Assisting Students with Disabilities: A Training Program for Paraeducators

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Assisting Students with DisabilitiesA Training
Program for Paraeducators

• Module 8
• Assistive Technology

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Module 8Assistive Technology

• Instructional Objectives
• To understand the basic definitions of assistive
  technology
• To assist the team of professionals in choosing
  AT devises or services for students
• To assist the student with implementation of the
  AT device or service
• To assist the team of professionals with
  evaluation of the AT device or service

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Module Overview

• Assistive Technology
• The SETT Framework
• Three Components of the SETT Framework
• The Last Component of the SETT Framework
• Assistive Technology and the Paraeducator

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Overview of Assistive Technology

• Assistive Technology
• Defined by two terms
• Assistive Technology Device
• Assistive Technology Service
• AT device
• any item piece of equipment or product system
  acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or
  customized that is used to increase, maintain or
  improve functional capabilities of individuals
  with disabilities
• AT Service
• any service that directly assists a child
  with a disability in the selection, acquisition,
  or use of an assistive technology device

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Overview of Assistive Technology

• Technology
• Technology is used to achieve goals that may
  otherwise be difficult or impossible for the
  student to work without the use of technology.

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Overview of Assistive Technology

• Functional Categories of Assistive Technology
• Academic and Learning
• Daily Living
• Environmental Control
• Alternative and Augmentative Communication
• Computer Access and Instruction
• Mobility
• Recreation and Leisure

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Overview of Assistive Technology

• Five Laws Relevant to AT
• (1975) Education of All Handicapped Children Act
  (EHA)
• (1988) Technology-Related Assistance for
  Individuals with Disabilities Act (Tech-Act)
• (1990) Individuals with Disabilities for
  Education Act (IDEA)
• (1997) Individuals with Disabilities for
  Education Act (Reauthorized)
• (1998) Assistive Technology Act (ATA)

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The SETT Framework

• The SETT Framework was designed by Joy Zabala and
  serves as a guide to assistive teams in gathering
  and organizing information, so that they can work
  together to make an effective decision concerning
  assistive technology
• SETT stands for
• Student
• Environment
• Task
• Test

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First 3 Components of the SETT Framework

• The STUDENT
• THE ENVIRONMENT
• THE TASK

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Last Component of the SETT FrameworkTools

• The basic questions that serve to be the stimulus
  for the Tool portion.
• What system of tools is required by the student
  in order to perform the tasks in these
  environments?
• What strategies might be used to invite increased
  student performance?
• How might these tools be tried out in a natural
  environment ?

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Assistive Technology and the Paraeducator

• Role of the Paraeducator
• Target important factors to focus on as they work
  with the student on a daily basis
• Equips them with knowledge about techniques and
  strategies, so that they may better assist the
  child

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Closing

• In the future please refer to this module in
  order to remind yourself of the information that
  was presented.
• Technology is a growing part of our world and
  educational environment, so is assistive
  technology.
• This information will allow you to help the
  student in many ways.
• Questions/Comments