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Has Your Child Had an AT Evaluation?
For students with learning disabilities, technology is an important tool in leveling the playing field, providing struggling students with the ability to access educational material that may otherwise prove challenging to understand.
As Assistive Technology (AT) continues to evolve, the task of understanding what makes sense for your child becomes more complex. Thankfully there are professionals that can help.
It all begins with an AT evaluation, which should be conducted by a professional or team of professionals, often including an independent evaluator, who are knowledgeable about the specific needs of your child.
The evaluator should have experience and training in AT devices, services, and implementation, and be able to integrate the technologies into the curriculum through the IEP or 504 plan.
A thorough evaluation may include the following components:
- Review of evaluation results and IEP goals and objectives
- Discussion with parents and those who work with the child
- Interaction between the child and the technology
- Trial in a variety of settings in which the device is likely to be used
- Consideration of the child’s and the family’s feelings about the devices
- Observation of the child using a full range of devices, moving along the continuum from no technology to low-tech to high-tech
- Analysis from trials regarding the child’s ability and accuracy when using various technologies, including positioning and settings that work best
Jane Ross
Linda, Any school that receives federal funds is required to evaluate a child, at a parent’s request, and to provide a free and appropriate education if a child meets the criteria for identification for special education. Learning to read is the most fundamental requirement that a school must provide to a student. Please read the materials on the Smart Kids website titled “Know Your Child’s Rights” at https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/and pursue your grandson’s right to be be given an education without delay!
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Linda Roberts
I have a very bright grandson who is 16 and can not read. The school has not offered any tools or help in preparing him for his future. He wants to be a teach of history. Yet there seems no one who is helping to prepare him to use reading pens or other electronic methods. They have also desired he is not able to learn a trade since he can’t read. Do you know anyone or any institution that might help us help him. Thank you, Linda Roberts