Assistive Technology - IEP Considerations

We continue our journey on Assistive Technology (AT), I am going to target specifically the considerations for addressing assistive technology during the IEP process.  Remember your ultimate goal is to first determine if AT is needed to allow the student to meet their IEP goals. If you find the student does need AT to meet their goals, you should refer pack to the SETT process created by Joy Zabala (see 10/1/13 blog) so that you examine the Student, Environment, Task and finally the Tool. AT should be integrated throughout the IEP and it needs to be supported with training and services for all those involved with the student. One also needs to consider that all goals or AT needs might not be met with a single AT device. AT devices can be found on a continuum of low-tech (pencil grip) to high tech (augmentative alternative communication device).