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Assistive Technology in Rural School Districts: A Shared Approach

Assistive Technology in Rural School Districts: A Shared Approach. presented by : B rooks H ogan , ME d A ssistive T echnology C oordinator G reenwood 51/52 and A bbeville 60 bhogan@greenwood52.org.

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Assistive Technology in Rural School Districts: A Shared Approach

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  1. Assistive Technology in Rural School Districts:A Shared Approach presented by: Brooks Hogan, MEd Assistive Technology Coordinator Greenwood 51/52 and Abbeville 60 bhogan@greenwood52.org

  2. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Meade

  3. When I say rural… • Ware Shoals School District (Greenwood 51) • 1100 students, approximately • 3 school campuses • 184 students receive special services • Ninety Six School District (Greenwood 52) • 1700 students, approximately • 4 school campuses • 157 students receive special services • Abbeville County School District (Abbeville 60) • 3200 students, approximately • 8 school campuses • 524 students receive special services

  4. The Game Plan Secure a Federal Grant to fund the position of AT Specialist for 1 year to be shared among the 3 school districts. The AT Specialist will locate/label/inventory all AT devices within each district. Assessments conducted in each district with Special Education teachers to determine their current level of knowledge and skill in the use of AT.

  5. The Game Plan (continued) The AT Specialist will train teachers/students in the use of current software and devices available in each district. The AT Specialist will create AT Teams in each school, as well as train them to conduct AT Assessments. The districts will try to find funding within their budgets to sustain the position going forward.

  6. What are the challenges? • Each district’s uniqueness • Students • Director’s vision for AT • Location of work files • Work Schedule • Personal follow-up • Awareness of who I am and what I do

  7. The Results Currently in my 3rd year with the districts Inventory is tracked and check-out procedures are in place Student and Teacher trainings are ongoing Presentations are given to educate/inform about AT AT Assessment Teams and Procedures have been implemented Informal lending of AT among the districts

  8. How did we get here? SC DOE Assistive Technology Regional Specialists, especially Valeska Gioia SCATP and their numerous resources Dedicated related service providers in each district (OT, PT, SLP, VI Specialist) Open-minded classroom teachers (both general and special) Supportive Administrators (building and district levels)

  9. What does the AT Assessment process look like? Referral Determination if Assessment is needed If “yes”, then AT Coordinator collects data from all parties involved and conducts observations in different environments across the student’s school day Meeting held with AT Team members to review all data; strategies/solutions are discussed Trial usage is implemented until satisfactory recommendations can be given to IEP team

  10. My “go to” resources: http://www.sc.edu/scatp/ http://sccatn.wikispaces.com/ http://www.wati.org http://www.cast.org http://www.gpat.org http://www.fctd.info/newsletters

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