Assistive Technology Corner

Assistive Tech Team Members
Melissa Kania mkania@kcsec.org
Tennile Tarrant ttarrant@kcsec.org
Alice Strobel astrobel@kcsec.org

Location
All school districts in Kendall County

Age Range
Three through twenty-one years of age

Description of Services
IDEA states that assistive technology devices or services must be made available to a child with a disability if required as a part of the child’s special education, related services, or supplementary aids and services. An assistive technology device is a piece of equipment that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of children with disabilities. An assistive technology service is any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.

The determination to refer a child for an assistive technology observation is made at an IEP meeting by the IEP Team. After observing a child, the assistive technology team determines whether an evaluation is warranted. Upon completion of an assistive technology evaluation, an IEP meeting is held to discuss the assistive technology team’s recommendations regarding assistive technology.

The recommendations from the assistive technology professional may include the use of equipment such as a voice output device, software to assist with academics, and/or strategies to employ in the classroom. The assistive technology team may recommend equipment and software to be purchased. The assistive technology team provides training to students, teachers, support staff, and parents on the operation of specific equipment. The assistive technology team monitors the student’s use of assistive technology and makes any necessary adjustments. The assistive technology team is responsible for maintaining assistive technology equipment and making repairs when needed.