Solution Generation (cont.)
Trial Device(s)
Once a list of specific AT tools is generated, the AT Assessment team should prepare to complete AT trials with the student. To prepare for a trial with an AT device, the AT Assessment team may use a pre-made form to ensure preparations are adequate/complete for each student.
The guide leads the IEP team to answer questions like:
- Who is going to coordinate the trial to help acquire the device(s)?
- What training may be needed for the student, family, and/or team members on how to use the AT?
- Who will set up, troubleshoot, recharge, and otherwise manage the AT during the trial?
- Where, when, and during what tasks will the student use the AT during the trial?
- What outcomes will determine success of the trial, whether or not additional AT should be trialed, and/or whether the trial should be discontinued?
Where to Get AT Devices for Trial
- The LEA's AT inventory
- Visit device manufacturers’ websites for information about trials and local sales representatives
- Oklahoma also has two state-specific resources for obtaining trials with AT devices:
- AIM Center at the Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
(www.olbph.org) - Oklahoma ABLE Tech: Oklahoma’s statewide AT Act Program (www.okabletech.org)
Appendix C for a link to Professional Development in Choosing Specific AT to Trial Resources.
Collect Data
The IEP team will need to collect data about each device trial to provide objective information about student performance and to help the team make a decision about which AT device(s) are appropriate for the student. This may be recorded on the WATI Trial Use Guide. There are a variety of data collection tools that can be used to document a student’s progress during an AT device trial. It may be necessary to consider the funding source during the trial as some entities require a video of the student using the device as criteria for funding it.
and Appendix C for a link to Professional Development in Data Collection Resources
After completing trials and collecting data, the team should know which device(s) will meet the student’s needs. If more than one device meets the same need, the team may need to consider additional questions to select the best device.
- Will a no- or low-tech solution work just as well as a high-tech solution?
- Will the technology work in all necessary settings or environments?
- If it will be moved regularly, how portable is it?
- How easy is it to learn and operate?
- How reliable is it under school and/or home conditions?
- Does it need to work with other technologies?
- Are there sufficient technical resources available at the school or district level to support the technology?
