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CONTACT US
Stacy Behmer
Coordinator of Digital Learning Technology
319-399-6423
sbehmer@gwaea.org
Julie Freed
Speech-Language Pathologist
319-399-6546
jfreed@gwaea.org
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Assistive Technology
Assistive technology enables children and youth with disabilities to participate more fully in all aspects of life and helps them to access their right to a "free, appropriate public education" (FAPE) in the "least restrictive environment" (LRE). Although assistive technology is a "tool" or set of "tools" that assists students to benefit from the general education curriculum, it is not solely devices or services. It may also take the form of adaptations or modifications. Because assistive technology takes many different forms, it looks different from student to student. In fact, the provision of assistive technology must be individualized for each student. (from "Assistive Technology: Creating a Pathway")
With this in mind, the assistive technology staff at Grant Wood AEA provide services in the following areas:
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specialized consultation to families and IEP/IFSP teams
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support to families and IEP/IFSP teams
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information resources to families and educators
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information and referral
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professional development opportunities to families and IEP/IFSP teams
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assistive technology lending library
GWAEA Assistive Technology Support Team Members: |
Stacy Behmer |
Coordinator of Digital Learning |
sbehmer@gwaea.org |
Julie Freed |
Assistive Tech Team Lead,
All Agency Low Incidence Disability Consultant, Speech/Language Pathologist |
jfreed@gwaea.org |
Sheila Matheson |
Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids Metro Catholic, Cedar Rapids Trinity Lutheran, Isaac Newton Christian Academy, Summit School |
smatheson@gwaea.org |
Brice Beck
Rachel White |
Iowa City, Iowa City Regina |
bbeck@gwaea.org
rwhite@gwaea.org |
Debbie Mills |
College Community, Marion |
dmills@gwaea.org
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Patty Soldner |
Linn-Mar |
psoldner@gwaea.org |
Stephanie Strouse |
Benton, Vinton-Shellsburg, Center Point-Urbana, North-Linn, Alburnett, Central City |
sstrouse@gwaea.org |
Maggie Pickett |
Mount Vernon, Lisbon, Springville, Solon, West Branch, Tipton, North Cedar, Olin, Monticello, Anamosa, Midland |
mpickett@gwaea.org
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Julie King |
Belle Plaine, Iowa Valley, HLV, Mid-Prairie, Williamsburg, Washington, Highland, Lone Tree, Clear Creek Amana, English Valleys |
jking@gwaea.org |
Randy Perkins |
GWAEA Off-site programs |
rperkins@gwaea.org |
IEP Team Steps for AT Consideration
As part of IDEA (reauthorized 2004) the IEP process must include the consideration of assistive technology for all students eligible for special education services. Iowa’s state IEP form requires a Yes/No response from the IEP team indicating whether or not assistive technology services or devices are required.
1. Frame the Question: Identify Area of Concern & Conduct IEP Team Assessment
Pinpoint barriers the child is encountering.
What do we need to know about the student’s use of AT?
Review available information and collect new information.
Brainstorm and identify possible AT tools or instructional strategies to address area of need.
Tool for the Team: AT Consideration Worksheet
If the Team Needs More Support: Request for Assistive Technology Collaboration
2. Trial of Possible AT Tool:
Identify specific AT tool to introduce for a trial period.
Create a detailed plan for the AT trial period.
Acquire needed AT tools and/or training necessary to conduct trial
Tool for the Team: WATI Assistive Technology Trial Use Guide
If the Team Needs More Support: Request for Assistive Technology Collaboration
3. Implementation:
Plan for AT interventions and identify training that is needed.
Tool for the Team: Implementation Tools for the Team
If the Team Needs More Support: Request for Assistive Technology Collaboration
4. Periodic Review:
Evaluate the effectiveness of the plan.
Re-SETT as needed.
Tool for the Team: Data Collection Chart from Data Manual
If the Team Needs More Information: AT Progress Report
Re-SETT for AT Implementation
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