What are important IEP considerations for implementing Assistive Technology ?

While IDEA requires assistive technology to be considered in IEP’s, there are no criteria for theses considerations. Consequently, the process for incorporating assistive technology varies at all levels from the state down to an individual school. Importantly, assistive technology must be considered for all students, regardless of the disability. The Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology (QIAT) Consortium has created guidelines for implementing AT. Some of these considerations include collaboratively considering how technology can meet each of a student’s learning needs through and analyzing data, and exploring a range of devices moving from low-tech to high-tech. Other aspects of successful AT implementation include focusing on student needs, focusing on tasks that need to be completed, looking at the learning environment, providing appropriate support, and using continuous assessment. In the next few posts, we will take a look at examples of IEP's which have incorporated the use of AT.

Resources:

Dell, A. G., Newton, D. A., & Petroff, J. G. (2012). Assistive Technology in the Classroom: Enhancing the School Experiences of Students with Disabilities (2nd ed., pp. 209-211). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.