AT/AAC Process
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Making a Referral: A member of the team contacts the Assistive Technology (AT) facilitator through an online referral form.
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Appointments Scheduled: Once the referral form is received the AT facilitator will reach out to a team member to schedule an observation or team meeting.
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Team Meeting: The team meetings to complete the SETT Framework and identify a tool or tools for trial. The team may determine potential barriers to success and define team members roles.
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Data Collection and Trials: Information is collected on the student's specific areas of needs (i.e. reading, writing, communication) and how identified AT tools may support their educational needs.
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Discussion of Recommendations: The team meets to discuss data and/or results of trials. Recommendations are considered at this time and tools are documented in the IEP.
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Aquisition and Implementation: The AT facilitator reaches out to appropriate district representative to aquire the necessary AT tools. Once tools are aquired, the AT facilitator sets up the tool(s), trains the team, and helps develop an implementation plan for home and school.
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Follow-Up and Ongoing Assessment: The AT/AAC process is continuous and ongoing. The educational team will continue to consider AT tools anually at IEP meetings. Teams may reach out to the AT facililitator at any time during the school year for support with implementation, modification, or consideration of a new tool.
The SETT Framework is utilized to ensure the appropriate match between student needs and device features. The SETT stands for Student, Environment, Tasks and Tools.
Student: Information specifically related to the student. What is the functional area(s) of concern? What are the students special needs that contribute to these concerns? What are the student’s current abilities related to these concerns? What are the student’s interests? The questions are intentionally broad, so that they do not preclude anyone or any possible solutions at the outset.
Environment: Information related to anything or anyone around the student in places where the AT is expected to be used. How many students? What is the physical layout? How much support is available from and to staff? What materials and equipment are being used by other students? Are there physical access issues? What services are being provided What are the attitudes and expectations for other in the environment(s)?
Tasks: Information about what actually happens in the environment. What EXACTLY will the student need to do IN THE SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENT to learn?
Tools: Finally, the SETT Framework addresses the area in which most people would like to begin. Tools include devices, services and strategies – everything that is needed to help the student succeed. Tools are “no tech” strategies as well as low-tech and high-tech devices and supports. Tools are systems of tools working in combination to assist the student in moving forward.
Information taken directly from Ready, SETT, go! Getting Started with the SETT Framework by Joy Zabala (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f12SD1pOS3stWEDXvGj8EC9OWwuUPUbm/view)