A.T. In the Monona Grove School Districts I.E.P's.
Every IEP team is now required to "consider" the child's need for Assistive Technology for every child in special education.
IDEA, 2004,P.L. 108-446,Section 602(1)(a);...any item, piece of equipment or product system...that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Exception: The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device.
AT Consideration: Consider Assistive Technology after you have identified students goals. After the students goals are written then you will consider as an IEP team how the student can achieve those goals and do they need some form of AT to facilitate that.
5 Steps to Effective AT Consideration
1. Review
present level of performance and other pertinent information.
*Is
student using AT now. Always include his/her AT in the present level
of performance if the student is using it
currently.
2. Develop
annual goals, including benchmarks.
*You
can't determine the need for AT until you know the goals.
3. Identify tasks necessary to accomplish goals - task analysis
4. Determine the difficulty of the student's tasks-what supports the child when learning the "hard stuff".
5. Identify
appropriate supports and services, including AT.
4 Outcomes of Assistive Technology Consideration
1. AT is not required
AT not required or no longer needed
Reasonable decision if the IEP team has completed the 5 step process and can provide supporting evidence or data.
2. AT is required and specific tools are know
At is required to access curriculum and to make reasonable progress in educational program. Write the general function of the AT not a specific device, i.e.: voice output.
3. AT is required, but trials are needed to determine exactly which tool(s).
Need is no longer the question, which AT is not the question.
Comparative trials needed - no time line for AT consideration.
Trials are NOT and IEP goal, they are documented in services not in goals
4. More information is needed
Document to nature of the assistance needed.
establish a timeline
If AT assessment needed-make referral and document it in the IEP.
Where is AT written in the IEP? It depends, it is written where it can be vest implemented,
In the objective
As a method or material
In related services objectives
In accommodations or modifications
In the minutes
As support for staff
Further information available:
Diane Musser,
MGSD AT Coordinator,
or
Marian Long, Administrative Secretary
at
M.G.S.D. District Office 221-7660
Improving Consideration in your District: Quality Indicators for AT Services