|
Last Updated 5.15.09 | Text Only
AT Evaluations
School systems and private schools are now able to contract with
Maryland A.T. Co-op for Individual AT Evaluations for students
with low and high incidence disabilities.
Individual AT Evaluations are targeted for students who:
- face severe or low incidence disabilities OR have learning disabilities and struggle with reading and writing.
- may
have tried a variety of technologies without sufficient success.
- may
be very young, but face severe physical challenges (students who will need
a variety of technologies to participate effectively in the learning process
and need to get started early in the right direction)
- may
be in a transition period where strategies that have worked at a younger
educational level are no longer appropriate or effective for the demands
of the new educational setting
Our
team will work cooperatively with your local team to find workable solutions and
practical strategies. Emphasis is placed on the needs of the student and the goals
of the local team and family. This model has the dual advantage of providing an
assistive technology evaluation for a student while also providing training and
support for the staff who works with the student day to day. Whenever possible,
local resources are utilized to determine what is feasible before looking into
new technologies. The whole range of "light tech" to "high tech" to "no tech"
solutions will be explored.
[back to top]
During the AT Eval Process, the Cooperative Evaluation Team will:
- review
the referral video and information ahead of time to devise possible alternatives
to explore.
- provide materials and resources for the session when possible.
- conduct
one half-day session per student at your site.
- lead
the process and involve the local team members.
- write
an Action Plan report based on discussions with the local team.
- provide
technical support and follow-up via email and phone contact.
- coordinate
limited loan of equipment through MD TAP and provide extensive information
about rental options from vendors.
[back to top]
For maximum benefit, schools will need to:
- select
a student who presents significant needs and who may benefit from the use
or refined use of Assistive Technology.
- identify
a local team who serves the individual student and who will be available to
participate in the evaluation. Members may include administrators, assistive
technology specialists, special educators, regular educators, paraprofessionals
and assistants, physical and occupational therapists, speech language pathologists,
vision and hearing specialists, family members, and the student if appropriate.
- arrange
a date with the Maryland A.T. Cooperative Team
- arrange
for release time for those team members who will be participating and provide
a room for the session. Local computers may need to be available, if the student's
needs include computer technology.
- send
information and a short video ahead of time to the Cooperative Evaluation
Training Team explaining the student's abilities and needs and brief review
of what has been tried with the student including current successes and problems.
Forms will be provided.
- participate
in the session to determine needs, work along side the Cooperative Evaluation
Training Team to evaluate the student using the technologies and discuss observations
and ideas for an action plan.
[back to top]
Currently, the Cooperative Evaluation Team Members Include:
Linda
Burkhart
Linda Burkhart is an internationally known pioneer in the field of simplified
technology for children with severe challenges. As a special educator her experience
includes teaching school age children with orthopedic disabilities and preschool
children with severe and profound disabilities, including a preschool "total
communication classroom" for children who are pre-verbal or non-verbal. For
eight years she served as augmentative communication and assistive technology
specialist for the Center for Technology in Education, conducting workshops
and providing direct service as member of the Statewide Technology Assistance
and Training (STAT) Team. She presents and consults internationally on practical
strategies for assistive technology and augmentative communication from "light
tech" to "high tech." She is the author of four books.
Susan
Garber
After 18 years as a special educator working with students of many ages and
disabilities plus two advanced degrees in communicative disorders and technology,
Susan became Program Director for assistive technology training at the Center
for Technology in Education. In that position she developed both in-service
and graduate level programs and lead the multidisciplinary STAT Team. For four
years she served on an 11-member international Professional Standards Board
to develop a credential for Assistive Technology Practitioners and Suppliers.
She has presented at numerous conferences and authored a chapter and several
articles on A.T. evaluations and program development. She is currently the Executive
Director of the Maryland Assistive Technology Cooperative, known for its innovative
discounted purchasing and training.
[back to top]
For more information:
Contact Susan Garber at 410-381-2667 or e-mail info@matcoop.org
[back to top]
|
