home

=Welcome to the Newton Public Schools Assistive Technology Resource Website!=

Update: 4/3/17

I will be presenting to the NewtonPAC group on Wednesday April 5th at 7:30 in room 210 at the Education Center, 100 Walnut Street

Update: 12/1/16

The goal of any assistive technology consultation or assessment is to determine what is educationally needed for a student to make effective progress as part of FAPE. Assistive technology must be considered in conjunction with the student's IEP and, when recommended, must support IEP goals and objectives.
 * Consultation vs. Assessment:**

To determine which device and/or strategy will be the best fit for the student to help them be successful, I follow a process called the [|SETT Framework]. I carefully look at the **Student**, their **Environment** and the **Tasks** they are asked to do in their educational setting to choose the appropriate **Tool** for them.

Assistive technology device means **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 the functional capabilities of a child with a disability. AT is a continuum of devices and strategies that should be considered and/or implemented according to which is least restrictive. Examples of AT include: pencil grips, colored overlays, slant board and audiobooks. Many people hear the word technology and automatically think iPad or computer, but AT is any item that helps a student access the curriculum.

A **consultation** is a discussion with staff, parents or students around specific areas of concern and results in more immediate implementation, as suggestions are made during the consultation. A written summary is provided after the consultation, usually within one to two weeks. Once a teacher submits a referral they should schedule a consultation using my public calendar.

An **assessment** is a longer, more involved process and should be reserved for students with significant needs who require more time to trial software, devices, etc. There is no standardized testing for AT and I use a variety of resources to guide the assessment, depending on the areas of concern and the student's ability. I follow the 30/45-day timeline for an assessment and a report is made available two days before the team meeting.

The term “assessment” should be used rather than “evaluation” based on the following definition from the Federal Register: **Evaluation:** A group of activities conducted to determine a student's eligibility for special education. **Assessment:** A group of activities conducted to determine a student's specific needs.

//Please keep in mind: I am not determining a student's eligibility; I am merely making recommendations for accommodations that will help the student access the curriculum.//


 * Dedicated Devices:** All students benefit from the use of technology, however, most students do not need a dedicated device to access the curriculum and to receive FAPE. A student's need for a dedicated device can be determined through a consultation.