MAT: AT in School-Based Practice

What is an Assistive Technology (AT) device?

Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether commercially acquired, modified, or customized, used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability.

What does the IDEA definition of an AT device exclude?

A medical device that is surgically implanted or the replacement of such a device.

What areas may AT address in school-based practice?

Academics, play/leisure, executive functioning, self-care, pre-vocational/vocational skills, and seating/mobility.

What areas of academics may require AT?

Reading, written expression, handwriting, computer access, oral communication, organization/planning, and math.

Besides academics, what other school needs may require AT?

Behavior, transitions, ADLs, vocational skills, and seating and mobility.

What are examples of high-incidence disabilities?

ASD, communication disorders, specific learning disabilities, emotional or behavior disorders, and physical and sensory needs.

What is a low-incidence disability?

A disability that occurs less frequently and may require highly specialized personnel, skills, and knowledge.

What are examples of low-incidence disabilities?

Blind/low vision, deafness/hard of hearing, deaf-blindness, significant developmental delay, and complex health issues.

What types of students are most likely to report AT use?

Students with sensory impairments, particularly deaf-blindness and visual impairment.

What does low-incidence disability encompass?

Visual or hearing impairment, significant cognitive impairment, or an impairment requiring a small number of personnel with highly specialized skills and knowledge.

What laws govern AT use in schools?

The Assistive Technology Act, ADA, ESSA, and IDEA.

What is the Assistive Technology Act?

A law intended to increase access to, availability of, and funding for assistive technology for individuals with disabilities.

Can children with disabilities who are not eligible for special education under IDEA have a right to AT?

Yes, under ADA Titles II and III, they may have a right to assistive technology.

What does the ADA clarify regarding public accommodations?

The obligation to provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services for people with disabilities.

What does ESSA stand for?

Every Student Succeeds Act

What does ESSA support regarding technology?

The effective use of assistive and instructional technology to enhance teaching and learning.

What changed in 1992 regarding AT under IDEA?

AT devices and services became available to any child with a disability when required as part of special education, related services, or supplementary aids and services.

What are the major components of an AT service under IDEA?

Evaluation, acquisition, selecting/designing/fitting/customizing/adapting/applying/maintaining/repairing/replacing AT, coordinating AT with other services, and training/technical assistance.

What does AT evaluation include under IDEA?

Evaluation of the child's needs, including a functional evaluation in the child's customary environment.

What can AT acquisition include?

Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of AT devices.

What can AT customization involve?

Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing AT devices.

Who may receive AT training or technical assistance?

The child, family, professionals, employers, or other individuals substantially involved in the child's major life functions.

What does QIAT stand for?

Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology.

What is a purpose of the QIAT resources?

To provide resources and guidance related to assistive technology consideration and services.

What areas can an AT consideration form break down?

Instructional area, accommodations/modifications used, AT used, and consideration outcomes.

Why is it not enough to simply suggest an AT device?

The AT must fit the student's needs and context; if it does not fit, it will not be used.

Why must AT considerations and conclusions be documented in the IEP?

The IEP is a legal document and AT decisions need to be documented.

When is an AT evaluation needed?

When a student has never had an AT evaluation, when more information is required to make a decision, or when re-evaluation is necessary.

Why might more information be needed before deciding on AT?

Some AT options may seem appropriate but need to be tried, especially when options are more expensive or complex.

When is AT re-evaluation necessary?

When there is a change in the student's health or educational needs.

Is there one universal assessment for AT use?

No, there is no single overarching assessment for AT use.

What should the AT evaluation team review?

How the student currently performs tasks.

What should the team determine during an AT evaluation?

Barriers and difficult tasks for the student.

What should be compiled during an AT evaluation?

Data about the student's performance, needs, tools, and potential solutions.

What is the goal of matching needs to tools?

To identify AT that enables the student to participate and perform needed tasks.

What is the SETT Framework?

A flexible tool that helps with decision making and service delivery by matching a student, their needs, and AT.

What does SETT stand for?

Student, Environment, Tasks, Tools.

In SETT, what does "Student" address?

The student's strengths, areas of need, supports, and barriers.

In SETT, what does "Environment" address?

The environments, materials, equipment, and access issues affecting participation.

In SETT, what does "Task" address?

The tasks the student needs to perform to be actively involved in the learning environment.

In SETT, what does "Tools" address?

What is needed to enable the student to participate.

What is the key idea of the SETT Framework?

Match the student, environment, tasks, and tools rather than choosing technology first.

What is the AT continuum?

A range from accommodations through low-tech, mid-tech, and high-tech options.

What is the general principle of the AT continuum regarding restrictiveness?

It ranges from least restrictive to most restrictive.

What are examples of general AT areas?

Writing/written communication, spelling, reading, math, study/organizational skills, hearing/listening, oral communication, ADLs, recreation/leisure, vocational skills, and seating/mobility.

What should be compared when considering AT for a task?

The environment, typical classroom materials, accommodations/modifications, and AT solutions.

What are examples of AT for writing/written composition?

Adapted paper, positioning aids such as a slant board, timers, grammar-check software, text-to-speech, digital recorders, electronic worksheets, screen enlargement, and word prediction software.

