1. Everything general education teachers need to know, but were afraid to ask. Dawn Vorel Itec 7530 Georgia southern university ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY 1

2. What Exactly is Assistive Technology? Assistive technology devices are identified in the IDEA 2004 as:Any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities.*The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device. (Authority 20 U.S.C. 1401(1)) As defined at GPAT.org 2

3. Who May Need Assistive Technology Devices? A mandated part of a student’s IEP (Individualized Education Plan) is that assistive technology must be considered. This is to help ensure that students are provided with a FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) in their LRE (Least Restrictive Environment). If you have a student with an IEP in your class, you may be asked to attend the IEP meeting. All IEP meetings must have at least one general education teacher present. As a member of the IEP committee, your input helps to ensure that your students with IEPs are able to have their needs met in a regular education classroom setting by selecting appropriate accommodations and modifications. A full list of accommodations and modifications that are in ENCORE to use with special education students in Effingham County can be found at the following location: http://www.effinghamschools.com/106510116143738317/lib/106510116143738317/Accommodations_checklist.doc Do you see examples of Assistive Technology that you already use in your classroom? 3

4. Examples of Different Types of Assistive Technology. 4 Assistive Technology is generally considered low or high tech. However, high tech items may range from less than $50* to over $5,000** and beyond. Now go back and look at the accommodations form and identify assistive technology that is already in your room.

5. Low-tech, Medium-tech, or High-techAnother way to categorize assistive technology. 5 Low-tech devices are non-electronic and have no complex parts. Some examples include pencil grippers and picture communication systems. Medium-tech devices include mechanical and electronic devices with moving parts that usually perform one function. This includes items such as switch toys and calculators. High-tech devices have complex electronics and computer components and have multiple uses and applications. As defined at http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/resourcesresearch/tp/choosetechnol.htm

6. What Assistive Technology Services are Schools Required to Provide? Assistive Technology Service as defined in IDEA, an assistive technology service is:Any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, and use of an assistive technology device. The term includes -The evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child’s customary environment; Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by children with disabilities; Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, retaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices; Coordinating and use other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs; Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability or, if appropriate, that child’s family; and Training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals or rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of children with disabilities. (Authority 20 U.S.C. 1401(2)) As defined at GPAT.org 6

7. Assistive Technology Implementation Plan Assistive technology is considered when developing an IEP. However, to ensure that the most appropriate device is selected for individuals, much more planning needs to occur. It is also important to remember that schools are also responsible for providing the services defined on the previous slide. The following is just one of many templates that teams can use to help make planning more effective. http://natri.uky.edu/resources/ImpPlanform060807.pdf 7

8. Now I’ll show you some of the Assistive Technology that I use on a daily basis in my classroom. 8

9. REFERENCES 9 GPAT.org National Assistive Technology Research Institute (http://natri.uky.edu/resources/ImpPlanform060807.pdf) Effingham County Board of Education (http://www.effinghamschools.com/106510116143738317/lib/106510116143738317/Accommodations_checklist.doc) About.com Learning Disabilities (http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/resourcesresearch/tp/choosetechnol.htm)