Hillsborough+-+Sherie

__**Don't**__**:**
 * Introduction - What are your personal Do's and Don'ts?**
 * I am the newest AT Specialist on the ACAT team in Hillsborough County so my personal Do's and Don'ts are still developing. However, a few of my Do's and Don'ts are:**
 * __Do__:**
 * ... learn as much as I can.**
 * ... apply what I know about technology as well as my knowledge from being a recent classroom teacher to my assistance to all teachers and students.**
 * ... discuss my ideas and suggestions with other members of our team; afterall, they have more experience.**
 * ... remember that AT has to be individualized, just like our students and their instruction.**
 * ... fall into the "But that's the way we've always done it" (quoted from the book); however, //Do remember that perhaps the way "we've always done it", is done that way for a reason.//**

As the authors state on p. 18, "the easiest solutions to implement are often the ones that require little or no intrusion or special equipment". I agree with the authors that when providing solutions for students that we should consider the solutions that will most easily fit into the students' routine and that whether high-tech or low-tech, we should chose the right tool with the least amount of restrictions that assist in getting the job done.
 * // Chapter 1 (pp 11-22): What do yo need to consider when providing the lowest tech solution possible? //** I

//**Chapter 2 (pp. 21-26): What solution(s) would you recommend for Tyler?**// I agree with the book and although there are ways to stop the clickity-clicking, stopping the clicking will not stop the inappropriate behavior and does not maximize accessibility. I like their suggestions: create lesson(s) on how to appropriately use the mouse, model the appropriate behaviors, etc. Also, if you figure out why Tyler's clicking, you can possibly replace the inappropriate behavior with a more appropriate behavior.

//**Chapter 3: What AT needs must the IEP team include on an IEP? What should NOT be on the IEP? How do Florida's new Accommodations relate?**// When including AT in an IEP goal, it is important to realize that AT helps students meet any goal. AT should not be listed as a goal by itself. AT should be included within the goal as assistance or means to meeting their goals; i.e., using a communication device as needed, Susie will answer comprehension questions ....; or, with the assistance of a portable keyboard, Johnny will construct a 4 sentence paragraph. I agree with the book that Assistive technology devices can be any item that assists a student achieve any goal.

//**Chapter 4: what resources will you use to keep up with AT? What assistance are you able to offer others?**// I strongly believe that knowledge is a continuous learning process. The more I read, research, etc., the more I learn and the more I have to offer. I'm fortunate that I am working on a team consisting of experienced and very knowledgeable individuals. As the newest member of the AT team, I am looking forward to learning from the others on my team. One thing I feel I have to offer others is my recent classroom experience and my strong knowledge of the curriculum for students with significant cognitive disabilities. My hopes are that I can combine my knowledge of the curriculum and technology with the experience of my team members.