AT and Transition Planning

This entire blog has been focused on how AT can support the learning of students with disabilities. This specific post is going to discuss the implementation of assistive technology in transition planning for individuals with disabilities.

AT as accommodation for students with disabilities in college

AT can be used in various ways to help college students with disabilities during classes, testing situations, and in completing assignments. In order for AT to be effective and accessible to the student in this context, it must meet the following criteria: the AT tool must be easy to use and easy to customize; the tool must be age appropriate; the AT tool selected must be the student’s own choice; the tool must carefully match the specific task that needs to be accomplished and the environment in which it will take place; and training and ongoing technical support must be provided to students and staff.

Implications of AT needs in college for transition planning and implementation in high school

In order to access and use AT effectively in college, students with disabilities must be adequately prepared in high school. IDEA mandates that transition planning begin at age 16. Starting at 16 means that most students will have 2-3 years to learn the skills they will need in order to succeed in college. Transition plans for students with disabilities who want to attend college must include the development of two kinds of skills: AT skills for independence and self-advocacy skills.