Short Term Answers To Prevent Long Term Problems
Ok, you just received a written report from an outside Assistive Technology Consultant. It recommends that a certain device should be tried out before purchase to ensure that it is appropriate to meet the needs of the student with a disability. You also realize that the student's service providers will need some training and technical assistance during the trial use period. What do you do?
Your best option may be to use the TRE Center's Assistive Technology Device Loan and Training Service. This is for CSE/CPSEs who need quick access to an existing library of assistive technology devices, and training for staff to use them. As part of the IEP process, districts may borrow an assistive device to try out with a student for a short term, usually 30 or 60 days. The tryout helps district staff assess a student's need for a specific device as well as to avoid buying the wrong device for the student, a common long term problem in the field.
The process is simple. The CSE/CPSE calls the TRE Center to request a Short Term Device Use form. The form is returned with specific device(s) listed along with copies of the assistive technology evaluation report and IEP which indicate the need for Assistive Technology devices, services, or both. The IEP should indicate the features needed and time periods in which the equipment tryout will take place.
The TRE Center then will locate the equipment either from its own inventory, or from other sources. The Center's inventory includes many inexpensive "low-tech" devices as well as recently purchased augmentative communication aides, laptop computers, and voice input software. Training, demonstration, and technical assistance are provided or coordinated by TRE to local staff during the trial use period. Over time, staff become more comfortable and proficient with assistive technology, thus building the district's capacity to address their assistive technology needs.
Finally, following the trial use period, the device is returned, and the results of the trial are used by the CSE/CPSE to recommend appropriate assistive technology services and devices. The district can then pursue funding for the devices and services through local district funds or other appropriate sources.
This year, the TRE Center will expand this service even further by collaborating with County Office staff responsible for providing pre-school assistive technology devices and services. For more information about the Assistive Technology Device Loan and Training Service, or about the TRE Center - County Office Collaboration for Pre-School Assistive Technology, please contact David Grapka at (800) 248-9873 (in New York), (518) 456-9290 or email at TRECenter1@aol.com.