My previous post outlined a number things to consider when incorporating AT into a student's IEP. To discuss how to align IEP goals to appropriate AT devices, I am going to use examples of present levels and goals created by the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative. If you are looking for more information on the devices discussed in this post, simply click the links below to visit a supplementary website!
Eric
Present Level of Academic Achievement
and Functional Performance: Eric participates in regular
education programs for his academic subjects. His hand strength is limited and
he fatigues quickly when doing any handwriting task. Civics and English
homework are a particular problem because of lengthy assignments and reports
that need to be completed.
Annual Goal: Eric will use a computer or portable word processor to complete 100% of
his assignments in 10th grade English and Civics classes.
To meet his annual goal, Eric could use a portable word processor, such as the Neo Keyboard shown above. This type of device can make learning more accessible to struggling writers by providing an alternative to handwriting that is portable, lightweight, easy to use, and relatively inexpensive.
Mary
Present Level of Academic
Achievement and Functional Performance: Mary currently communicates with sounds that are not always
understood by those around her. She often becomes upset when she is not
understood. She likes people and likes to be around both adults and children.
She is beginning to play simple games.
Annual Goal: Mary will communicate her interests and needs in three or more
environments/situations using a single message voice output device.
A device such as the one above can help Mary reach her annual goal by helping her communicate her interests and needs. Click here to learn more about voice output devices.
Steven
Present Level of Academic
Achievement and Functional Performance: Steven is a four-year-old boy diagnosed with pervasive
developmental disorder. His placement is in an Early Childhood classroom. He is
able to understand and comprehend when spoken to, but does not communicate his
needs consistently. When choices are simplified and broken into steps, Steven
will try to communicate wants and needs. Peer interactions are limited.
Annual goal: Steven will use a picture board or voice output device to
express wants and needs to adults and peers in both home and school at least
four times each day.
Johnny
Present Level of Academic
Achievement and Functional Performance: Johnny uses his right hand to write and to
physically position his left arm and hand. He has difficulty managing papers as
he writes. He collects and utilizes a lap tray, incline board, non-slip mat and
modified clipboard but often waits for staff to set up modifications.
Annual Goal: Johnny will initiate the set-up of his writing station 80% of the time
given a chart of needed materials for each task.
Above is an example of an incline board used to assist students with their writing. Click here to learn more about the benefits of these types of devices.
Jeff
Present Level of Academic
Achievement and Functional Performance: Jeff likes to interact with his family. He enjoys eating and
being involved in meal time and other functional activities in the home. He has
not been able to participate in cooking or cleaning except to look toward the
item that is needed next, or make a sound when his mother purposely “forgets”
something.
Annual Goal: Jeff will use a single switch to activate adapted utensils and
appliances to assist family members in targeted functional household tasks
during three out of four opportunities.
The image above shows a variety of single switch options that can assist Jeff in meeting his annual goal. Click here for more information on single switches.
Resources:
WATI.org : Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative. (n.d.). Retrieved July 19, 2013, fromhttp://www.wati.org/?pageLoad=content/supports/free/index.php
I really enjoyed reading about the benefits of the slant board. I never even thought of that as being a type of assistive technology. I am glad I clicked on the link and read more about it. I would definitely use this in my classroom for appropriate students. Thanks for sharing!
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