Hillsborough+-+Lenore


 * FDLRS/Gulfcoast Book Study Reflection **
 * Lenore **


 * Assignment 1 - Introduction **


 * “What are your personal Do’s & Don’ts” **


 * Do: **
 * Keep an open mind **
 * Try to “think outside the box” **
 * Consider the AT Continuum **
 * Go for the low tech solution whenever possible **
 * Use the SETT Framework when looking at an individual student **


 * Don’t: **
 * Restrict your options **
 * Try to match a device to the student **
 * Think you are the only person with a solution **
 * Be afraid to ask more questions regarding AT possibilities **
 * Pre-judge what the student is capable of **


 * FDLRS/Gulfcoast Book Study Reflection **
 * Lenore **


 * Assignment 2 – Chapter 1 **


 * What do you need to consider when providing the lowest tech solution possible? **


 * Look at the student and what he is physically and cognitively capable of doing. Start with the non-electronic tools that can assist the student in accessing his/her curriculum. It is not about anyone but the student and what tools/strategies will help him/her be successful. **


 * For instance, a student has difficulty learning to write. Pull in the OT as a consultant and try things like pencil grips (not just one type), modified paper (create graph like paper for the student to write one letter or word in a box), or consider raise-lined paper before going to an electronic solution such as portable word processor, computer or “smart pen”. **


 * FDLRS/Gulfcoast Book Study Reflection **
 * Lenore **


 * Assignment 3 – Chapter 2 **


 * What solution/s would you recommend for Tyler? **


 * It sounds as though Tyler does not yet have a good sense of cause and effect to use the computer in a meaningful way. Using cause effect software may help, but another possibility may be to go to a lower tech instrument such as switch activated toy or ECU turning on and off something Tyler really likes. There was nothing to indicate Tyler’s cognitive level so it’s hard to say what he comprehends. If he doesn’t have cause and effect yet, it might be better to teach that skill first before attempting to teach mouse skills. It may be a good idea to call in the OT to find out if clicking is a sensory issue and what sensory issue is setting it off. Is it the sound of the clicking, the tactile feedback or the visual changes taking place on the screen from the mouse click that is so appealing to Tyler? There are still many unanswered questions before we put together a meaningful strategy to help Tyler stop clicking. **


 * FDLRS/Gulfcoast Book Study Reflection **
 * Lenore **


 * Assignment 4 – Chapter 3 **


 * Reflect on these questions: **
 * 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? **


 * The IEP team MUST document that Assistive Technology was considered for every individual student who has an IEP. **


 * The IEP should not have Assistive Technology written as a goal for the student. AT can be considered an accommodation that will help the student access the curriculum and provide that student FAPE. AT can be in the present level stating the student is successful and is meeting goals through the use of whatever AT he/she is using. **


 * Students must first be properly evaluated and be eligible for services before any accommodations can be considered. Once the student is found eligible for services, it is up to the IEP team to determine what accommodations are needed to provide FAPE to the student. **


 * Students who have a 504 plan are also eligible for accommodations. The student educational team is responsible for determining what those accommodations will be. **


 * The student planning team should be using questions found in the SETT framework to help determine appropriate accommodations and what tools are needed by the student to be successful and provide FAPE. **


 * FDLRS/Gulfcoast Book Study Reflection **
 * Lenore **


 * Assignment 5 – Chapter 4 **


 * What resources will you use to keep up with AT? What assistance are you able to offer to others? **


 * As the Regional contact for West Central Florida TECHS and LATS I try to keep current through attending conferences like Closing the Gap and ATIA. I also have direct contact with manufacturers who update me on the latest devices and software versions. For instance, there will be a new version of Texthelp Read & Right Gold being announced at ATIA 2011, Orlando. I also rely on the LATS and TECHS to keep me updated on devices, strategies and software used in their district. I also subscribe to the BEESS weekly memo in order to stay current with latest information put out regarding ESE students in the state of Florida. I share all information with the FDLRS CTS and district LATS. **


 * I am able to give assistance to Techs, LATS, teachers, therapists, private sector professionals and parents in the areas of AT, IT, UDL, Accommodations, NIMAS, and current Laws. I try to make my contact information available to as many people as possible to promote the services of the FDLRS network. **