Special Education Listserv
Subject: Assistive Technology
Source: Marty Exline, Executive Director, Missouri Assistive Technology
Intended Audience: Directors of Special Education, Coordinators of Special Education, Special Education Contacts
Date: April 20, 2009
As many of you consider use of ARRA/stimulus monies to purchase assistive technology (AT) as needed by individual students or for more general support of special education services at a classroom or program level, please keep in mind our consultation services.
To assure effective and efficient purchases of assistive technology, it is critical that districts have a clear understanding of current and future AT devices and issues, that they invest in in-house knowledge and skill development, and that they construct a foundation, that to the maximum extent possible, enables them to address AT needs in future years. With these incoming funds, districts have a chance to create opportunities for more students than ever before with informed, smart AT purchases.
Missouri Assistive Technology (MoAT) is offering consultative support to districts to help develop and implement a purchasing plan for AT and associated training and professional development. Through careful review of student demographics, current assistive technology services, and future needs, the staff of MoAT can help districts lay a foundation that results in positive changes in how students with disabilities are educated in Missouri.
Districts can select from a menu of services designed to help them find the best possible solutions for students and staff. Fees, if any, vary depending on the services provided. Possible services districts can select from include:
* Analyze prior assistive technology usage and purchase patterns.
* Analyze child count and other relevant district demographic data to pinpoint areas of high AT need.
* Recommend and assist in the acquisition of appropriate assistive technology devices and software including identification of potential vendors, price comparisons, development of requisitions and purchase agreements, and development of sole source justifications as necessary to satisfy local bid policies.
* Support the development of in-house assistive technology device pools to be used to conduct device trials and other student evaluations.
These could include packages such as low to mid tech augmentative communication devices to use to support communication development in young children, electronic enlarging systems that could serve both school and home needs for students with low vision, adapted toys and other developmental devices for use in the classroom with very young or very low functioning students, and other similar clusters of devices to meet specific needs.
* Provide technical support and training to special education staff, regular education staff, and administrators in the use of assistive technology devices and services.
* Serve as a resource on accessible instructional materials.
* Coordinate assistive technology evaluations, training, and funding possibilities with outside providers.
For more information about support services for assistive technology planning and purchases, please contact David Baker at etcdeviceloan@swbell.net or (816) 228-6595.