Augmentative Communication Integration in the IEP

I've talked a lot about IEPs, goals, and Assistive Technology in this series of blogs. So much so, it is beginning to feel like a riddle:

What comes first, the Augmentative Technology or the IEP?

Well, it is the IEP! Assistive Technology is not in itself an IEP goal, but rather a means to for the child to achieve the goal.
It is imperative for the team to consider the use of assistive technology when writing the goals, and integrating it into the written goal so that it is utilized as an instructional communication tool, not just technology that is labeled and then sits on the shelf.

Goals should be established to use the augmentative communication in an effort to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and frequency of communication.