The Road to AT:The TAP as Your Map

Presented by:Caitlin DiCristofaloLenore RemleyKristin Hope

AGENDA:1) AT Laws: Review of the 2013 TAP

2) SETT Framework

3) Referral Form: Step-by-step

4) Q & A

A: Introduction

The TAP will help individual educational plan (IEP) teams: •Consider assistive technologies

•Assist students in the selection, acquisition and use of assistive technologies

•Understand timelines regarding some assistive technology services

•Identify resources to support the use of assistive technologies to ensure the provision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE)

•Understand transition of assistive technology

B: DefinitionsAssistive Technology:

“ 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 a student with a disability.”

B: DefinitionsServices:

“any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition or use of an

assistive technology device.”

B: DefinitionsRange of Devices:• Simple or Low Tech: e.g. pencil grips, tactile rulers, light pens,

page holders, highlighter tape, paper-based communication systems, visual supports

• Mid Tech: e.g. timers, digital recorders, calculators, spell checkers, switch-operated items, single- and multiple-message communication systems

• Complex or High Tech: e.g. computers, mobile devices, alternative keyboards, switch-controlled computer systems, communication devices, word processors (Alphasmarts), specialized software (i.e. text-to-speech or graphic organizers)

B: DefinitionsAT Evaluation:

“any service that directly assists a student with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device,” to include “the evaluation of the needs of a student with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the student in the student’s

customary environment.”

① What is an example of an AT device or

service?

C: IEP Considerations• What is it we want the student to be able to do within the student’s education

program (writing, reading, communicating, seeing, hearing) that the student is not able to do because of the disability?

• Is the student currently able to complete tasks with special strategies or accommodations?

• Is there assistive technology (e.g. devices, tools, hardware or software) currently being used to address this task?

• Would assistive technology help the student perform this skill more easily or efficiently, perform it in the least restrictive environment or perform it successfully with less personal assistance?

C: IEP Considerations

60-Day timeline

“an assistive technology evaluation must be completed within 60 school days. The 60-school-day timeline begins when the IEP team

makes the recommendation for such an evaluation.”

C: IEP Considerations

IEP Team Requirements:• As per the DOE Technical Assistance Paper (DPS:

2013-65, Section C-6): at least one member of the IEP team who works with the student on a regular basis MUST be involved with the AT evaluation.

Keep this in mind when requesting an AT Evaluation! The AT Team will contact the team members to make sure one of them is present for the eval appointment!

C: IEP Considerations

Q: Who can conduct an AT Evaluation?

A: The student and the IEP Team!

Additional support can be provided by:

• Additional persons with personal knowledge of the student

• One or more persons knowledgeable in the area of curriculum

• One or more persons knowledgeable in the area of language

• One or more persons knowledgeable in the area of motor skills

This is NOT an exhaustive list!

C: IEP Considerations

• All instructional personnel and related service providers who work with students with disabilities, including general education teachers, should have at least an awareness of what assistive technology is and what it does.

• All administrators should have an understanding of the laws and rules related to assistive technology

• District technology plans should include the provision and support of assistive technologies.

C: IEP Considerations

AT may be documented in the following sections of the IEP: • The Present Level and needs of the student should

determine where on the IEP the service or device will be documented:• Measurable Annual Goals, including Benchmarks

or Short-Term Objectives• Special Education and Related Services• Supplementary Aids and Services or

Accommodations for State- and District-wide Assessments

C: IEP Considerations

Citing specific equipment or software in goals and objectives/benchmarks is NOT

recommended

• Target specific skills • Note AT attributes• Relate the use of the tech to a functional outcome

C: IEP Considerations

① Who must be involved with an AT Evaluation?

②Where can the AT be documented on the

IEP?

D: Selecting AT• Whenever feasible, the student selects the assistive

technology in conjunction with members of the IEP team.

• IEP teams, which may include the student, make final decisions based on the evaluations from team members.

• The team may make the decision to involve professionals with expertise in assistive technology, who are not on the IEP team

• Parents are equal members of the IEP team

D: Selecting AT

• The assistive technology evaluation must be conducted within the student’s customary environment

• If simple technology, older or less expensive assistive technology would accomplish the same goals, the school district is under no obligation to choose a complex technology, newer or more expensive option

D: Selecting ATIf the IEP team cannot come to consensus regarding an assistive technology device or service, what should occur?

• inform the parents of the district’s proposals or refusals, or both, regarding the student’s IEP

• provide the parents with a written copy of the IEP that includes not only those items upon which the parents and district agree, but also those items the district proposes as essential for the provision of FAPE

• provide a notice of refusal regarding the student’s IEP and those items the district does not consider essential for the provision of FAPE (Rule 6A-6.0331(3)(b)3., F.A.C.)

• advise the parents that they have a right to seek resolution of any disagreements through processes such as requesting formal mediation or initiating an impartial due process hearing

① Who ultimately makes the decision about a student’s AT?

②Where must the AT Evaluation take

place?

