AT Considerations

Determining whether a student is a candidate for AT devices or services starts with just a few practical questions. Consider using the forms on the sidebar as tools to help with the initial consideration process. For AT considerations, It is essential for a student's IEP team to consider:

1. What task do we want this student to do, that s/he is unable to do at a level that reflects his/her skills/abilities (writing, reading, communicating, seeing, hearing)? Be very specific.

2. Is the student currently able to independently complete tasks with current strategies or accommodations? If so, AT is most likely not indicated.

3. Is a form of AT (either devices, tools, hardware, or software) currently used to address this task? How successful is it?

4. Would the use of AT help the student perform this task more easily or efficiently, in the least restrictive environment, or perform successfully with less personal assistance?

Results of AT Consideration

Outcomes of this "AT consideration" process may indicate one of the following:

• Current interventions are fine and nothing new is needed.
• AT is already being used and is working.
• New, specified AT should be tried to address a new or changed need.
• The team needs more information (about resources, the student, etc.) An AT Assessment is indicated.

An AT Assessment is required when the team decides that new or additional information is needed ("this is something we don't know") to make a decision.