanmigo- Khan Academy's AI tool with tutoring for multiple subjects!
Assistive Technology Services at ZED may include:
Participaiton in ongoing student assessments through utilization of the SETT process, which may include classroom observations, interviews with teachers, therapists, parents, students, and medical records review. Recommendations are made to meet student needs.
Providing technical assistance and consultation by participating in developing IEPs and service delivery plans as part of a multi-disciplinary team; recommending modifications to improve educational performance; and acting as a resource in locating specific equipment and materials.
Working with special education staff, special education coordinators, and ZED staff as a resource in assistive technology assessment, equipment, devices, and software programs.
Participation in awareness and in-service training for regular and special education staff, parents, and administrators to promote improved programming.
Assisting in program development through meetings with administrators, teachers, and therapists to evaluate existing services and determine needs and future programming options.
General, short video about what Assistive Technology is and why you might want to use it.
Fun, informative, medium length video about AT use for children with Developmental Delays with great resources.
Nice video that demonstrates use of no- low cost assistive technology options
Great video that touches on the SETT process and on how to increase the success with assistive technology use.
A quick intro to
What is UDL and
Why do we need it?
Definition and Explanation of UDL
UDL Guidelines
UDL Engagement Strategies
UDL Representation Strategies
UDL Action and Expression Strategies
UDL Culturally Diverse Learners
Intro to UDL- scientific explanation
Using AI for teachers
The downsides of AI- how can teachers manage them?