Laredo ISD Special Education

Special Education
Department

What is Assistive Technology?

IDEA and Assistive Technology
IDEA addresses AT in two ways:

In the inclusion of definitions of “Assistive technology devices and Assistive technology services. References are in both Part A, which covers the 3-21 age group and Part C, which covers the 0-3 age group.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICES

... Any item, piece of equipment or product system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. 20 U.S.C. Chapters 34, Section 1401 (25)

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

“... any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.

Evaluation
Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of the devices
Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, retaining, repairing or replacing of Assistive technology devices.
Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions or services with Assistive technology devices.
Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability, or if appropriate, that child’s family
Training or technical assistance for professionals, employers, or other individuals who provide services to , employ, or are otherwise involved in the major life functions of individuals with disabilities.

Areas Affected by Assistive Technology

Positioning
Computer Access
Environmental Control
Augmentative Communication
Assistive Listening
Visual Aids
Mobility
Computer-Based Instruction
Physical Education, Recreation, Leisure and Play
Self-Care

Environmental Control/ Recreation, Leisure, and Play

Computer Access

Computer Based Instruction

Augmentative Communication

Positioning and Mobility

Daily Living Skills

Texas State Education Code

29.004 Comprehensive Assessment…
The assessment shall be conducted using procedures that are appropriate for the student’s most proficient method of communication

Commissioner’s/SBOE Rules

Each district shall establish at least one ARD committee that shall make decisions concerning eligibility determinations, development of the IEP, consideration of assistive technology ...

Laredo I.S.D. Assistive Technology Policy and Procedures

Assistive Technology Program consist of A.T. Coordinator, Team Leaders, and Team Members
Assistive Technology must be considered at every ARD
Pre-Assessment ARD needed to recommend Assistive Technology Evaluation
Referral (30-60 days) or recommended timeline by ARD
- Referral form should be completed ASAP
- Sent to Assistive Technology Program at Special Education Office
Observation/Evaluation conducted by A.T. Team
ARD addresses AT Recommendations/recorded in PEIMS
A.T. Team will Research, Fund, and Order Materials/ Equipment
Training/Implementation conducted by Team Leaders
Monitoring throughout school year

Things to do after an Assistive Technology Evaluation:

Receive evaluation with recommendations from AT Team Member
Make 2 additional copies of evaluation report (copies for parent, school folder, original for main folder)
Schedule ARD, Diagnostician must be present, to discuss and approve recommendations
Record with PEIMS Clerk date of ARD for Assistive Technology to be recorded for TEA tracking system (VERY IMPORTANT!!!)
Contact Assistive Technology Coordinator when AT materials and devices are received, for training, by phone 795-3420 or Pony
For additional information contact me at Special Education Office, Alma Rodriguez, Assistive Technology Coordinator (795-3420)