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Assistive Tech Cautions. Student Tracking…. In your speech folder for each student: SETT/ reSETT report Year-end AAC/AT Summary Anything else that would alert and inform a new SLP as to the student’s present communication system(s) and future needs. Wording in the IEP.
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Student Tracking…. • In your speech folder for each student: • SETT/reSETT report • Year-end AAC/AT Summary • Anything else that would alert and inform a new SLP as to the student’s present communication system(s) and future needs
Wording in the IEP • Do a revision of the IEP each time there is a SETT or reSETT meeting to reflect where the student is in the process • State that information in the Present Levels • Description of the AAC (device and backup) can go in SDI
Should a specific communication device be named in the IEP? • Best practice: describe the device features, not the brand name • Examples of features: • Symbol representation- symbols, words, objects, visual scenes • Speech output- Synthesized vs. digitized speech • Selection method- direct selection, scanning, eye gaze
Feature descriptions of communication devices: • Nova Chat 7 or 10- dynamic display communication device on tablet platform with core vocabulary/symbols, medium sized screen, external Bluetooth speaker, and synthesized speech output • DynavoxVmax+- dynamic display communication device with large sized screen, symbols/words/letters/visual scenes, built in speaker, synthesized and digitized speech, and environmental controls • Accent 800- dynamic display communication device with medium sized screen, core vocabulary/Unity icons/words/letters, synthesized and digitized speech output, and environmental controls
Additional feature descriptions • iPad with Proloquo2Go- medium sized tablet based device with a customizable communication app containing core vocabulary/symbols/photos/words, word prediction, and synthesized speech output • iPad with TouchChat HD- medium sized tablet based device with a customizable communication app containing core vocabulary/symbols/photos/words, word prediction, and digitized and synthesized speech output • Proxtalker- static display communication device with tags, symbols/words/objects, digitized speech, and direct selection access
Good Resource • *Some additional features that may be included in the description: -Selection method- i.e. accessed via eye gaze, scanning, direct selection -Symbols- i.e. SymbolStix, PCS • * http://www.aactechconnect.com/ -Device Assistant- detailed information on many different devices -AAC Apps Assistant- detailed information on current communication apps
Districts and Insurance Companies say:Show me the Data! • Start collecting data on a student’s PRESENT communication attempts BEFORE a device trial begins • Use the same data collection method during the device trial(s).
Don’t rush to technology…. • The district LEA must know about and approve the use of any equipment that could eventually cost them money! • Don’t start using the classroom iPad with an AAC app without LEA knowledge and approval. • Get the SETT process started • Remember that more than one device needs to be tried! The iPad is NOT always the answer!
Preventing Disasters • Be familiar with and USE: • Restrictions within the app • Locks or restrictions that prevent users from modifying content • Turn edicing mode OFF before giving the device to the student • Device-wide restrictions (in the iPad settings) • Camera • Adding/Deleting Apps • Safari • Facetime • In-app purchases • Guided Access • Under Accessibility
Preventing Disasters • Back up the student’s user programming! • Within the app – set automatically in ProLoQuo • To a computer • Instructions will be on the AT Web Page • Ask your AT consultant for help • Take screen shots and print copies of the student’s screens or maintain another form of back-up alternative
When to call…. • If there is SETT or reSETT meeting • When a device breaks • When there is difficulty with implementation • If there is a change in student status • Anytime you have questions about starting or moving through the SETT process
Who to call for AAC issues: • Lauren Enders lenders@bucksiu.org • Pat Mervinepmervine@bucksiu.org • Melissa Skocypecmskocypec@bucksiu.org • Rachael Smolenmsmolen@bucksiu.org • Cathie VanAlstinecvanalstine@bucksiu.org • Sara Doyle sdoyle@bucksiu.org
Where to find more info: • AT Web Page: • Special Education, then Special Education Services • http://www3.bucksiu.org/Page/1143 • ATWorksListserv: • Send an email to Rachel Burkett to join • rburkett@bucksiu.org • Put ATWORKS in the subject line
Other sources of support: • YouTube and TeacherTube videos • Device and app websites