Supporting Transitions of AT Users
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This document discusses supporting transitions for students who use assistive technology. There are three key factors for successful transitions: 1) students developing skills to independently use their assistive technology, 2) fostering self-determination to allow students to direct their own assistive technology needs, and 3) comprehensive assistive technology transition planning as part of the student's IEP. The document outlines specific skills in each of these areas and emphasizes that assistive technology competency in one environment does not necessarily transfer to new environments without proper planning.
Supporting Transitions of AT Users
- 1. Supporting Transitions of Assistive Technology Users Kirk D. Behnke, M.Ed., ATP 1
- 2. Learner Objectives Participants will learn about: • Federal legal requirements for transition planning • Major aspects of Assistive Technology (AT) transition AT skills for independence Self-determination skills Transition planning Reference: A Professional Development Module in the Assistive Technology in Texas Schools Series Available at www.texasat.net 2
- 3. Why Focus on AT Transitions? Competent AT use does not necessarily transfer to new environments Specific skills can be learned to ensure continuity during AT transitions 3
- 4. Types of Transitions Early Intervention (EI) Services (Part C) to Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) (Part B) Early childhood to kindergarten/elementary Classroom to classroom School to school High school to community Community to community 4
- 5. Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Mission: To guide the provision of quality Assistive Technology services to improve educational achievement of students with disabilities. www.qiat.org 5
- 6. QIAT as Guidelines •Consistent, clearly understood descriptions of quality AT services •A systematic way of planning, developing, and delivering AT devices and services 6
- 7. Transition Indicator 1. Transition plans address : * AT needs of the student * including roles and training needs of team members * subsequent steps in AT use * follow-up after transition takes place. 7
- 8. Transition Indicator 2. Transition planning empowers the student using AT to participate in the transition planning at a level appropriate to age and ability. 8
- 9. Transition Indicator 3. Advocacy related to AT use is recognized as critical and planned for by the teams involved in transition. 9
- 10. Transition Indicator 4. AT requirements in the receiving environment are identified during the transition planning process. 10
- 11. Transition Indicator 5. Transition planning for students using AT proceeds according to an individualized timeline. 11
- 12. Transition Indicator 6. Transition plans address specific equipment, training and funding issues such as transfer or acquisition of AT, manuals and support documents. 12
- 13. Three Legs of AT Transitions to Support Quality Services 1. AT Skills for Independence 2. AT Self-Determination Skills 3. AT Transition Planning in the IEP 13
- 14. Factor 1: The Student Has AT Skills for Independence Uses AT to complete everyday tasks and routines Is developing AT competencies 14
- 15. Competent Independent Use of AT Operational competence Functional competence Strategic competence Social competence Adapted from Janice Light (1989) 15
- 16. Operational Skills Mastery of technical skills required to operate the device or system Development of skills needed to use the access methods 16
- 17. AT Operational Skills for Transition Turn device on/off Set-up the AT hardware or software Operate device with a minimum of help Trouble-shoot simple problems Obtain supplies needed for AT devices 17
- 18. Functional Skills Mastery of the specific knowledge, functional skills, and abilities for which the device was selected (e.g., writing, comprehension, expressive language) Mastery of specific goals that have been identified in the IEP and the general curriculum 18
- 19. AT Functional Skills for Transition What will the student need to do in the new environment? What parts of the tasks in the new environment will require the use of AT? How will AT be included in everyday routines and activities? 19
- 20. Strategic Skills Ability to decide when and when not to use a device or strategy Ability to choose which tool (device or other strategy) to use for a specific activity 20
- 21. AT Strategic Skills for Transition Determine when to use low tech/no tech back up for AT Recognize when AT is malfunctioning Determine when new AT device may be needed Determine when usage of AT is not appropriate or needed 21
- 22. Social Skills Ability to use the device appropriately with people Ability to use the device appropriately in the environments in which it is needed Ability to help others understand the device 22
- 23. AT Social Skills for Transitions Ask for help with the AT Choose appropriate settings for the environment (e.g., volume, speed) Request new features or set-ups, Identify environmental accommodations needed Apply for/request funding assistance 23
- 24. Your Student’s AT Skills for Transition Think about a student you know… Operational skills Functional skills Strategic skills Social skills 24
