AT Considerations during the IEP Process

In previous posts I discussed the utility and reliability with the Assistive Technology Internet Modules. One of the available modules is the Assistive Technology Consideration in the IEP Process.

As IDEA states after its reform in 2004, AT considerations must be taken into account during the IEP process. It would be useful to refer to the ATIM website to get a fully comprehensive account of what this looks like during the IEP process.

In this posting I would like to highlight some of the major considerations and processes used when IEP meetings occur.

AT consideration can result in three different outcomes: “(a) AT is not needed; (b) AT is needed, but an assessment is not; or (c) AT is needed, but the team needs more information before the selection of an AT solution. If the IEP team determines that the student needs AT to access and participate in the school environment, and more information is needed then the AT Assessment process is initiated.” (Assistive Technology Internet Modules).

As teams begin the AT assessment process, they may find it helpful to use guiding documents. Such a document will help the team formulate questions, collect information, organize information, and analyze information throughout the AT assessment process.

In the AT Considerations process, several questions need to be addressed. Below you will find a concisely organized set of questions used to assess students who are being considered for AT devices and services. This was found from the following AT module;

http://www.atinternetmodules.org/mod_intro.php?mod_id=107

Training Questions

• Who will be working with the student when he/she is using the AT?
• Who is responsible for training the student, staff, and family to use the AT?
• When will training be provided?
• Who will receive information about the AT implementation plan?

Environmental Questions

• During what times of the day will the AT be used?
• Where will the AT be used? Does software need to be installed?
• Where are the receptacles if the device requires an electrical outlet?
• Where will the AT be stored? Is there a place to keep the AT in the classroom?
• How will the AT be transported from class to class?

Data Collection Questions

• Who will be responsible for collecting data on the use of the AT?
• When will data be collected?
• What data will be collected on the use of the AT?
• How will efficiency, student preference, ease of use, student performance, student productivity, and quality of student product be measured?

Additional Questions to Consider

• Will the AT go home with the student?
• Who is responsible for maintenance of the equipment?
• Who is responsible for providing on-going modification, adjustments to the AT equipment on a daily basis?
• Who is responsible for integration of the AT with the curriculum?