What I learned!

I just completed a module on assistive technology. http://www.atinternetmodules.org/mod_view.php?nav_id=1538. That is the website if anyone is interested! I was shocked to learn that this free website would teach me so much. I learned about AT assessment process in the school environment, assistive technology consideration in the IEP process, and ASR (automatic speech recognition).

 I learned that an assessment includes the student's strengths and areas of need, the student's current level of performance,and the student's preferences. Also,

before selecting AT for the individual student, the team must have a strong sense of the student's needs and strengths,

and an understanding of the task(s) to be accomplished. Then the team can look for features that will complement and enhance the student's capabilities. Teams should not suggest devices until they fully understand the student's abilities and have

matched the identified needs to the features of AT equipment.

 

 I also learned some new parts of IDEA.

IDEA has required that IEP teams annually consider whether the child needs assistive technology devices and services.

 

Finally,

it is best practice that the technology be included in the IEP. This ensures that the student will have access to the technology when it is needed to complete the identified task, regardless of what other students in the classroom are doing.