child, who wants to be independent, is able to speak clearly but can-
not write because of a physical disability is able to explain their frus-
tration to their businessman uncle who constantly uses his phone to
organize his schedule and dictate meeting notes. In moments, a solu-
tion could be found with some simple practice using the microphone
and a notes app.
It is often recommended that schools utilize the following steps
when considering AT. In short it is called “SETTS.” This same pro-
cess can be used at any age including for adults with developmental
disabilities searching for ways to live more independently.
Student: Look at strengths, abilities, and preferences, learning
style, motivation, and challenges. What is preventing him/her from
independent participation in the curriculum/life activities? What
“works” for this student?
Environment: Where does the need exist? Consider the class-
room, cafeteria, home, recreation and employment.
Task: What are the goals for this child? Can the task be com-
pleted efficiently in the same manner as his/her peers?
Technology: What item will achieve the task? Technology can
address needs in the areas of writing, communication, reading, study-
ing, math, recreation and leisure, activities of daily living, vision,
hearing, work, positioning and seating.
Strategies: Define where and how the technology will be in-
cluded into the student’s day and life. Decide what training is neces-
sary for the child to be successful. Does that include parents, teachers,
classroom aides or other professionals?
You may not be a technology expert but you do know your child
or loved one well. You have valuable information to share. Talk with
your child’s teacher, therapists, rehabilitation staff, and others. Share
what information you can during the evaluation process. Ensure goals
are specific and meaningful for your child. Ask questions like… How
can he or she do their homework without me beside them? Is there
something that can help keep my child from getting lost when walking
to a friend’s house? Assistive technology can improve the quality of
life for someone with a disability and lead to living more independent
lives.
For more information about assisitve technolgy check out these
websites:
Parent Network of WNY
https://parentnetworkwny.org/support-and-services/assistive-technology/
NYSED.gov Special Education
Webcast on Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities (May 2016)
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/2016-memos/
assistive-technology-webinar.html
Center on Technology and Disability
https://www.ctdinstitute.org/
Parent Network of WNY, a not-for-profit agency that provides FREE
education and resources for families of individuals with special needs
(birth through adulthood) and for professionals. They provide 1-on-
1 support and education through resources, workshops and support
groups to assist families of individuals with disabilities to understand
their disability and navigate the support service system. The majority
of Parent Network of WNY’s staff and board members are parents of
children with disabilities, which provides a unique perspective, per-
sonal experience and empathy to the families they reach. This article
was prepared in cooperation with the Public Relations Committee of
the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of WNY (DDAWNY).
November 2018 WNY Family 37