Assisted Technology Assessment...

While learning about assisted technology (AT) I completed internet modules where I learned about the decision process of assisted technology, speech recognition, and consideration in the IEP process. These are some of the things I learned while completing these modules.

AT Assessment Process in the School Environment:

The process of AT assessment requires that decisions be made with regard to the student concerning:

• Which tasks to target
• The environment(s) in which the tasks will be performed
• The evaluation of the student's needs and abilities
• Matching features of AT to the needs of the student
• Interpreting the information
• Narrowing the options to select and try
• Obtaining AT options
• Conducting trials
• Interpreting the data collected from the trials
• Selecting the AT tool or service that the student will use
• Progress monitoring to ensure the selected AT tool or service is effective and remains appropriate.

These steps should be carried out accurately, be well documented and be conducted in a timely manner.

There are three types of AT assessment teams:

• AT assessment team: consists of members of the student's IEP team inclusive of the parent and student (if possible), a person knowledgeable about AT, and any other specialist who can contribute to the student's technology use.

• Coach assessment team: a coach guides the team and asks questions that will lead team members to find the answers that best fit the student's needs

• Consultant assessment team: provides indirect services to students and assists with the AT assessment process.

It is required by IDEA that the following individuals are members of the IEP team:

• Child's parents / guardians of the child
• General education teacher
• Special education teacher
• Representative of the local education agency

AT Consideration in the IEP Process:

When addressing AT consideration within the IEP process, is a brief process conducted within the development of every IEP. There should be at least one person on the IEP team who has some knowledge about AT. AT consideration requires that the team participate in a decision-making process to facilitate the student's access and progress in the general curriculum. Prior to AT consideration, the educational team must:

• Clearly identify the unique needs of the student and
• Identify the tasks to be performed in the educational program.

Automatic Speech Recognition:

“Voice recognition is a computer application that lets people control a computer by using speech. Students [and others] who can benefit from speech recognition vary greatly in their needs. Speech recognition can assist students who have the following difficulties:” (http://www.atinternetmodules.org/mod_list.php)

• Students [and others] who are unable to manipulate writing tools and who require an alternative system.
• Students [and others] who have difficulty with writing mechanics; those having difficulty with spelling, grammar, etc.
• Students [and others] who have difficulty with the writing process; with getting their ideas written down.

References:

http://www.atinternetmodules.org/mod_list.php