What are examples of AT for reading?

Tracking aids, handheld reading devices, specialized format books, text-to-speech, screen readers, and magnifiers.

What are examples of AT for math?

Adapted paper, tactile graphics, alternative calculators, talking calculators, braille calculators, talking watches/clocks, money identifiers, color identifiers, and adapted measuring tools.

What are examples of AT for study and organizational skills?

Digital recorders, auditory reminders, daily planners, outlining/graphic organizers, timers, word prediction software, and student checklists.

What are examples of AT for ADLs?

Adapted eating utensils, adapted dressing aids, adapted cooking/food preparation tools, adapted personal hygiene aids, adapted cleaning tools, environmental control units, and switches.

What are examples of AT for recreation and leisure?

Puzzles with knobs, switch-adapted spinners, adapted dice, adapted art materials, card holders, specialized book formats, and adapted music with symbols.

What is the main consideration for AT positioning?

Positioning should be the main consideration for AT.

What are simple examples of positioning supports?

Dycem or pillows.

Why is table and chair height important for AT?

Flexibility in table and chair height can improve access and positioning.

Why should tilt or angle of materials be considered?

The angle of materials can affect access and functional performance.

What are examples of computer accessibility features?

Sticky Keys, high contrast, mouse size modifications, and screen magnification.

What is Sticky Keys?

A computer accessibility feature that allows users who can only press one button at a time to use modifier keys such as Control, Alt, and Delete.

What does UDL stand for?

Universal Design for Learning.

What are the three principles of Universal Design for Learning?

Multiple Means of Engagement, Multiple Means of Representation, and Multiple Means of Action and Expression.

What does Multiple Means of Engagement address?

"Why" students learn, including how interest and motivation are sparked.

What does Multiple Means of Representation address?

"What" students learn and providing multiple ways to acquire information.

What are examples of Multiple Means of Representation?

Providing content in visual, auditory, and hands-on formats.

What does Multiple Means of Action and Expression address?

"How" students demonstrate what they have learned.

What are examples of Multiple Means of Action and Expression?

Writing, drawing, AAC, speaking, and other ways of demonstrating learning.

What is a switch?

An access method that allows a person to control a device through a specific type of activation.

What are the four types of switches?

Mechanical, proximity, pneumatic, and electromyography (EMG).

How does a mechanical switch work?

It requires force to activate.

How does a proximity switch work?

It is activated by movement or proximity.

How does a pneumatic switch work?

It is activated by respiration, such as a sniff-and-puff system.

How does an EMG switch work?

It uses electrical activity associated with activation of a muscle group.

What is direct selection?

A method of access where an individual selects a specific target directly without navigating through a set of choices.

What is indirect selection?

A method of access where an individual selects a specific target after navigating through a set of choices.

What is automatic scanning?

The device moves through choices automatically and the user activates the switch when the desired choice is highlighted.

What is step scanning?

The user repeatedly activates the switch to move through each choice; another switch or prolonged press may be used to select the desired choice.

What is inverse scanning?

The user holds the switch down to move through choices and releases the switch when the desired choice is reached.

What are the three main switch scanning methods?

Automatic scanning, step scanning, and inverse scanning.

What is the difference between a scanning method and scanning pattern?

The scanning method describes how the user controls the scanning, while the pattern describes how choices are organized and highlighted.

What is linear scanning?

Items are highlighted in a straight line, typically left to right or top to bottom.

What are advantages of linear scanning?

It is simple and predictable.

What is a disadvantage of linear scanning?

It can be slow.

Who may benefit from linear scanning?

Beginning users.

What is circular scanning?

Items are highlighted in a circle or loop, moving continuously.

How does the user select an item during circular scanning?

The user activates the switch when the desired item is highlighted.

Who may benefit from circular scanning?

Users working with small sets of items.

What is row/column scanning?

The device first scans rows and then scans across the items within the selected row.

What is an advantage of row/column scanning?

It is much faster than linear scanning for larger displays.

Who may benefit from row/column scanning?

Users working with larger displays.

What is group-item scanning?

Items are divided into groups or blocks; the user selects a desired group and then selects an item within that group.

Who may benefit from group-item scanning?

Users working with very large sets of items.

What is directed or controlled scanning?

A scanning method in which the user has multiple switches to control the direction of scanning.

What is an advantage of directed scanning?

It provides more control and can allow faster activation.

What are disadvantages of directed scanning?

It requires more motor activation and cognitive function.

Who may benefit from directed scanning?

Users who can manage multiple switches and want faster activation.

What is a switch latch timer?

A device that acts as a link between a switch and the device being controlled and can run several functions by tapping the switch.

What is momentary/direct switch activation?

The device runs only while the switch is activated or the connection is closed.

What is momentary activation useful for?

Teaching basic cause and effect or performing short actions, such as turning on a blender for a few seconds.

What is latched switch activation?

Activating the switch turns the device on, and a second activation turns it off.

When is latched activation useful?

For people who cannot maintain fixed activation or for actions requiring an on/off function, such as a light.

What is the timer feature on a switch latch timer?

The device runs for a set amount of time, such as seconds or minutes, before requiring reactivation.