Access for All: Assistive Technology in TUSD

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Access for All Assistive Technology in TUSD

• Assistive Technology Team
• Tucson Unified School District
• [phone]

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Our Purpose

• The overall purpose of the Assistive Technology
  Team is to provide information, services, support
  materials, technical assistance, and training to
  TUSD schools, and to increase their capacity to
  address the assistive technology needs of their
  students with disabilities.

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Why AT?

• To support placement in Least Restrictive
  Environment
• To ensure a Free and Appropriate Education
• To allow the student to access academic
  curriculum
• To ensure student benefits from his or her
  instruction
• To implement goals and objectives in the
  students IEP

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What Do You Think of When you Hear Assistive
Technology?
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The Assistive Technology Continuum (Its actually
so much more!)
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AT Consideration Process
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AT Consideration in IEPs

• Team decision
• AT procedures based on WATI (Wisconsin AT
  Initiative) and SETT Framework.
• ADE Checklist (hand out)
• Consider all environments in which the IEP is to
  be implemented.
• Consider ALL assistive technology no matter how
  low tech it may seem. If the student needs it to
  access curriculum then it must be included (slant
  board, bigger writing utensil, pencil grip,
  calculator, visual cues etc.)

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SETT Framework
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SETT Framework

• Student-What is the functional area of concern?
  What does the student need to be able to do?
• Environment- Where is the student performing the
  task? Expectations of staff, Physical
  arrangement, access, support, materials that are
  normally used by others.
• Task- What SPECIFIC things are necessary for the
  student to actively participate?
• Tools-Include devices, strategies, and services.
  Brainstorm with team. Anything that could help
  the student succeed.

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AT in the IEP

• Team determines need for AT
• Check Assistive Technology needed box in Special
  Considerations (PLAPF 5b) https//tienet.tusd.k12.
  az.us/
• New AT box on MIPS page (staff training
  mandatory)
• Should include AT in present levels(what is being
  used, in what environments, for which activities)
• DO NOT name specific devices in the IEP!
• Check student IEPs at the beginning of the year
  for AT needed.

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AT in the IEP

• Within IEP goals and Objectives
• ex.1 Using writing, word processor or
  dictation, Hercules will compose a 5 paragraph
  essay including a 1 paragraph introduction, 3
  paragraph body, and 1 paragraph conclusion in 4/5
  consecutive opportunities.
• ex.2 Using an AAC system (i.e. picture
  symbols, Aug Com device, sign language), Queen
  Elizabeth will respond to social inquiries from
  her peers using the appropriate
  icon/sequence/sign in 5/5 opportunities over 5
  consecutive days.

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Modifications Accommodations

• Modification Generally a change in WHAT is
  taught or expected from the student. (fewer
  spelling words, less homework, fewer math
  problems). Includes changes in the following
  Instructional level, content, or performance
  criteria.
• The same content is taught using a different
  avenue of learning
• Accommodation A change in HOW as student
  accesses information and demonstrates learning.
  They help a student work around or overcome a
  disability (more time to complete an assignment,
  repeating the directions, using a calculator,
  provide audio taped lectures) Specified on a
  students Individual Education Plan.
• CHECK FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY NEEDS
  USED PRESENTLY OR IN THE PAST.

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TUSD Assistive Tech Team

• http//instech.tusd.k12.az.us/exced/index.asp

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Call For Assistance Process

• Go to Exceptional Ed website-click on Assistive
  Technology link on the left of the screen.
• Click Start Here
• Fill out Problem Identification AND one content
  area form
• Send or fax to 908-5027.
• Equipment checked out MUST be returned at the end
  of the school year even if the student will use
  it the following year!
• If you have questions, or need assistance please
  call 908-5104.

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Thank You!

• Ann Brusca (Team Coordinator)- Ann.Brusca_at_tusd1.or
  g
• ReinaRobles (Exceptional Education Technology
  Support Specialist)- Reina.Robles_at_tusd1.org
• Besty Coyle (Physical Therapist)-
  Betsy.Coyle_at_tusd1.org
• Susanne Wilson (Occupational Therapist)-
  Susanne.Wilson_at_tusd1.org
• George Sabin (SLP)- George.Sabin_at_tusd1.org
• Mary OMara (SLP)- Mary.Omara_at_tusd1.org
• Jamie Tarpey (SLP)- Jamie.Tarpey_at_tusd1.org
• Megan McCormick (Psychologist)-
  Megan.McCormick_at_tusd1.org