Consultation
Discussing processes, needs, implementation, or planning whether for a student or a program.
AT Matching
Commonly referred to as Evaluation or assessment. This can involve feature matching, observation, and trialing of tools.
Tool Management
Whether you are looking for the right tool, where to get the next tool, or a tool that does a certain "thing" it can take some searching!
Training and Presenting
One of my favorite parts of assistive technology is getting in and teaching others. Whether it be how to consider assistive technology, how to use a tool, or how to implement a plan, I am ready! And it will be fun.
AT "Service"
The federal definition of an AT Services is:
any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Such term includes—
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the evaluation of the needs of such child, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child's customary environment;
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purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by such child;
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selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices;
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coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;
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training or technical assistance for such child, or, where appropriate, the family of such child; and
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training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education and rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of such child."
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2004). 20 U.S.C. 1401(2)
Read below for what this looks like in practice.
EVALUATION ASSESSMENT
"the evaluation of the needs of such child, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child's customary environment"
This is dependent on the type of assistive technology needed. Due to scope of practice, ethical standards, and respect of other professionals there are times where evaluation of certain areas are best left to professionals with a certain skill set. My background is as a speech - language pathologist.
If I have completed evaluations from an occupational therapist and physical therapist and the ability to call those practitioners if there are questions that arise and to make sure they are in agreement with final recommendations, that works. However, it is not appropriate for me to come in an evaluate a student's balance, or posture. I can take a note about them fatiguing as they sit longer, or that they change their posture over time, or that they are fidgety (which are observations which could be made by any lay person) but for evaluation I would defer to the appropriate professional.
Most assistive technology does not require a full evaluation. Usually that information about the student is already available in records. So what is referred to as the assistive technology evaluation is more reviewing records and evaluating how the student interacts with the tasks they need to accomplish in their environment. (This is part of the reason I do not list prices because if I am deferring to another professional for a large part of a consultation I will not bill you for time, or effort, I am deferring).
OBTAINING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
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"purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by such child.
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selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices."
Some tools are sold by specialized vendors or may be harder to find. Others are things you can find at Target if you know what you are looking for. There are also organizations and state programs where you can obtain leases or trials for some devices. Assistive Technology professionals are usually knowledgeable about these options.
Of course, sometimes these options do need some adjustment to meet a student's specific needs. Everything from making sure it's the right height or length, to adjusting the speed something reads out loud to the voice it reads in.
IMPLEMENTATION
"coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs."
This again comes back to scope of practice. It also speaks to who is available on the most regular basis. If a student has an OT they see once a week at school and a PT they see every other week outside of school and they only see me once a month I want to make sure that all three of us, as professionals, are on the same page with checking in on the student. At this point we are all three acting as AT Service Providers. This could even extend to the teacher or paraprofessional. in an IEP, when there is a question about AT Service minutes, they technically could be provided by ANY member of the team who is with the student supporting implementation , training, set up, or any function with the assistive technology. It should also be noted that these minutes are not typically Medicaid billable. Check with your local organization for final answers on this point.
TRAINING
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"training or technical assistance for such child, or, where appropriate, the family of such child; and
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training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education and rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of such child."
Some assistive technology is very intuitive, think about a pencil grip. It goes on the pencil, you hold onto it...you write. I have never booked an hour to discuss a pencil grip with a teacher. The student may need to practice with it, but that doesn't necessarily need to be done while someone watches intently.
However, a dynamic display communication device using the Unity 84 communication system...there will need to be therapy for the student, teaching for the parent, and likely some staff education as well. A swing away mount, probably some training on how to attach and detach for bus transportation. Using a grammar, reading, and writing suite tool...there are a lot of functions to go through.
This also means we have to consider the educational programming. AT does NOT mean that we stop trying to teach. A recent court case emphasizes this. Students should still receive high quality instruction and/or intervention along with their assistive technology. It is important to have agreement, usually through training, as to when assistive technology will be used and when it may be set aside for the student to demonstrate their current unaccommodated level. (This is dependent on the disability and the individual student and whether they are in a state of rehabilitation or habilitation.)
Training happens in many ways:
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Live experiences
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Webinars
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Observation and Coaching
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Mentoring
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Providing video and visual supports
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Any way we can get creative!