Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology (AT) falls into one of two categories: devices or services. AT devices are items used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability. AT services are services that directly assist a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition of use of an assistive technology device.
Process
If a student with a disability is identified as potentially needing technology to be able to make academic progress, the school district will conduct an AT assessment. While the assessment process can become very involved, it proceeds through the following broad steps:
- Evaluate needs
- Acquire AT to pilot to evaluate effectiveness in helping student achieve success in and across school environments
- If AT is found to be effective in helping student achieve success in and across school environments, deploy AT.
- When AT is deployed, provide training for student and relevant staff
- Repeat the steps above during each IEP revision.
For more information about AT assessment, visit the PaTTAN AT assessment website.
Referrals
Anyone on the IEP team who works with the student throughout the day may make a referral to the Director of Pupil Services for AT. Once a referral is approved, the Director of Pupil Services establishes a team to conduct an AT assessment. The team will then develop an action plan to accomplish the broad steps listed above.