Assistive Technology: Considerations for School Based Teams (2009)
This collection of webcasts features Dr. Penny Reed discussing issues important to school based teams considering or implementing assistive technology with their students. View Dr. Reed's Biography
Before Making the Request
In this interview, Dr. Reed discusses how school based teams can determine if their students "need" assistive technology and how teams should prepare to make a request for the technology.
- Assistive Technology: Before Making the Request (10:27 min)
- Before Making the Request Summary Notes (167K PDF)
Planning for Implementation
Dr. Reed provides information for teams who have requested assistive technology and are now planning for implementation. Determining key members of the implementation team, the importance of implementation planning, and what to bring to planning meetings is discussed.
- Assistive Technology: Planning for Implementation (13:00 min)
- Planning for Implementation Summary Notes (166K PDF)
Making the Most of Training
During this interview, Dr. Reed discusses how teams can make the most of their assistive technology training – who should be included in the training, how much time can a team expect to spend training, and what teams can do even before the technology arrives.
- Assistive Technology: Making the Most of Training (7:47min)
- Making the Most of Training Summary Notes (162K PDF)
Is It Working?
Dr. Reed answers important questions on how a school based team can show whether or not an assistive technology solution is working for a student. The discussion also includes suggestions for how to introduce the technology, how often to review the implementation plan, and how teams can help create smooth and successful student transitions.
- Assistive Technology: Is It Working? (13:34 min)
- Is It Working? Summary Notes (177K PDF)
Receiving a Student Using Technology
In this interview, Dr. Reed offers suggestions for teams who are receiving a student who already has an assistive technology solution in place. She gives practical suggestions for reviewing the existing implementation plan, what teams should do if they don’t understand the technology, and how receiving teams can ensure future teams are well informed.