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

• 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

• Dynavox Vmax+- 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 Enderslenders@bucksiu.org

• Pat Mervinepmervine@bucksiu.org

• Melissa Skocypec mskocypec@bucksiu.org

• Rachael Smolen msmolen@bucksiu.org• Cathie VanAlstine

cvanalstine@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

• ATWorks Listserv: – Send an email to Rachel Burkett to join• rburkett@bucksiu.org• Put ATWORKS in the subject line

Extremely helpful website:PrAACticalAAC.org

Other sources of support:

• YouTube and TeacherTube videos• Device and app websites