Sunday, June 24, 2012

Assistive Technology


We've posted before about AT, and the Part C of IDEA data reports showing that AT is not listed very much as an IFSP service. We know that there is disagreement about whether families aren't gaining access to AT or whether that use isn't being recorded.  Nonetheless, families of young children with disabilities who are enrolled in early intervention still need AT.  


Websites that highlight AT options

OSEP has long funded Tots-N-Tech, The Family Center on Technology and Disability, Early Childhood Technology Integrated Instructional System, Early Childhood Curriculum Support: Predicting, Listening, Observing, and Recording--Integrating Technology, ArtExpress: The Expressive Arts Project, and these other national resources on AT. And of course all of these sites and others can be found on the NECTAC and NICHCY websites (also funded by OSEP).  


How are families finding out about their AT options?

As we've said before we think providers are sharing their ideas with families, though they aren't always recording it in the IFSP as AT. We've also seen families using social media to share their ideas. We've heard from families that they share pictures like the one's above on Facebook, the blog about their AT ideas or pass information using listserves. The latest place where we are seeing an EXPLOSION of pictures and descriptions of AT is on Pinterest. There are amazing ideas on Pinterest, and thousands of families with children with disabilities and early intervention professionals on Pinterest sharing and resharing their ideas. 


Where are your early intervention families learning about their AT options?  What resources would you suggest to families new to early intervention?