Leon County Schools
Assistive Technology Services
Introduction
The mission of Leon Assistive Technology Services is to expand the awareness and
knowledge of assistive technology AT) devices and services among district and school
administrators, staff, parents, students, and related agencies.
The goal of Leon Assistive Technology Services is to provide students with special
needs the devices and support needed to obtain a free and appropriate education.
This Web site provides the following information to support this goal:
For further information contact your Leon Assistive Technology Specialists (LATS):
Lynn McGuire 413-9207
Linda Radel 413-9501
Laws and Definitions of
Assistive Technology Devices and Services
(From IDEA'04 Final Regulations)
Assistive Technology Devices
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 functional
capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Assistive Technology Services
Assistive technology services include any service that directly assists an individual with a
disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology
device. The term includes:
(A) The evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability, including a
functional evaluation of the child in the child's customary environment;
(B) Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive
technology devices by individuals with disabilities;
(C) Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining,
repairing, or replacing of assistive technology devices;
(D) Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with
assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing
education and rehabilitation plans and programs;
(E) Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability, or, if appropriate,
that child's family; and
(F) Training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing
education and rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide
services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions
of individuals with disabilities.
Local:
Leon Assistive Technology Training
FDLRS/Miccosukee
FAAST, Florida's Alliance for
Assistive Services and Technology is a statewide project designed to be a focal point for
information about, access to and coordination of technology-related assistance for persons
with disabilities.
Regional:
ATEN
- Assistive Technology Educational
Network provides services to the state's school districts and directly to families.
Distance Learning:
RIATT - Research Institute for
Assistive and Training Technologies @ University of New Mexico
NCIP - National Center to Improve Practice
in Special Education Through Technology, Media and Materials provides ongoing training
opportunities
Assistive
Technology Training Online (ATTO) - Assistive Technology Training Online offers free, online training
in assistive technology solutions to help students with disabilities. The
site consists of "Virtual Workshops" targeted to teachers,
parents, and assistive technology service providers who serve
elementary-level students.
Most of the Assistive Technology Training offered to individuals in Leon County by
Local Assistive Technology Specialists is very specific to the individual. This type of
training is provided in the areas such as:
- Small Group of Individuals who work with a specific student
- Supporting Team Decision Making for Assistive Technology
- Teaming for Assistive Technology
- Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Training on dedicated devices for students and their support group.
- Teacher requested training on specific devices/ troubleshooting, etc.
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