Tazewell-Mason Counties Special Education Association

Children with disabilities sometimes need and are entitled to special equipment and services to ensure that they have access to a free and appropriate education (FAPE). Assistive technology includes both devices and services. As defined in IDEA:

An assistive technology device means 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 a child with a disability. (34 CFR 300.5)
An assistive technology service means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. (34 CFR 300.6)

During the IEP process, assistive technology must be considered for every child and then provided by districts if required in a childs IEP to access a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). TMCSEA offers Assistive Technology Consultation services to member districts. The TMCSEA AT Consultation procedures are as follows:

TMCSEA Request for Service form is completed by the member district
Up to 3 consultation visits at no charge to member districts including: student observation; teacher/student/parent interview; student assessment; trials; data collection; professional development and identified resources as applicable.

The TMCSEA Assistive Technology Team developed a vision statement, action plan, and 3-tier service delivery model framework in an effort to better meet member district needs. Please see the links to the Assistive Technology Action Plan and AT Framework below. Tier 1 of the Assistive Technology Services Framework addresses assistive technology for all students within the core curriculum. Target groups include general and special education teachers and paraprofessionals. Each member district, dependent on size, was given the opportunity to select one or more staff members to be AT Liaisons. A Trainer or Trainers model of professional development has been implemented to increase individuals' knowledge in assistive technology. District AT Liaisons are required to attend one training per semester facilitated by TMCSEA. The required trainings for 2010-2011 AT Liaisons are as follows:

It is our goal that AT Liaisons will return to their respective districts and share their assistive technology knowledge, information, and resources with other staff members.

We are pleased to announce TMCSEA has renewed our membership in the Infinitec Coalition this school year which will enable us to provide additional equipment, training, and information/expertise resources for member districts. The Infinitec website is: www.myinfinitec.org. All member district staff must enter a sign-in name (school e-mail) and Password to access this website. All new users will need to register on the home page prior to logging in for the first time. Pleae see Quicklinks on the Infinitec homepage for additional sign-in and registration instructions.

Assistive Technology Toolbox Notebook

For more information contact Kristina Neville, Program Coordinator.