What You Need to Know BEFORE You Buy Assistive Technology

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What You Need to Know BEFORE You Buy Assistive
Technology
Dollars and Sense
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Presenters
John Noble, Technology Specialist

• Dr. Marje Kaiser, Superintendent

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Assistive Technology

• 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 the functional
  capabilities of a child with a disability.

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Assistive Technology

• Ensures appropriate access to educational
  information
• Promotes student learning
• Addresses individual needs
• Promotes inclusion in classroom activities

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What Do You Want to Know?

• How do I know if the student needs it?
• How do I know what assistive technology to buy?
• How can I get what I need at the least cost?
• Where can I order what I need?
• Where do I get technical help?
• How can I ensure success for the student?

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Determine Your Needs
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What are the Students Needs?

• What is the task to be done?
• Can the task be modified?
• Will technology provide better access or
  efficiency?
• Is there an interest in assistive technology?

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What are the Students Abilities/Preferences?

• How old is the student?
• How does this student learn best?
• Does the student have any prior experience with
  technology?

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How will technology be used?

• In one class or all classes?
• How will it be integrated?
• Will the student use it independently?
• Will other students or teachers use it?

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What are the Expectations?

• Teachers
• Parents
• Student

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What Technology is your School Using?

• Operating system?
• Intranet?
• Internet?
• Discipline-specific software?

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Other Considerations

• Immediate Needs
• Funds Available
• Compatibility
• Building for Future Needs

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Match the Technology to Your Needs
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How Do I Know Whats Available?

• Vendor Web Pages
• Closing the Gap
• CSUN
• ATIA

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How can I pay for all this?

• Augmentative Devices Medicaid
• Employment Related Voc Rehab
• Home Use Low
  Interest Loans
• Dual Installation
• of software Vendor

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Where Do I Buy This Stuff?

• SD Purchasing Printing
• Dakota Link
• Direct from Vendor

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What can the Vendor Offer?

• Matching the product to student needs
• Matching the product to the schools needs
• Compatibility
• Cost information

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What Needs to be Ordered?

• Does this piece of technology require software?
• Are additional peripherals needed?
• Do you need a Turn Key system?

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Authority and Responsibility
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What are your Personnel Resources?

• Who be responsible for ordering?
• Who will teach the student?
• Who will train faculty?
• Who will trouble-shoot?

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Who will do the Installation?

• Will this be done by your staff?
• Will the vendor do it?
• Will you need outside help?

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How will Training be Done?

• Who will teach the student?
• Who will teach the teacher?
• When will training be scheduled?
• Intro or Mastery level?

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Who will do the Trouble Shooting?

• Who is the first line person in your building?
• Who can authorize repair?
• Who can you call if it still wont work?

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Resources in South Dakota

• SD School for the Blind Visually Impaired
• SD Rehab Center for the Blind
• Dakota Link
• Childrens Care

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Outcomes ?
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Provide for Regular Follow Up

• Meet with student, teachers, and parents to
  determine satisfaction
• Address any issues promptly
• Repairs Maintenance
• Upgrades

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How will you Evaluate Success?

• Is the student using the technology to advance
  educational goals?
• Is the technology working properly?
• Are teachers, parents, and student satisfied?

A
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Advanced Planning Saves Dollars and Makes
Sense !