• AT PIC   
    ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES    
    What is Assistive Technology (AT)?    

    Assistive technology services are defined as "Services that directly assist a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device." - IDEA 2004.  An assistive technology device is "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 children with disabilities."

    Assistive Technology Assessment
    Decision making for AT can take various forms, including the relatively brief consideration of AT need that should occur routinely in IEP development. 

    The terms ‘assessment’ and ‘evaluation’ are often used interchangeably in special education and in AT, in particular. In general, assessments are used to determine current levels of performance and are conducted in an ongoing manner. Assessments involve data collection in specific circumstances; the data is used to make instructional decisions. In contrast, the terms ‘evaluation’, or ‘reevaluation’, are used to determine eligibility for special education services.

    Decision-making processes used by IEP teams to determine the need for AT utilize assessment and data collection to guide the selection and implementation of AT devices and services. There are multiple frameworks and processes that may be used effectively by teams to structure the process of making AT decisions. There are various ways to do it well. Local education agencies and intermediate units may identify a particular process for this purpose. Effective, procedurally-sound AT decision making has these elements in common:

    • Multidisciplinary:AT decision making may take place at various times--in IEP development, review, and/or revision.
    • Data-based: AT decisions should be informed by data.
    • Informed: When making AT decisions, IEP teams may utilize the AT skills and knowledge of team members or elect to add members with expertise in a particular area of AT, who can provide advice or assistance for the team to consider. Teams may also decide to request technical assistance or consultation to support the team on a short-term basis.
     
    Timely: AT decisions must be made in a timely manner.  
     
     
    These services consist of:
    • Equipment Loan Requests
    • Consultation
    • SETT Meeting Facilitation
    • Assistive Technology Awareness Workshops/Professional Development
      
     
     
    Equipment Loan Request 
     
     

    Switch Accessible Kits & Activities 

    • This includes equipment available in our CLIU 21 Lending Library or assistance with completed of PaTTAN Short Term Loan.
    • **This request will result in an e-mail to the requestor who will complete the form indicating the specific device needed.
    • Request for AT Support - Equipment

     

    Consultation:  An informal meeting with the person(s) initiating this request.

    • Some examples may include technical assistance with product features, system trials, programming, inquiring about student AT history.
    • **This consultation will result in a summary being e-mailed to all team members including parents and Supervisor/LEAD.
    • Request for AT Support - Consult

     

    Assistive technology trials should be conducted over a consistent 6-8 week period.  Due to the lack of valid trial time,  initial SETT facilitation requests should not be submitted after May 1, 2021.

    SETT Facilitation for Communication:  A meeting with all team members.
    • The SETT Framework is not an evaluation.  It is a tool to gather information to make effective assistive technology decisions.
    • The team has determined that Assistive Technology should be explored and we need assistance identifying AT for IEP/504 planning.
    • **This meeting will result in the SETT Framework, Meeting Summary and Action Plan being e-mailed to all team members including parents and Supervisor.
    • SETT: Request for AT Support - Communication

     

    SETT Facilitation for Educational Access such as Writing, Reading, Math:  A meeting with all team members.

    • The SETT Framework is not an evaluation.  It is a tool to gather information to make effective assistive technology decisions.
    • The team has determined that Assistive Technology should be explored and we need assistance identifying AT for IEP/504 planning.
    • **This meeting will result in the SETT Framework, Meeting Summary and Action Plan being e-mailed to all team members including parents and Supervisor.
    • SETT: Request for AT Support - Educational Access

     

    Assistive Technology Inservice/Awareness Professional Development
     
     
     
    For more resources and information on Assistive Technology contact:
    Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit #21
    Danielle Argot, Educational Consultant
    4210 Independence Dr.
    Schnecksville, PA 18078
    1-800-223-4821