Assistive Technology and the LawECSE 604: Early Literacy and Augmentative Communication,

Summer 2015 Day 2: Part 2

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What is AT and AAC?

Assistive Technology Any item, (piece of equipment or software) that is

used to increase, maintain, or improve the capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Alternative and Augmentative Communication “A set of procedures and processes by which an

individual’s communication skills can be maximized for functional and effective communication.”

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Overview of Lecture

Key Federal Policies Americans with Disabilities Act No Child Left Behind Individuals with Disability Education

Improvement Act (IDEA) Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Individualized Family Service Plan

(IFSP)

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Americans with Disabilities Act

Civil rights law Obligation to provide AT devices Title II: requires public entities to

provide “auxiliary aids and services” Qualified interpreters Qualified readers Modification of equipment or devices Other similar services Physical barriers removed

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No Child Left Behind

ALL children have a fair opportunity for “high-quality education”

Achieve “proficiency” on state assessments. Provide the standard curriculum to students

with disabilities. With AT more students with disabilities have

access to the standard curriculum and testing.

States’ decision to determine what accommodations are allowed.

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Individuals with Disability Education Improvement Act (IDEA, 2004)

Each IEP team must consider the need for AT

AT can be included in IEP for three reasons: 1. Student’s special education services, 2. Related service, 3. Supplementary aid or service to allow the

child to be educated in the LRE.

AT provided in the classrooms AND “in other educationally-related settings.”

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Individuals with Disability Education Improvement Act (IDEA, 2004)

National Instructional Materials Accessibility Center (NIMAC)

Universal Design

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Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

Laws

Where is it found?

AT Examples

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Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

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Least Restrictive Environment

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Where else is it found in the IEP?

Factors for IEP Team Considerations Present Level of Academic and

Functional Performance Accommodations Goals Services

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IEP

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Present Level of Academic and Functional Performance

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Present Level Example

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AT Goal Examples

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AT Accommodations Example

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Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)

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Day 2 Conclusion

Collaborate on the Google-Doc: IEP AT Examples Create an IFSP Example

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