Assistive Technology Consultation and Evaluation Services
Assessing Status of Students in Meeting Challenges of the IEP
Assistive technology evaluations differ from “typical” evaluations conducted as part of placement or review of student needs and strengths. There are virtually no standardized tests to determine technology needs. Instead, a good assistive technology evaluation looks at all recent evaluations, along with the current IEP goals and objectives. The evaluation team or evaluator should talk with the educational team, including parents, and interact directly with the child and the devices. The environment is carefully examined, especially when supports need to be used in a variety of settings.
The actual evaluation process consists of observation time along with trials using a continuum of possible devices from low to high technology. Data are collected from these trials to determine effectiveness of various technologies to meet the student’s needs. Information is collected regarding the student’s ability and accuracy when using various supports, including the positioning and settings that work best. Finally, the student’s and team’s feelings about the interventions are taken into account.
The LADSE Assistive Technology Guidance team embraces the SETT model, employs the use of problem solving with the educational team, uses data to drive decisions about what, if any tools need to be utilized by the student, and provides training and support for the implementation of any AT tools and strategies identified by the educational team.
Assistive technology evaluations differ from “typical” evaluations conducted as part of placement or review of student needs and strengths. There are virtually no standardized tests to determine technology needs. Instead, a good assistive technology evaluation looks at all recent evaluations, along with the current IEP goals and objectives. The evaluation team or evaluator should talk with the educational team, including parents, and interact directly with the child and the devices. The environment is carefully examined, especially when supports need to be used in a variety of settings.
The actual evaluation process consists of observation time along with trials using a continuum of possible devices from low to high technology. Data are collected from these trials to determine effectiveness of various technologies to meet the student’s needs. Information is collected regarding the student’s ability and accuracy when using various supports, including the positioning and settings that work best. Finally, the student’s and team’s feelings about the interventions are taken into account.
The LADSE Assistive Technology Guidance team embraces the SETT model, employs the use of problem solving with the educational team, uses data to drive decisions about what, if any tools need to be utilized by the student, and provides training and support for the implementation of any AT tools and strategies identified by the educational team.
LADSE District Teams may request a LADSE assistive technology evaluation or consultation by completing the online form (above).