E: Funding ATIf a student with a disability who is eligible under IDEA requires assistive technology in order to receive FAPE,

the school must provide the appropriate assistive technology devices and services at no cost to the

parents

(34 CFR §300.154 and Rule 6A-6.03028(3)(q), F.A.C.).

E: Funding ATDistricts may use any of the following funds to purchase assistive technology devices and services: • State education funds• District education funds• Federal funds provided under IDEA for eligible

students with disabilities• Other available sources, such as donations, private

insurance and Medicaid

E: Funding AT

• The school district is responsible for providing AT to a student who has a 504 plan. The funds come from the school district’s general budget and would be used to provide the device, training needed to use the device, repairs and maintenance.

• It’s possible that the district may be responsible for providing AT services for a student with disabilities enrolled in a private school: http://info.fldoe.org/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-6084/dps-2011-23.pdf.

 

E: Funding AT

• The district CANNOT decline AT due to lack of funds

• The family CANNOT be required to use private insurance to purchase AT items

• Medicaid funds CAN be used to purchase AT items 

E: Funding AT

Currently, Hernando County does not have a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy.

However, we should have one in place by next school year.

• Parents CAN purchase a device for a student’s use, BUT the district MAY BE responsible for training, maintenance, and repair

E: Funding AT• The district is required to provide AT to students on a 504

plan if necessary to fully participate in school activities

• Funding for 504 students comes from the general budget (not IDEA funds), and Student Services is responsible for acquiring the equipment

• The district is responsible for training, maintenance, and repair

① Can 504 students get AT?

② Who is ultimately responsible for a

device?

F: Implementing ATAnyone with whom the student may use the device should receive information and training on the AT device/strategies:

• Parents• Bus staff• Paraprofessionals• Lunchroom staff• Relevant peers• Other appropriate people

Document training needed on the IEP!

F: Implementing ATTraining and technical assistance should include, but not be limited to, providing information and training about:

• The explicit function/purpose the device/software serves for the student and how it works

• Programming and setting up the device/software

• Recognizing and fixing minor problems

• Integrating the device/software into the student’s life at home

• Integrating the device/software into the student’s education goals and objectives

• Maintenance of the device/software

• Resources within the local community for repair services

F: Implementing AT

If the student does not use the AT after it has been purchased, the IEP Team should return to the process of considering AT and determine if

different AT is required

① Who needs to know how to use a student’s AT

device?

G: Use of Technology Outside the School Setting

• The student MAY be able to use the device at home

• The student MAY be able to take the device home over the summer

• The parent is NOT responsible if the device is damaged or lost

• The student may not necessarily use the same device for their entire school career

① If the device is lost or damaged, is the parent or

student responsible for replacement or repair?

H: Transition of AT

• An interagency agreement is required to ensure the proper transition of assistive technology devices.

• If assistive technology is required in the IEP, it must be provided at the new school. The same device does not need to necessarily follow the student, but since students often profit from continued use of the same device, this transfer of assistive devices from school to school is encouraged.

H: Transition of AT• Agencies or districts can make equipment available for use in other

districts. While assistive technology purchased by the district is the property of the district, transfer of dedicated assistive technology to other districts is encouraged.

• Transition planning must begin by age 14 or eighth grade, whichever occurs first. The IEP should include a statement of assistive technology needed under transition services, including a statement indicating agency responsibilities and linkages, if appropriate.

• It remains the school district’s responsibility to provide a plan for the transition of assistive technology as the student prepares for postsecondary education, vocational placement, independent living and community experiences.

H: Transition of AT

• Upon parental or student request, the district may transfer assistive technology to the postsecondary setting. The transfer must follow the appropriate interagency agreement procedures.

• Training on self-determination and self-advocacy is intended to assist the student in acquiring these skills. The student should also have a complete understanding of the assistive technology services needed and be prepared to use the technology as independently as possible.

① Can a student take a device with them if they move out of the district?

② Can a student take a device with them if they graduate?

Hernando CountyAT Procedures

Hernando County AT Procedures1) During the IEP Team Meeting, AT has to be considered.

2) If the IEP Team decides some AT is needed to meet IEP goals, use the SETT Framework and AT Consideration Wheel, as well as any other resources (request an AT Team consult, only if needed).

3) Implement AT trials, DOCUMENT results (AT 5-Week Tracking Form or HCSB System Trial Form may be used).

4) If the AT is successful, include it in the IEP. The documentation is considered to be the AT evaluation.

5) If the AT is NOT successful, complete the AT Referral Form and request an AT Observation or AT Evaluation.

Hernando County AT ProceduresAT for communication

• It is highly recommended that when a student is being introduced to a communication system/strategy for the first time, that they begin with manual visual supports, e.g. communication flip book, Velcro communication board, Now/Next board.

• After the student has become familiar with the manual communication method, and had a chance to understand language rules, higher tech methods may be considered, i.e. Speech Generating Device.

• FDOE highly recommends ALL students have a communication system in place by kindergarten so that they are prepared to use a system for 3rd grade testing.

