Assistive Technology Services

Assistive technology services in the Kenosha Unified School District require a team effort.  All members of a student's special education team contribute to the consideration and implementation of assistive technology tools and services. The knowledge that family members, teachers, therapists, and other support staff share regarding the student's strengths and special educational needs are essential for providing the appropriate tools and services.  After an assistive technology tool has been provided, the team members that support the student on a daily basis need to use the tools with the student to determine its effectiveness. The same team members are also responsible for the continual re-evaluation of the tool's effectiveness, as well as determining whether other tools need to be considered and tried with the student.

Whenever possible the individual education team members provide the assistive technology tools and services the student needs. In addition, the district has assistive technology service providers who provide training and support for students, the educational team members, the family, and outside service providers. To build competency and to ensure that students' assistive technology needs are met, the roles of the assistive technology personnel have been defined as follows:

Roles of Assistive Technology Service Providers

1. Appropriate student assessment and evaluation to identify specific assistive technology needs of students
   • Work with other members of the student's team to identify the discrepancy between tasks required and the student's abilities, prioritize the issues, consider possible solutions, implement possible solutions, re-evaluate to determine whether the student's needs are being met, and finally, make a decision regarding appropriate strategies and technological solutions.
2. Provide training to students, families, outside therapists, and school personnel
   • Supervise and coordinate training opportunities for KUSD personnel
   • Arrange and direct staff development and inservices on state and district initiatives as related to assistive technology
   • Assist teams in increasing competency related to assistive technology
3. Maintain the assistive technology loan and checkout system with KUSD to assure that students have access to tools for evaluation and training as needed
   • Develop processes to promote timely and consistent access to needed assistive technology devices and related resources
   • Facilitate the process of selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices
   • Assist in obtaining funding for the procurement of devices
4. Consultation and collaboration
   • Provide follow-up support and technological assistance to students and teams as needed or determined by the IEP
   • Serve as a consultant to administrators and instructors in regard to assistive technology
   • Develop intervention strategies and action plans for students and teams that correspond to the changing needs and abilities of students
   • Evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention procedures relative to the student’s performance in his or her natural setting
   • Coordinate with outside therapists and community agencies to promote the timely implementation of assistive technology services
   • Develop products for student’s use and supply materials
   • Facilitate the transition of students between grade levels, relative to their technology needs
5. Leadership and advocacy regarding assistive technology
   • Promote compliance with all related state and federal statutes and regulations related to assistive technology
   • Participation in the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative trainings and meetings
   • Participate on district committees to promote knowledge of assistive technology issues across the curriculum
   • Assist in the development of assistive technology competencies within departments, schools, and individuals
   • Promote universal design principles and accessibility in all areas
   • Facilitate the use of outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness of assistive technology delivery of service in KUSD
   • Re-evaluate policies and procedures annually

Assistive Technology