Effective Delivery of Assistive Technology

"Team Learning is not "Team Building"-Peter Senge

With the requirement that Assistive Technology (AT) be "considered" at each PPT meeting and as a 504 accommodation, school and district administrators are beginning to recognize the need for an in house assistive technology team. There is a realization assistive technology assessments and implementations require an extensive understanding of exceptional learners, hardware, software, strategy development, curriculum and assessment which is better provided by a team of experts.

This understanding, however, does not always lead to the development and sustainability of a knowledgeable and effective Assistive Technology Team. The successful assessment and implementation of AT requires more than organizing a group of professionals with an interest in assistive technology and providing them with information on a variety of hardware and software. A cohesive AT team is one that is highly functional and effective in assessing needs, matching the appropriate solution and strategies to the student, providing support for the implementation and measuring outcomes. Developing and supporting such a team requires a district-wide effort that empowers the team and a team process that addresses individual, group and district goals.

Spotlight on Learning has identified elements for the effective delivery of assistive technology. These elements are balanced with the underlying systemic structure of a district and get at the heart of student success.