Assistive
technology
(AT)
is
defined
in
the
Individuals
with
Disabilities
Education
Act
as
"any
item,
piece
of
equipment
or
product
system,
whether
acquired
commercially
off
the
shelf,
modified,
or
customized,
that
is
used
to
increase,
maintain,
or
improve
functional
capabilities
of
a
child
with
a
disability."
This
definition
includes
items
that
are
considered
low
technology
as
well
as
high
technology
which
a
student
in
special
education
requires
in
order
to
receive
a
free
and
public
education.
Overview of Services
The
most
effective
way
to
match
AT
to
an
individual
student
is
through
a
"Needs
First"
approach.
The
IEP
Team
identifies
what
it
is
that
the
student
cannot
do
or
can
only
do
with
great
difficulty
(the
"Need").
They
then
identify
the
student's
unique
strengths
and
challenges.
Once
this
is
done
it
is
easier
to
match
this
information
with
specific
AT
to
address
the
need.
The
next
step
is
to
have
the
student
try
the
AT
that
has
been
selected.
The
amount
of
time
needed
for
this
trial
period
will
vary
from
student
to
student.
Many times the teaching staff, parents, therapists and student (IEP team) are able to determine how to meet the student's needs through either low technology (examples: modified classroom materials, modified classroom tools, communication book, adapted seating, etc.) or high technology (examples: computer, modified computer equipment, software, portable keyboard, communication device, etc.). Schools may request to borrow equipment for trial use with the student during this process.
If
the
IEP
team
needs
assistance
they
can
request
that
someone
with
expertise
in
AT
to
target
the
identified
problem
observe
the
student,
make
recommendations
for
consideration
by
the
IEP
team,
loan
equipment
for
a
trial
period,
and
train
the
teaching
staff
and
student
in
its
use.
Administrative Contacts
Heather
L.
Grim,
Supervisor
GrimHL@pwcs.edu
Donna
Espinales,
Administrative
Assistant
II
EspinaDY@pwcs.edu
703-791-7419
Cynthia
Carmina,
Administrative
Coordinator
CarminCM@pwcs.edu
703-791-7848
Michael
Salomon,
Administrative
Coordinator
SalomoME@pwcs.edu
703-791-7225
For iPad/Computer Support
Please
make
an
appointment
to
have
the
devices
repaired
with:
Saadia
Zahid
ZahidS@pwcs.edu
Technology
Support
Specialist
703-791-7280
For New App Requests
Cynthia
Carmina
CarminCM@pwcs.edu
703-791-7848
Michael
Salomon
SalomoME@pwcs.edu
703-791-7225