Assistive Technology Supports for Students with

Low Incidence Disabilities: C & I 595.50

Fall, 2015

Project 1:
AT and the IEP
Nataliya Lemeza
a. Description of Student: TG is a sweet and young 6 year old, who is very friendly. She is
currently in 1st grade. TG has multiple disabilities one of which being cerebral palsy. She is
deaf-blind, wears hearing aids and has an ocular and a neurological vision loss. The
amblyopic eye is her right eye. Her left eye is her better eye. TG is currently below grade
level and is working on meeting her IEP Goals set for her at the beginning of last year.
b. Quality Indicator Review of IEP:
Looking through TGs IEP I notice several Low-Tech AT devices. One of which is
flashcards. Her IEP does not mention anything about the PECS Card System however, after
contacting her school support staff, TG I have been informed that she is currently being
trained to use the PECS Card System.
PECS is a great AT device that will assist TG in making requests. From what I understand,
PECS can only be administered by an individual that is trained in using the PECS system. I
am not trained in using the PECS Card Exchange System therefore would not be qualified to
take on the initial task of assisting her in the picture exchange card system. This is a
downfall of the PECs program.
Looking through the Qiat list, one may notice the several common errors of AT devices one
of which may being that AT devices wont support IEP goals in a measurable way. Although,
in some instances, this may be true, why are we holding back that which could potentially
help a particular child thrive? As with technology, one may never keep up to date with it, we
should consider AT devices intimidating, rather an opportunity to become a student once
again to learn something new!
c. Analysis and Recommendations: Comment on both what is included in the IEP and what
might be added to strengthen the students access to tools and supports that have the
potential to improve learning and independence.
Incorporating AT into TGs daily routine goals provides a better educational outcome for her
and those that work alongside TG. AT may easily be incorporated within story time, or during
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C & I 595 Fall, 2015 McGregor & Alwell

a small group math lesson. TG does not always have to be exposed to the counting bears
manipulatives Using an Ipad App that will allow TG to touch the five little monkeys (her
favorite characters), to help her count will not only make it engaging for her, but would
introduce the importance of counting skills.
Again, an Ipad App may be used to initiate greetings to her peers. If TG isnt meeting this
goal by waving hello or tapping a peer on the shoulder, clearly she wont ever meet this goal
if its not important to her.
AT devices will help TG meet her goals, even if they arent met in a year, they must be met to
help her become successful in her education.

d. Resources to Support Effective Use of AT: The sources that I have consulted with were my
phenomenal instructors and the TTEAM Ipad that I was blessed with receiving. My
instructors introduced the topic of AT, I was able to use the knowledge they imparted on us
students to work with TG. Without their support or recommendations, I would not have been
introduced to all the AT devices available.
e. Summary/Next Steps:
We all should continue to learn and improve regardless of our career! Education is an
exception in that there is constantly something that can be improved in any subject. My
favorite quote comes form Miguel de Cervantes. Time ripens all things; no man is born
wise. This is true!! Regardless how old you are, there is always something one can learn. If
I was working alongside TG with her academics, I would improve my use of AT in the
classroom, to have her initiate conversation and interaction with her peers. TGs is a very
capable young, kind, and friendly girl who has so much potential to thrive. Exposing her to
tools that will enhance her ability to communicate with others will increase her success as a
student.
It would be nice to be part of TGs education to assist her in developing skills to provide her
with several AT devices to help her communicate with her peers, which in result would
assist TG to work on her social skills. There are many ways where introducing TG to an
Ipad will increase her ability to work on more than just one skill during a given time period.

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C & I 595 Fall, 2015 McGregor & Alwell