“UNLOCKING POTENTIAL”

The Power Of Collaboration In Assistive Technology For Blind/Visually Impaired Students

Presenters: Tara Bowie and Sharon Lyttle

Unlocking Potential

GATE 2024

AGENDA

I. Introducing the AT Collaborative Model

II. Assessing Student Needs

III. Developing Digital Workflow Plans

IV. Implementing and Monitoring Progress

V. Benefits of Collaboration in AT

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Unlocking Potential

GATE 2024

INTRODUCING THE COLLABORATIVE MODEL�

Unlocking Potential

GATE 2024

COLLABORATORS

• Assistive Technology Specialist (AT)
• Information Technology Specialist (IT)
• Principal
• Special Educ Director

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Teacher for the Visually Impaired (TVI)

Orientation & Mobility Specialist (O&M)

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Physical Therapist (PT)

Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP)

Regular/Special Educ Teacher

Parents

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Unlocking Potential

GATE 2024

ROLES

• Roles of an AT Specialist
• An assistive technology specialist is a professional who helps clients with disabilities select and use assistive devices¹². They evaluate the client's needs and strengths, recommend equipment, and explain services¹². They also provide technical support and guidelines to staff and external agencies, and organize infrastructure strategies³
• Typical TVI Roles & Responsibilities
• Provides instruction in the development and maintenance of expanded core curriculum (ECC) skills to meet the student’s unique educational needs in the following areas, as indicated in the IEP.
• Assistive Technology is one of nine ECC’s

Unlocking Potential

GATE 2024

ROLES Cont.

Information Technology Specialist (IT)

Information technology is a broad term that involves the use of technology to communicate, transfer data and process information.

• The different trends within information technology include, but aren’t limited to:
• Analytics
• Automation
• Artificial intelligence
• Cloud computing
• Communications

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• Cybersecurity
• Data/database management
• Infrastructure
• Internet of things
• Machine learning
• Maintenance and repair
• Networks
• Robotics
• Software/application development
• SCADA

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Unlocking Potential

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ASSESSING STUDENT NEEDS

Collaborative Approach

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Unlocking Potential

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Let's Talk VI AT

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How?

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GATHERING INFORMATION

• FVLMA, FOMA
• ECC Checklist
• Clinical Low Vision Evaluations
• Low Vision Aids
• AT Assessment (Access to Technology for BLV Accessibility)
• Digital Workflow Plans
• Task Analysis
• AT IEP Goals

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Unlocking Potential

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DEVELOPING DIGITAL WORKFLOW PLANS

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Example

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IEP GOALS

IMPLEMENTING AND MONITORING PROGRESS�

LESSON PLANS

DATA COLLECTION

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Benefits of Collaboration

• Combining the expertise of both specialists and teachers in conducting thorough assessments that address diverse learning styles and abilities.
• Comprehensive Evaluation
• Shared Expertise
• Advanced Technology Solutions for the students
• Breaking down barriers (Software, purchasing, maintenance & repair, cyber security, internet needs etc..)

Unlocking Potential

GATE 2024

BENEFITS OF COLLABORATION (CONT.)

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• Access to information
• Increased Independence
• Enhanced Communication
• Collaboration with Peers
• Preparation for the real world
• Student iPad Demo (Jack iPad Scan)

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Take Aways

• Resource Folder (Templates for each assessment/data discussed)
• Join the AT Team if one is already established in your county/school
• Invite a TVI to be part of the AT Team to support students with BVI
• Consider building/creating diverse AT Teams in your district/school
• Consider expanding your AT Education to include BVI needs
• Share!
• Share Summary Reports
• Share Student Successes
• Share Resources (Don’t Gate Keep)

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Unlocking Potential

GATE 2024

THANK YOU

Tara Bowie- tara.bowie@doe.k12.ga.us

Sharon Lyttle- sharon.lyttle@doe.k12.ga.us

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