Assistive Technology

  • Guiding Principles

    The district ensures that any Assistive Technology (AT) devices or services that the IEP team has determined necessary for FAPE will be made available for the student. Assistive Technology devices or supports are a means of increasing the access of children with disabilities to general education classrooms and curriculum.  As we work to support all of our students in accessing increasingly rigorous standards, Assistive Technology can be a crucial component in helping students access content or present their learning.
     
    An AT device can be low tech (such as picture exchange cards or a pencil grip), mid tech (such as a switch), or high tech (such as a particular app on an iPad). A defining characteristic of AT is that it is something that is not an available resource in place for all other students and/or it is crucial for that student's access.
     
    Ensuring effective use of AT devices involves coordination and training for staff involved in supporting the student in the use of the device. Considerations such as modeling the use of the device, both for the student and staff, and adapting our methodologies so that the device is truly functional are critically important in helping students learn to be independent in using their AT devices.
     
    Procedural Guidance for the IEP
    • IEP teams are required to consider if a student needs assistive technology devices or supports annually.  
    • As finding the right technology to fit a specific student learning goal may take time to determine, it is advisable to begin by piloting a particular AT item, and take data on its effectiveness. This may involve trial of a few different devices or implementation plans before the appropriate AT for that student is determined.
    • If the team determines that the student needs that particular AT device or service to access FAPE, it needs to be specified in the Supplemental Aids and Services component of the IEP. 
    • If consultation is needed to help support the AT implementation, that time should be included in the Supports for School Personnel section of the IEP.  
    • The best expertise to support an AT need will be dependent on both the type of technology, the purpose of the technology, and the individual student.  Special Education Teachers, Instructional Coordinators, Teacher Librarians, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Speech Pathologists all have expertise that may be brought into the IEP team around AT needs depending on the individual situation.  
    • If your team needs additional support around AT questions, or if the AT needs of a student involve considerable expense, contact your SPED IC.
    Tools
    • Co:Writer Universal is a word prediction software program that includes:
      • an extension for Chrome- compatible with Windows, Mac, and Chromebook platforms
      • an app for Chrome- compatible with Windows, Mac, and Chromebook platforms
      • an app for iOS-compatible with iPad and iPhone
      • a desktop version- compatible with Mac and Windows Operating Systems
               

     

    • Requesting an App for an iPad:
    To request an app please fill out the App Request Form. You will be prompted to log in to the West Linn-Wilsonville Staff GoogleDoc page. Please note- if the app is a part of the General Education curriculum, check with your building administrator, IC, T-L, and/or IT. 

    Resources

    • CROS AAC: Columbia Regional Assistive Technology Progam http://www.crporegon.org/domain/52 
    • OTAP: Oregon Technology Access Program https://douglasesd.k12.or.us/otap/home
    • CAST: Center for Applied Special Technology: Educational, not-for-profit organization that uses technology to expand opportunities for people with disabilities. http://www.cast.org/
    • Bookshare: Bookshare is an online digital library of copyrighted content for people with qualifying print disabilities.  Students are able to listen to text on computer, tablets, MP3 players, etc.  We have an account through WLWV Student Services.  By having one account, instead of each school doing this individually, it makes it easy to transition students when they move between schools. If you want access to the online library, please contact Jennifer Ziolko
       
      For more information on being a sponsor and how to add students, please see the following: Bookshare
     
    Assistive Technology FAQs:
    Is augmentative communication considered a form of assistive technology? 
    Yes. Particularly as technology devices have become more integrated, the divisions between augmentative communication and assistive technology have blurred.
     
    Board Policy IGBAF