- 25. Factor 2: The Student is a Self-Determined AT User Characteristics • Acts autonomously • Is self-regulated • Is psychologically empowered • Acts in a self-realizing manner Adapted from Wehmeyer Resource: http://www.ngsd.org/everyone/what-self-determination 25
- 26. Factors Affecting AT System Use individual needs and skills opportunities environmental demands attitudes of peers & partners support available Variables That May Change at Transition individual needs and skills opportunities environmental demands attitudes of peers & partners support available 26
- 27. Self-Determination… Are the attitudes and abilities required to act as the primary causal agent in one’s life and to make choices regarding one’s quality of life free from undue external influence or interference. Wehmeyer, 2005 27
- 28. Elements of Self-Determination Positive perceptions of control, efficacy and outcome expectations Self-awareness Self-knowledge Wehmeyer 2007 28
- 29. Elements of Self-Determination Choice-making skills Decision-making skills Problem-solving skills Goal setting and attainment skills Self-regulation/self-management skills Self-advocacy and leadership skills Wehmeyer 2007 29
- 30. Self-Determined AT Users Can… …..make their own choices about AT devices and services “I don’t wear my hearing aids to dances” Gordon (13 years old) 30
- 31. Supported Choice-Making about AT Choose a helper for AT use Choose AAC symbols for a device 31 Independent Choice-Making about AT Choose when to use AT at home, in the community, or at work Choose to ask for help rather than use AT
- 32. Self-Determined AT Users Can… …..make decisions about AT use “For me, Morse Code is better than voice recognition.” Simon (19 years old) 32
- 33. Supported Independent Decision-Making Decision-Making about AT about AT • Decide to use a computer to write two paragraphs • Decide not to do an assignment • Decide which AT device to request • Decide to become a medical transcriptionist 33
- 34. Self-Determined AT Users Can… …… solve AT problems “I talk with my mom and friends about ideas, do research and pray in order to find the right thing to do.” Janice (10 years old) 34
- 35. Self-Determined AT Users Can… …… set AT goals “I learn about what I like and don’t like before setting my goals for after high school.” Samuel (16 years old) 35
- 36. Self-Determined AT Users Can… …… take leadership and advocate for their own quality of life. “I know what I want for my life. I learned how to ask for it in high school.” Clara (22 years old) 36
- 37. Your Student’s Self-determination for AT Identify one new skill in each area: Choice-making Decision-making Problem-solving Goal-setting Self-management/self regulation Self-advocacy and leadership 37
- 38. Factor 3: AT Transition Planning in the IEP To meet IDEA requirements Helps to ensure on-going AT use 38
- 39. IEP Team Focus for Assistive Technology Transition Planning • To assist the student in gaining new AT skills for the new environment • To increase or maintain student’s independence and functional AT use 39
- 40. AT Devices and Transition Device acquisition Transfer of technology Sources of funding 40
- 41. AT Services after Transition Provision of on-going AT services Funding for on-going AT services (if applicable) 41
- 42. Transitions from Part B Services Coordinated Set of Activities 1. Designed to be within a results-oriented process and focused on improving the academic and functional achievement…. 2. Based on the individual child’s needs, taking into account strengths, preferences, and interests; and includes— 42
- 43. Includes: Instruction ii. Related services iii. Community experiences iv. Employment v. Development of employment and other postschool adult living objectives; and vi. If appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and provision of a functional vocational evaluation. i. 43
- 44. Community Experiences Generally provided outside the school building Prepare the student for participation in community life. Encourage participation in community 47
- 45. Employment Job seeking and keeping skills Career exploration Skill training Apprenticeship training Paid employment 48
- 46. Post-School Adult Living Activities that establish and support independence in adult living Activities usually done occasionally or only once 49
- 47. Daily Living Skills Activities that maintain adult living and independence Activities that adults do most every day 50
- 48. Functional Vocational Evaluation Situational assessments where the job is performed Provides information about job or career interests, aptitudes, and skills May include strategies like the SETT Framework 51
- 49. Your Student’s Transition Plans Instruction Related services Community experiences Employment Post-school adult living Daily living skills Functional vocational evaluation. 52
- 50. Implications for Educators Competent AT implementation in school does not necessarily carry over to new environments. There are specific skills at every age that can be learned for AT transitions. “Careful planning, quality AT services, and self- determination together maximize transitions.” 53
- 51. Any Questions? Special thanks to … • Gayl Bowser • Diana Carl 54