Similar to any technology integration pro- gram, there is a process for determining a match between students and potential
assistive technology (AT). Here are some lessons and tips I have learned from working with
school teams and students who need AT.
AT can facilitate positive outcomes for
students who use it. To identify appropriate
technologies for students, use a selection
process that involves thoughtful:
• Consideration and provision of AT tools
• Coordinated implementation
• Performance monitoring
Consideration and Provision of AT
Some questions to ask when considering a
student for AT include:
1. Is the student’s performance allowing him
or her to meet the expectations of school
tasks?
2. If not, what specific difficulties are preventing the student from meeting them?
3. How can the student use AT to bypass
the difficulties and meet the performance
expectations?
There is no magic tool, but several models
exist to guide education professionals to ask
the right questions during this process. Among
them are the Students, Environments, Tasks, and
Tools (SETT) Framework ( joyzabala.com/Documents.html) and Education Tech Points (
educationtechpoints.org).
Often, an AT solution that allows a student
to achieve expected performance is not a single
tool but a system of tools used together, such as
a computer, a mobile device, internet access, and
specific apps.
If teachers know the types of AT that are available
and how they may help students with disabilities
in their classrooms, they are better able to integrate
AT into instruction. Many AT solutions are free or
inexpensive. For example, the Universal Design for
Learning Tech Toolkit (udltechtoolkit.wikispaces.
com) contains a variety of free software and web-based solutions available to all students.
Of course, what works on paper does not al-
ways work in reality. Students need to try differ-
ent AT tools to find the most appropriate match.
Understanding the technology features that meet
students’ needs is essential when choosing technology. TechMatrix ( techmatrix.org) provides
AS
I
SEEAT
Delivering on the Promise of AT
As I See AT volunteer
columnists offer tips,
resources, and practical
advice about how tech-
nology can help students
with learning difficulties
and disabilities meet the
challenges of rigorous
academic programs.
By Brian W. Wojcik
SETT Framework
joyzabala.com/Documents.html
Education Tech Points
educationtechpoints.org
Universal Design for Learning Tech Toolkit
udltechtoolkit.wikispaces.com
