Augmentative Communication & IEPS

The IEP process can be overwhelming. But hopefully through my blog entries and visited webinars, you have found that the AT process is built on a teamwork approach, and that many people contribute to the successful implementation of devices for students. In reference to augmentative communication, educators and At team members must be aware of a few elements.

1. When creating an IEP for a student who uses augmentative communication, it is critical that the document states that the student is able to use the device across the school day.

2. It is important to remember that the augmentative communication device is not an IEP goal in itself, rather it is a tool to help the student accomplish a goal.





Non negotiables for the AT IEP process when student uses augmentative communication devices:
1) A list of the augmentative communication services that will be provided by related services (Example: Speech/Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist). 
2) Name the person/s responsible for the maintenance and operation of the device.

Reference:
 Dell, A., Newtown, D., & Petroff, J. (2012). Assistive Technology in the Classroom.
               Upper Saddle River, NJ. Pearson Education Inc.