Last week we talked about rethinking Microsoft as AT, UDL, and for accessibility. We have so many factors to consider when making appropriate AT recommendations. Let’s talk about how we make those decisions for communication and learning. #ATchat
Apple hosted an education event updating the iPad for education. There are more devices than ever! How do we consider all factors when proposing AT/AAC solutions? #ATchat
Yes, it should be a productive discussion. Now with Microsoft moving into the education market and the new updates from Apple. Tough time to make decisions #ATchat
Q1: What process do you use to determine the most appropriate hardware solution for an individual whether it’s for AAC or AT for learning and instruction? #ATchat
I think it is key to start with the main task objectives and evaluate the student's skills, thus identify the gap between them. Ex. A student with weak decoding but strong comprehension. Then see what technology could do to help with the gap, ex text-to-speech #atchat
A1 - What she said - has to start with the SETT Framework - who is the student, what is in the environment already, what tasks does the student need to accomplish and then can make the Tool recommendations. #ATchat
A1 What features do the student need to utilize? Do they do better with a keyboard or Touchscreen. What size can they handle. What platform does the software that matches their needs come on? #ATchat
A1 While the SETT process is incredibly important, some of it comes down to what do we have in place already in the school setting. So if I have a school full of Chromebook users, first I am going to see what will work on the Chromebook to meet that student's needs #atchat
A1 While the SETT process is incredibly important, some of it comes down to what do we have in place already in the school setting. So if I have a school full of Chromebook users, first I am going to see what will work on the Chromebook to meet that student's needs #atchat
A1: 1. determine task demands/learning objectives. 2. Evaluate student abilities, 3. Identify gaps. 4. Find tools to meet the gap. 5. Evaluate the learning environment, both infrastructure( like internet connectivity) and knowledge of personal. #atchat
Q1: What process do you use to determine the most appropriate hardware solution for an individual whether it’s for AAC or AT for learning and instruction? #ATchat
A1- depending upon the student, I use tools like the AAC Genie app, uPar and Decoste Writing Protocol as part of the information gathering process which guides recommendations. #ATchat
Q2: Making appropriate recommendations means you often have to trial or explore a variety of tools or devices as part of assessment or consultation. How do you ensure you have the “right” AT/AAC devices available? #ATchat
If we are going to consider hardware already in the environment, I would think some information about the hardware available at home might be important. Our students won't stay in the same school their entire educational career. Families are the longterm support system. #ATchat
A1: in AAC, I see SETT & feature matching as complementary processes. What’s already in use in the environment absolutely plays a role in the decision as well as if family comes in with something they particularly want to explore. #ATchat
I see a lot of minimally verbal children and families for whom AT has not taken hold or been embraced, not sure of the correct terminology. Any suggestions for tools to assess where the brekdown is or how to help progress? #ATchat
I see a lot of minimally verbal children and families for whom AT has not taken hold or been embraced, not sure of the correct terminology. Any suggestions for tools to assess where the brekdown is or how to help progress? #ATchat
A2 @AACCaroline has a saying "Dance with the partner you came with" You might not always have the "right" AT/AAC device available, so you start w/what you have and see what works or what is missing and go from there #atchat
Q2: data collection methods; lots of perspectives; video examples; and importantly studentvoice/choice. And of course it's a constant revisit of...is this *still* the right modality? #atchat
I find providing education for the family helps the home environment. To assess gaps I find taking a communication sample using the Communicaiton Sampling Analysis software is helpful https://t.co/VgoITArBS4#ATchat
A2: this is the hardest question for multiple reasons. Multiple factors have to be considered simultaneously and what works for one assignment perfectly may be horrible for another assignment despite it being the same student using the set up #atchat
Q2: Making appropriate recommendations means you often have to trial or explore a variety of tools or devices as part of assessment or consultation. How do you ensure you have the “right” AT/AAC devices available? #ATchat
Doing a routines based interview with the family is also a way to ensure that you are meeting the family's needs when considering AT or AAC for use at home. What are their priorities? #atchat
A2: lots of AAC options are available on the iPad, & it’s possible to emulate many devices. Eye gaze- I contact vendors to borrow for a demo for interested parties. #ATchat
A2 I find you have to talk to the student, teachers, and specialists. I also read the testing. I look at what specific need(s) that are most important in this case and I try to match this with technology. You have to try it to be sure. #atchat
A2: lots of AAC options are available on the iPad, & it’s possible to emulate many devices. Eye gaze- I contact vendors to borrow for a demo for interested parties. #ATchat
A2: I try to make sure I have the basic features covered across different software/hardware I have. I also use vender supports to help more specialized clients! #ATchat
Technology specialist have to remember patience when teaching families and students. Myths don't break instantaneously it takes time. Taking the time upfront works the best for long-term technology adoption. #atchat
Q3: What happens when your technology recommendations don’t align with the district’s technology devices(like 1-1 programs) or the district’s technology proficiency? For example, the SLPs don’t know the AAC device or app or the Ts don’t use the AT. #ATchat
@VickiBostonSLP So much about it being the right fit for a student is said by the look on their face when they are using it. Obviously this would not be a measurable outcome, but considers the social-emotional component. #ATchat
