SEEC 5050: ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
SESSION ONE
BIG IDEAS: The student will understand:


the legal context of assistive technology services in schools and that the
student needs are the center of assistive technology decision-making on
devices and services.
some of the resources that are available to them in Georgia and on the
web.
Tasks: Complete all assignments below in a word document with each question
written first. Save your work using first initial of name, last name, and lesson #.
Example is MVennLesson1.
ATSTAR – LESSON ONE
Overview of ATSTAR Curriculum
The purpose of this lesson is to provide legal and practical foundations for
understanding the Assistive Technology assessment process.
Additional Readings: (I would place these two right in WebCT so that they
can easily access them)
GPAT Introduction to Assistive Technology – Overview of assistive technology
devices that are related to various academic and functional areas in which a
student might be experiencing difficulties
A Brief Introduction to the SETT Framework – A brief overview of a studentcentered framework that can be used to guide thinking about assistive
technology
TASKS:
Assignment 1:
Go to the following website and find the answers to the questions below. Write
your answers and submit them by email.
http://www.ideapractices.org/law/index.php What are the legal definitions of
Assistive Technology devices and services?
What does the “P” in IEP stand for?
What is the purpose of the IDEA?
What does the term FAPE mean?
ASSIGNMENT 2:
Visit the QIAT website. QIAT: Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology. Select
the Listserv area of the site and join the QIAT Listserv. Spend some time looking
in on the discussion that is taking place.
From the Listserv page on the QIAT site, follow the link to the searchable
archives that contain all messages that have ever been sent over the QIAT list.
Type in the words “instructional technology” as the search term. Read the
messages to determine what has been said about the similarities and differences
between assistive technology and instructional technology.
Write a brief summary of your understanding of the similarities and differences
between assistive technology and instructional technology.
ASSIGNMENT 3:
One of the most helpful assistive technology resources available to schools in
Georgia is the Georgia Project for Assistive Technology (GPAT). Familiarize
yourself with GPAT by visiting the GPAT website at www.gpat.org and
completing the following activities.

View and be able to explain Georgia Project for Assistive Technology’s
Mission and Services.

Of the services provided by GPAT, which could benefit you as an
educator based on your position? How?

How would you go about obtaining the services of GPAT?

If you were able to choose one of the current training workshops to
attend, which one would you choose and why?

Read the Introduction to Assistive Technology. Think about students in
your class and the tasks that they find difficult or impossible to do. Pick
2 educational or functional areas in the Resource Guide that you would
believe relate to the needs of your students. Which of the tools and
strategies listed in that area would you want incorporate into the
educational activities of your students? Why would you include these?
If you are not a teacher, that is OK! Select areas that interest you.
DISCUSSION:
Discussion starter question for this session: