Strategies
for Assistive Technology Negotiations
adapted from an Advocacy Institute presentation on Assistive
Technology by
Dave Edyburn,
Ph.D.
IF A SCHOOL OFFICIAL
SAYS... |
A PARENT MIGHT RESPOND
(IN WRITING)... |
RESOURCES |
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1. We’ve considered your child’s need for assistive
technology and have determined that s/he will not benefit... |
...I would like to review the documentation that supports
your decision. In particular, I would like to see the data regarding
performance with assistive technology and performance without. |
Remediation vs. compensation (http://www.connsensebulletin. WATI AT Consideration
Worksheet WATI Assessment |
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2. Best practice suggests you always begin with no-tech
solutions first... |
...Consideration should not be a linear process of trial
and error. Rather, all possible solutions should be explored. |
WATI Assessment Assessing AT Student Need |
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3. We can’t afford that... |
...Cost is cannot be considered a factor in AT
consideration. |
Funding AT |
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4. We are not sure what types of AT are out there... |
...What steps will you take to fulfill the AT
consideration mandate? |
Texas AT Training Modules SchwabLearning AT Tools |
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5. It’s not clear that (the student) actually does better
with the AT... |
...I would like to see the data that supports such a
conclusion. Typically, we need to review performance data over time, with and
without the technology to come to such a conclusion. |
How do you know?
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6. We don’t want him to become dependent on a
text-reader...when will he ever learn to read... |
...Since the student doesn't have the independent reading
skills and the expectation in grade 4 and beyond is to access large amounts
of text, how will you demonstrate that he has access to the curriculum
without a text-reader? |
Remediation vs. compensation (http://www.connsensebulletin. Learning from Text |
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7. Your child is not the only one that struggles with this
problem... |
...I can appreciate your concern, but my primary interest
is the success of my child. As a result, what are you going to do to ensure
that my child is successful? |
Teaching Every Student http://www.cast.org/ Fairness |
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8. We will provide some specialized technology but there
is no need to write it on the IEP... |
...I am pleased to hear that assistive technology will be
provided. However, to ensure the rights of all parties are protected, our
plan for acquiring and using AT should be written on the IEP. |
Documenting AT in the IEP |
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9. We are not authorized to make a decision about AT... |
...I am disappointed to hear that. I guess we will need to
adjourn the meeting until an appropriate administrator is here. |
Texas AT Training Modules |
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10. The textbook is not available in digital format. |
That’s unfortunate.
That means that the textbook must be scanned using a “scan and read”
program such as Kurzweil or WYNN or be professionally scanned. |
Scan to Speak Programs http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/ATBasics/ |
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11. Copyright laws do not permit us to have your child’s
textbook scanned. |
Because my child is reading is ___ grades below grade
level, s/he requires alternative ways to access the general curriculum. * In a |
“Accessible Instructional Materials and NIMAS – State and
Local Responsibilities” Accessible
Textbooks in the Classroom: An Educator’s Guide…
(May 2007) http://nimas.cast.org/downloads/NIMAS-Accessible_Textbooks_in_the_Classroom.doc
(See pages 23-25) |
* “With the advent of cost-effective
and efficient digital scanning technology, local districts have significantly
increased their capabilities to digitize books directly into more accessible
digital formats. … in the absence of
accessible materials from publishers, scanning a book may be the most effective
method of providing instructional materials to print-disabled students, at
least for the immediate future.” (An Educator’s Guide to the Acquisition of
Alternate Format Core Learning Materials for Pre-K-12 Students with Print
Disabilities
(http://nimas.cast.org/about/resources/accessible_textbooks.html)