What is Assistive
Technology?
Assistive technology
is defined as technology that maintains or enhances the functional capability
of a person with a disability. Both devices and services surrounding those
devices define Assistive Technology.
How do I place
the recommended technology?
| 1. |
Access the
Assistive Technology Centre Loan Bank to borrow the technology temporarily
(max. 3 month period). |
| 2. |
Approach local
service clubs i.e. Lions Club, Rotary Club for funding for placement of
technology for a particular child. The Assistive Technology Centre
can write a letter of support for this purpose. |
| 3. |
Consider applying
for a PDAF (Professional Development Assistance Fund – NSTU) grant to supply
software not on the approved software list. |
| 4. |
Fundraise at the
school level. |
| 5. |
Check with other
schools to determine how they placed the technology. |
| 6. |
Search the web
for demo versions, freeware or shareware versions of the programs. |
How long does
the assessment take?
Depending on the
student needs, the assessment usually takes two hours. After discussion
with the school representative and/or parent, the student utilizes the
assistive technology to complete a series of tasks.
Do all recommendations
need to be implemented immediately?
We make a series
of recommendations based on the student’s needs to allow the Program Planning
Team some flexibility within the Program Plan. It is the Program
Planning Team’s decision on what to implement first, depending on the current
needs of the student and the capacity of the implementation team.
What is the
process if a parent requests an assessment at the Assistive Technology
Centre?
The request would
be taken to the Program Planning Team. From there, the team would
follow the procedure given in this manual for the referral process. If
a child is registered in the school system, a referral for an assistive
technology assessment MUST go through the Program Planning Team. |
