Slide 1
Getting AT into Local Schools
Deb Parker Wolfenden
Funding and Policy Consultant
MaineCITE Project
RESNA Conference
June 29, 2002
Slide 2
State Acknowledgments
• Iowa
• Illinois
• Virginia
• Nevada
• Massachusetts
• Wisconsin
• Maryland
• Texas
• Connecticut
• Oregon
• Maine
• Minnesota

Slide 3
What We'll Cover
• Convincing administrators
– Funding
– Common Threads
– Capacity Building
• AT Assessment Process

• Staff Development
• Wrap Up
– Oops
– WOW
– Challenges
– Resources

Slide 4
Historical Reminders
• AT devices and services have always been a part of I.D.E.A. and E.H.A.
– 1990 Amendments
– 1995 Amendments
– 1997 Amendments
• Shall Consider....
– Real considerations NOT check-offs

Slide 5
Convincing Administrators
• Get them trained and keep them trained
• Show them that technology is important for all kids
• Show them how AT can be beneficial to multiple populations
• Dispel myths about costs
• What can I do to help you understand AT?

Slide 6
Sources of money going into classrooms
• Regular Education
• Special Education
• Preschool 
• Technology and media

Slide 7
Common Threads
• Technology Plan Development
• Staff Development
• Curriculum Development
• Materials Development
• Assessment and Evaluation Development

Slide 8
Staff Training
• Offer it and they will come

• Look at needs of staff who are asking questions/making referrals

• Consider delivery options - be flexible and ongoing

Slide 9
Capacity Building
• Be at the table
• Find out where the positions are open
• Get "pieces" of peoples' time
• Collaborate with everyone - they all have a piece of funding

Slide 10
Words Of Wisdom (WOW)
• Plan
• Network
• Integrate AT plans within district's educational technology plans

• Explore options which give staff ready made materials
• Capitalize on people and funding resources

Slide 11
WOW continued
• Offer staff development which meets the needs of all learners
• M & M of AT (money and manpower)
• Collaborate with regular education technology dept
• Educate your administration and keep them educated and informed

Slide 12
Oops!
• Don't change just because people are unhappy 
• Lack of vision
• Not staying person-centered
• It's a process - don't go too fast
• Lack of communication
• Putting AT into hands of teachers without training is a WASTE of time and resources

Slide 13
The AT Assessment Process
• Assessments Teams composition
• Types of Assessments
• Know who else pays for the Assessment
– Appeals Options
– Eligibility  Options
– Justification requirements
• Integration of AT across environments, domains, etc. 
• Re-assessment 

Slide 14
Continuing Challenges
• Limited staff
• Limited funds
• Techno-phobics
• Political Will
• Qualification of providers
• Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement Plans that involve everyone
• Redefinition of how and where we deliver AT services and devices?!

Slide 15
Resources
• State Education Agencies
• Federal and state special education agencies
• Local Education Agencies
• State Tech Act Projects
• Professional Associations
• RESNA TA Project
• ATAP
• Closing The Gap
• Education Tech Points
• Parent Organizations
• Advocacy Organizations