Assistive Technology Teams: Many Ways to Do It Well
By DeCoste, Denise C.; Reed, Penny R.;Kaplan, Marsye W. ; National Assistive Technology in Education Network(Pages: 55) Publication Date: 2005
Monograph discusses results of a survey done by the National Assistive Technology Network (NATE) of assistive technology (AT) teams operating in school districts across the United States. The survey included 55 AT teams serving public schools across 22 states. Small AT teams serving up to 50 schools were the largest contingent of respondents. The majority of teams provided services to students aged 3 to 21 with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, and those who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Most AT teams were found to be made up of teachers, mostly special educators, with speech-language pathologists the next most frequent discipline represented. Issues and challenges identified by AT teams discussed include (1) team building, (2) AT training of team members, (3) AT equipment and funding, (4) evaluation of effectiveness of AT delivery, and (5) administrative support. Strategies for building a successful AT team are discussed as well as methods for strengthening the AT team and evaluating its effectiveness. Copies of the survey questionnaire as well as a self-assessment form for AT teams are appended.
Published by: National Assistive Technology in Education Network (Website:http://natenetwork.buffalo.edu)
Link to text: http://natenetwork.buffalo.edu/products/team_document.pdf