A2a: I have use our AT library, mostly for hardware. I really try to have software available. Because I work AT in one building (half SLP caseload) I need to have things available pretty quickly. I get a lot of time for evals but its spaced out. #ATchat
In the past week, i had five students WANT to continue writing because they finally had tools that bypasses their challenges. Previously, they avoided it at all costs. #ATchat#givestudentswhattheyneed
@VickiBostonSLP So much about it being the right fit for a student is said by the look on their face when they are using it. Obviously this would not be a measurable outcome, but considers the social-emotional component. #ATchat
Setting aside access issues & caregiver/teacher preference about AAC options, I think you can make almost anything work if necessary. But some options lead to better buy-in from stakeholders (especially the user) & easier implementation. #ATchat
A3: If the student needs something specific, I've rarely had trouble getting districts to purchase it. If an SLP/teacher doesn't know I will support them. Student success is paramount. #ATchat
A3 Getting educators and students to buy into the device is key. I try to recommend devices on a platform that the school uses. I also offer training and follow up and offer help. Buy-in and communications is a big part of what we do. #atchat
Q3: What happens when your technology recommendations don’t align with the district’s technology devices(like 1-1 programs) or the district’s technology proficiency? For example, the SLPs don’t know the AAC device or app or the Ts don’t use the AT. #ATchat
Let’s be honest, this probably happens more often than not, where the teacher doesn’t have proficiency or the SLP in the classroom doesn’t know the recommendation… That’s why it’s so important for it to be a team consideration at every IEP meeting #ATchat
Q3: What happens when your technology recommendations don’t align with the district’s technology devices(like 1-1 programs) or the district’s technology proficiency? For example, the SLPs don’t know the AAC device or app or the Ts don’t use the AT. #ATchat
Agreed! I’ve been fortunate. Shifting the perspective in a kind but firm way has been helpful. When t’s and SLP’s felt empowered and okay with not being “perfect”, cool stuff happens. #ATChat
Agreed! We look at what we are currently using, what features match the problem, and work collectively to solve it. If that doesn’t work, we look at other tools/devices, #ATChat
Q4: We saw last week at Apples edu event-a new iPad was unveiled aimed at the edu market? What was your take? Do you think it will successfully top Chromebooks? #ATchat
A3: Also - when the appropriate tech is different than the district choice- we must educate teams on why we selected. Remind them that AT is student specific>not same as 1-1 tools #ATchat
Droid has sooo many tablets. They just can't beat Apple with the app options available on the iPad for programming reasons. Not to mention case options, keyguards, etc. #ATchat
A:4 GREAT QUESTION... think that although Apple is superior in the accessibility area, on a global uses 1:1 they still lack in price point, durability & to add a keyboard you need to PAY even MORE $ .... think it’s great for some but still not versatile enough for all #ATChat
A4: just brainstorming but for districts in rural America with low Internet connectivity I would imagine Apple may be better. What does everyone else think? #atchat
Q4: We saw last week at Apples edu event-a new iPad was unveiled aimed at the edu market? What was your take? Do you think it will successfully top Chromebooks? #ATchat
A4 Having written an app guide for the iPad I can say Apple had the education market and dropped the ball. If they listen to educators and fill needs they might get some of it back but Chromebooks are what people want today. #atchat
I know the apple price for 1 iPad is 329, but I know my program purchases them in bulk because they are cheaper, and I am unsure what that bulk price is. I assume that is the same for Chromebooks? #ATchat
A4 Having written an app guide for the iPad I can say Apple had the education market and dropped the ball. If they listen to educators and fill needs they might get some of it back but Chromebooks are what people want today. #atchat
Q4 I still think the iPad is superior for the early childhood world over a Chromebook, so it depends on the environment and students --SETT is not just for AT, but for any ed tech consideration! #atchat
I think Apple should sell the new iPad with a keyboard case and try to compete with G Suite. There are still a lot of AT apps for the iPad that are great. I still like that iPad for AT #atchat
A5: Don't worry if you feel like you can't keep up and there's way too many options out there for you to know off the top your head. This is why we have a community and we ask each other about the latest developments. #atchat
This is exactly what happened in our district, as we are 1:1 Chromebook in grades 1-12. (I have iPads in our specialized programs and for AAC-tool to task)! #ATChat
Get on QIAT and participate/stalk #atchat ! So many great people to consult with! And don't be afraid to start with what you already know or to start slow.
A5: Seek our the mentorship of someone in your district with experience or your #pln on twitter! In Florida T’s and therapists can get #PD about AT for free through Online PDA courses https://t.co/hGzHJEXCgr and F2F also #ATIA has great webinars #atchat#fledchat#fdlrs
A5: Having been that person, connect with your states AT program. Connect to QIAT. Connect here. Connect with others who aren’t afraid of tech and experimenting. #atchat
Definitely! The screen of an iPad is best for little hands and young dexterity! Track pads and mouses are very hard for early elementary kids to use. #atchat
Mentors from #atchat and ATIA have helped me so much!! Thank you to all the AT community for welcoming me the graduate student in fold a few years ago!
A5: Participate in as many learning opprotunities as possible, and then just dive right in. Be patient with buy-in from people who have known you awhile, but you will get there the more they see your recommendations. #ATchat
It is so awesome having you part of the AT Community. You are contributing to the needed basis research basis and it's exciting to see what how your work will influence us. #ATchat
Mentors from #atchat and ATIA have helped me so much!! Thank you to all the AT community for welcoming me the graduate student in fold a few years ago!
A5: best thing I did was go to ATIA. Found a community & the vendor hall is a great place to learn what all those features are really about & what they mean for your students. #ATchat
