Assistive Technology allows some students to function within the general education core curriculum by “leveling the playing field” and allows others to complete or develop functional skills such as moving or speaking. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004) provides that IEP teams consider whether every student with a disability needs AT devices and services. Following this consideration appropriate evaluation, planning, implementation, and monitoring of progress must follow.

ESC 12 provides professional development opportunities and technical assistance for districts and charter schools in the area of Assistive Technology. This assistance is provided through:

• workshops covering a range of issues including legal requirements, evaluation, supports for reading and writing, device selection, and use of a variety of devices and software applications
• technical assistance including both phone and on-site consultation regarding evaluation, device selection and implementation
• maintenance of an AT loan/preview center for AT devices and software. Short-term loans (3 weeks) allow AT teams to evaluate and gather data regarding the suitability of particular types of devices and programs for individual students. An inventory of the AT library can be found online at http://staffweb.esc12.net/%7Egholman/html/ATLoanLibrary.html

Events:

Training Opportunities

Contact: Gina Beth Holman
Title: Education Specialist
Phone: (254) 297-1155
E-mail: gholman@esc12.net

More Information

Director: Sharon Fredriksson
Phone (254) 297-1158
E-mail: sfredriksson@esc12.net