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Assistive Technology Services:
Evaluation
Evaluation is needed
Whenever assistive technology (AT) is being considered for
a student an evaluation should take place. A formal AT evaluation
is usually not needed. The evaluation can be an informal
one done by a teacher who has an idea based on daily observations
and the student's response to different kinds of activities
- resulting in a trial use of a calculator, pencil grip,
portable word processor, etc.
The evaluation can also be
that teacher collaborating with a fellow teacher for more
ideas - resulting in more options for supporting the student
with assistive technology systems. It can be a teacher asking
for a consultation with an assistive technology specialist
which can lead to still more assistive technology options
and, if needed, it can lead to a more formal evaluation by
the AT specialist - this can result in looking at a wider
range of AT systems than the teacher has experience with,
and include complex devices that may require special training
and support.
Identifying a device is not an evaluation
Through reading and research many teachers and parents have
a wide range of information about assistive technology devices.
Often this information alone does not answer questions related
to a specific student's needs. It is easy to assume that
if a student in a product advertisement benefits from a
device, then my student will also benefit. This can lead
to poor decisions.
How can one go about looking
at what might help a student and what might be a waste of
the student's time? In general we at Knox County Schools
Assistive Technology Services recommend a systematic consideration
of a number of factors.
Factors need to be considered
We recommend that teachers use a framework for considering
assistive technology services. An example of a framework
is the S.E.T.T. Framework by Joy Zabala which sets forth
a series of steps for teachers and parents to collaborate
in looking at students needs.
- (S): the student - abilities,
weaknesses, special needs, interests, etc.
- (E) environment
where the student might need an AT system. - social,
physical: lighting, temperature, furniture, etc.
- (T)
task - writing, reading, worksheets, group discussion,
etc.
- (T) tool - the
AT systems being used currently and being considered
- portable word processor, augmentative communication
device, audio books, computer screen reader, etc.
A framework to consider all elements of a students needs
A check list of questions or worksheets can be helpful when
looking at a student's needs and whether an assistive technology
device might be helpful. Below are links to SETT documentation
and worksheets and a link to Joy Zabala's Web site.
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