MMSD Today

News and information for staff members and the Madison community

Vol. I No. 2 - December 19, 2005

Assistive Devices for Special Education Students

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In MMSD, an Assistive Technology (AT) device can be any piece of equipment or product that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a student who has an identified disability. An AT device can be something as simple as a pencil grip or as complicated and intricate as a laptop computer.

When considering an AT device for a student, the AT staff recommends the following:

Explore the use of low-tech items before moving on to high tech items.
Document how students use or perform with different types of devices.
Last of all, ensure that students have the necessary pre-requisite skills they will need when proposing more sophisticated technology devices (e.g., PDA).

Scott Zimmerman is the MMSD Coordinator for AT. Barb Ditscheit, program support teacher (PST), is available (7.5 hours/week) to assist staff with concerns related to the AT assessment process and its inclusion in a student's individualized education program (IEP). Pam Wallenfang helps problem-solve issues concerning AT equipment or software (12.75 hours/week). The AT Assessment Library office is staffed by Kim Paul (14 hours/week).

Additional information about AT assessment procedures and other procedures regarding AT is available on the district's Web-site by clicking here. For more information, contact the AT Assessment office and lending library at 204-3231 (located at Marquette Elementary School.)

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Last Updated: Tue Mar 28 12:17:36 2006
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