IEP Considerations

     Throughout all my blogs, I have provided information on AT devices and possible devices that may benefit students with disabilities. These devices are used to assist students in the classroom and home life to make them as successful as possible. The following blog will discuss considerations to take into account when deciding on AT devices in a student IEP.

     There are many considerations IEP team members need to take into account when deciding whether AT devices are necessary. The single most important component that needs to be addressed is looking at the individual student. What are the needs of the student. It is extremely important to see what the characteristics are of the student before considering what type of AT will be used. Once the needs of the student are addressed, exploring different types of devices need to be done and narrowed down. The devices need to have an impact on the students academic, functional, social, or behavioral aspect of their lives.

     There are six components that the IEP team needs to take into consideration:

1. Assistive technology devices and services are considered for all students with disabilities regardless of type or severity of disability.
2. The IEP team has the knowledge and skills to make informed assistive technology decisions.
3. The IEP team uses a collaborative decision making process based on data about the student environment and tasks to determine assistive technology needs.
4. A continuum of assistive technology devices and services is explored. 
5. Decisions regarding the need for assistive technology devices and services are made based on access to the curriculum and the studnet's IEP goals and objectives.
6. Decisions regarding the need for assistive technology devices and services and supporting data are documented.

Resources

Zabala, J. (2000, August). Quality Indicators for Consideration of Assistive Technology Needs. In QIAT Consortium. Retrieved October 13, 2014