AT Module

Atinternetmodules.org is a website dedicated to providing high-quality information and professional development on AT for educators, professionals, families or individuals with disabilities.  I completed a few modules about how AT comes into play in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a student.  Here's what I learned from the modules and how this knowledge will help me as a teacher: 

AT Assessment Process in the School Environment

The purpose of the AT assessment is to identify technology options that will accommodate the needs of the student with a disability. The process is used to determine whether or not AT is needed to access a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). The IEP team are responsible for considering AT for the student. The IEP team must match the student's needs to the features of a particular technology that would be best help the student meet his or her goals. After a selection is made, the student interacts with the AT before a final selection is made. Once a final decision is made on which AT to use, it is implemented by the IEP team. The IEP team then collects data, completes progress monitoring and transition planning. 

AT Consideration in the IEP Process

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires the IEP team to consider if AT devices or services are needed based on the student's unique needs. The team must consider whether or not AT devices or services will help the student meet his or her goals. Services may include a resource teacher, a technology coordinator, an AT specialist, or a physical therapist. This is an important step in the process  because every one on the IEP team as well as other professionals who may serve the student need to work together to best help the student meet his or her goals. 

Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR)

ASR is used as a productivity tool to help students increase their typing and accuracy. It is built into operating systems and can be portable on a mobile device.  ASR can enhance the quality of learning and teaching by ensuring e-learning is accessible to all.  ASR can help those who have cognitive, physical or sensory disabilities, find note taking difficult, assist learners to manage and search online resources, provide automatic captioning of speech for deaf learner, and assist blind or visually impaired to read, and much more. ASR can be a great tool to add to the classroom. 

Sources:www.ocali.orgwww.atinternetmodules.org/mod_list.php