Student Guide Corner

It is a federal mandate that every student on an Individualized Education Program (IEP) MUST be considered for Assistive Technology. Do you know when this was written into federal law? Based upon what I hear from special educators, some of you might answer, "Recently." Actually, this was added in IDEA '97 - TWELVE YEARS AGO! I know this is still not happening at all IEP team meetings. IDEA �97 added the requirement that each IEP Team consider the need for assistive technology as part of the Consideration of Special Factors. 300.346 (a)(2) Consideration of Special Factors. The IEP Team shall .... (v) consider whether the child requires assistive technology devices and services. Is it happening at every IEP meeting you attend? If not, choose to be the catalyst for compliance. And what conclusions are reached following AT consideration? There are only four possibilities: The first is that current interventions (what ever they may be) are working and nothing new is needed, i...

Check out the latest affordable and super COOL communication device available for the iPhone and iPod Touch at the iTunes App store, the Proloquo2Go or P2G for short. Read more about it's release at Sam Sennott's blog . Sam had a dream when the iPhone was first released. He envisioned an affordable AAC tool that would capitalize on the touch screen application of the iPhone and would allow students to have a dynamic communication device in their pockets. Now, his dream has been realized because he never stopped putting kids first. He partnered with David Niemeijer from AssistiveWare to develop the software and go throught the process of iPod/iPhone App approval. To purchase the app, click here . It is currently offered at an introductory price of $149, far below what is typical for a dynamic communication device. Congratulations to you both, Sam and David. This is an example of a dream fulfilled.

A new opportunity to highlight the best in education is now available. It�s CAST�s 25th anniversary! To celebrate, we feature great UDL implementation in the field through the UDL Spotlight. Want to nominate a Spotlight? Then nominate people or programs that embed UDL (Universal Design for Learning) principles in their classrooms. When UDL is effectively incorporated, it transforms learning, engages everyone and allows all learners opportunities to successfully demonstrate what they have learned. When we call attention to the best engaged, active learning and provide the tools that promote it, ( UDL Guidelines , UDL Curriculum Self-Check , and Learning Tools ), then we will start a ripple effect that spreads throughout our schools for the benefit of all our students. Look around you. Is there anyone or any program you believe is nomination-worthy? Head over to the CAST website and spotlight the achievement so that we can all learn from each other. And Happy 25th Anniversary, CAST!

Independence. Too often, independence is an elusive concept in our schools. Why? Because we believe we are accomplishing more when we provide students on IEPs with one-to-one adult supports who scribe for students and read the grade level material when the student is unable. What results? Unfortunately, learned passivity and DEPENDENCE. Is this FAPE, Free, Appropriate Education? If a student doesn't get it when the adult reads the material to him, how likely are they to ask the adult to repeat it? How appropriate is it when a student never has the opportunity to produce written work independently? How can we overcome this? A paradigm shift in how we view disability and accommodation must occur: 1. It is time to end the remediation vs. compensation battle and declare a truce. The emphasis on remediation at the expense of accommodation must stop. Instead, remediation MUST be COMBINED with compensation to accommodate for learning challenges if our students are to feel a sense of c...