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Assistive Technology Services

Assistive Technology Services are provided to special education students to facilitate the student’s achievement in the least restrictive environment.  The PPT determines what services are appropriate for individual students.  West Hartford has a designated Assistive Technology Resource Team that is comprised of 10 members, representing all levels (pre-K-12) and all disability categories. 

Definitions:

An assistive technology device is any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities.

Assistive technology devices range from simple (low technology) through mid technology tools like tape recorders, calculators, and switch -operated toys to the most sophisticated and cutting edge tools (high technology) which are purchased and/or customized.  Examples of low- tech devices include straws or Velcro; high tech devices include computers or motorized wheelchairs.

(Assistive Technology Guidelines ,1999)

Assistive Technology Grant News:

Last spring, this team was awarded a $50,000 grant to improve assistive technology services in the West Hartford Public Schools.  Grant money was utilized to purchase hardware and software for resource and special needs programs in grades kindergarten through 12.  

Software/Hardware was disseminated as follows:

High School/Middle School:

• Scanners and Scanning software
• The Wordsmith/Read and Write software program:  This program is designed for students with reading and writing disabilities.  Includes Word Prediction, auditory feedback, scanning, speech, and speaking spell checking. 
• Computers and Printers.
• Intellitools software including Intellipics studio, Intellitalk 2, overlay maker for special needs classrooms.

Elementary School:

• Math Pad – An electronic worksheet that enables users to do addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, directly on the computer. 
• Math Companion- Teachers can quickly design math activity sheets, games, test, or whole curricular packages that can be customized to differing abilities.
• Castereader- provides support to users through spoken voice, synchronized highlighting, navigation supports as well as “drag and drop” note taking for all types of electronic text.
• Intellitools software including Intellipics studio, Intellitalk 2, Overlay Maker for special needs classrooms.
• Additional computers and printers.

Professional Development training is being provided by outside consultants and members of the Assistive Technology Resource Team.

Curriculum Staff Improvement Courses have included training in the following:

1. Reading and Writing Tools for Students with Learning Disabilities
2. Intellitools training at the NEAT marketplace in Hartford for teachers/staff working with special needs.
3. WordSmith training for Middle School and High School Staff.
4. Evaluating A.T. needs for students with Learning Disabilities and Special Needs.
5. Training in Castereader, Math Pad and Number Concepts.