4 Levels of AT Support:Consult:Conversation with staff

Observation:AT Team visits class and takes

notes

Evaluation:AT Team works individually with student along with an IEP Team

member

Training:Appointment with staff or student

Email or phone call

Fill out AT Referral Form and check off “Observation

only”

Obtain parental consent at IEP meeting and fill out AT Referral

Form

Email or phone call

AT in Hernando County

① What do you need to request an AT Evaluation?

② What should be implemented before a Speech-Generating Device is considered for a student?

SETT Framework Overview

• The SETT is an AT screening tool developed by Joy Zabala, PhD., that should be utilized by the IEP Team (preferably at the IEP Meeting)

• What sort of data should the multidisciplinary team gather to aid in the decision-making process?• information about the Student, the Environment, the

Tasks, and the Tools.

SETT Framework Overview

The STUDENT• What does the Student need to do?

• What are the Student's special needs?

• What are the Student's current abilities?

SETT Framework Overview

The ENVIRONMENT• What materials and equipment are currently available in the

environment?

• What is the physical arrangement? Are there special concerns?

• What is the instructional arrangement? Are there likely to be changes?

• What supports are available to the student?

• What resources are available to the people supporting the student?

SETT Framework OverviewThe TASKS (Be as specific as possible)

• What naturally occurring activities take place in the environment?

• What is everyone else doing?

• What activities support the student’s curricular goals?

• What are the critical elements of the activities?

• How might the activities be modified to accommodate the student’s special needs?

• How might AT support the student’s active participation in those activities?

 

SETT Framework Overview

  The TOOLS• What no tech, low tech, and high tech options should be considered when developing a system for a student with these needs and abilities doing these tasks in these environments?

• What strategies might be used to invite increased student performance?

• How might these tools be tried out with the student in the customary environments in which they will be used?

SETT Framework Forms 

① What are the four components of the SETT?

You should think about requesting an AT Evaluation when:• The IEP team has tried some strategies/interventions already• Those strategies/interventions are minimally or not at all

successful• The IEP team is not sure what technology or

strategies/interventions might be helpful, i.e. they’ve hit a brick wall and need help

AT Referral Process

An AT evaluation may not be necessary if:

• The IEP team is already using successful technology interventions and have data to back it up• e.g. if a student has been using or wants to use an

Alphasmart, and the team feels this would help, the student does not need an AT evaluation to start using one

AT Referral Process

• The student has behavior issues not related to communication, production of written work, and access to the educational environment.• The HCSB Assistive Technology Team only deals with the

three areas mentioned above. Anything outside these areas are not within our area of expertise. (For Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Vision, and Behavior issues not related to assistive technology contact HCSB personnel assigned to these respective areas.)

AT Referral ProcessAn AT evaluation may not be necessary if:

• The student is performing on grade level, i.e. making average or above average grades in classes and passing the FCAT• AT’s purpose is to level the playing field, not to provide

unfair advantage

AT Referral ProcessAn AT evaluation may not be necessary if:

Filling out the AT Referral FormIt is important that the referral form is completed accurately.• Best practice: the AT Referral Form should be completed at

the time parental consent is given, preferably at the IEP team meeting.

• The IEP team should convene and complete the referral form as a team to ensure accuracy and address all concerns.

• Send the AT Team a copy of the signed Informed Notice and Consent for Re-Evaluation OR Referral for Evaluation form along with the AT Referral.

Referral Form

Observation only:doesn’t require parent notice or IEP meeting

Needed to know who to contact re: scheduling the eval visit

Please include even if student doesn’t see any of these specialists

Referral FormPLEASE make sure thisis accurate!

Whatever is checked here will appear on our report!

Referral Form

(Circle if student is physically unable to access the curriculum)

(Circle if student is nonverbal, says only a few words,or speech is absolutely unintelligible)

(Circle if student’s handwriting is illegible, student has chronictrouble with spelling/reading/comprehension, fatigues when writing long assignments or has a physical disability preventing handwritten work)

Referral Form

•The next three sections are questions about the three different areas of AT.

•Fill out the section or sections that correspond with what was circled above.

•Do not fill out all the sections if you’re only referring for one (or two)!

Referral Form

Circle or underline oneor the other if not both

Referral Form

Referral Form

Can the student pointwith one finger?

Referral Form

Referral Form

List IEP goals that cannot be achieved without some kind of a AT.

Referral Form

Visual Supports Teacher/SLP not successful

Visual Schedule Teacher successful

Alphasmart Teacher some success/ongoing

Don’t leave this section blank!

① When should assistance be requested for an AT Evaluation?

② Do you need to convene an IEP meeting for an AT Consult?

③ Do you need an AT Evaluation if the IEP Team already has documentation of a strategy/device’s efficacy?

Web ResourcesAT Wiki pagesAT Procedures and Forms: http://atc-hernando.wikispaces.com/AT+Procedures+and+Forms

Q&A

Thank you for attending

The Road to AT!