Assistive Technology Models or Framework

Assistive technology in education is very similar to other decisions we make as teachers, when do we decide to act and what do we do? For this assignment we were given the task to seek out four models of assistive technology, summarize them and be prepared to report back.

  SETT
The first model I found was the SETT Model. The SETT framework consists of asking: S- What are the students needs?, E- Environment- classes and situation where help is needed, T-Tasks- What are the tasks that the student needs to be able to accomplish to meet IEP goals?, and finally T - Tools- What AT or services will address these tasks. In a collaborative manner the needs of assistive technology devices and/or services is addressed in a format similar to an IPP or IEP. For me this was the most familiar way to ask these types of questions given that I am a classroom teacher who is responsible for writing IPP (Individual Program Plan in Alberta Schools). After working through what we know and what we need to know possible AT tools are considered and supported in a document format. After possible tools are addressed the model then addresses availability and finally sets out roles and responsibilities to ensure the programing is working and the AT is being used appropriately.

   Education Tech Point Framework 
Educational Tech Points is a tool to help school districts to determine and meet the assistive technology needs of individual students and to evaluate and improve their assistive technology services system wide. It has a dual focus on providing effective assistive technology to an individual child and reviewing a district’s overall system of providing assistive technology services. The process undergoes the following steps: Referral, Evaluation, Extended Assessment, Plan Development, Implementation and last Periodic Review.

  Lifespace Access Profile

The Lifespace Access Profile(c) is a client-centered, team-based collection of observations that point to next steps in a comprehensive program utilizing technology. It turns the overwhelming task of determining how technology can benefit individuals with physical disabilities into a systematic, co-operative search for solutions that work. Life Space Access Profile is a computer program that uses these collections of observations. Lifespace access profile is a 46 page manual containing detailed instructions for the administration and rating process for the 59 scales included in the Profile. The result is a graphic profile which provides the team with a powerful tool for priority setting and decision making.

  The HAAT Model 
The HAAT model stands for H- Human, A-Activity, AT - Assistive Technology. This model proposes a framework for the understanding and placement of assistive technologies in the place of the lives of those with disabilities. Them model examines the Human, Activity and Assistive technology individually and how they relate to each other. It was interesting to see the different models that we had found. We only did three presentations and all three were very different. There were some similarities but for the most part when comparing my presentation to theirs we were able to research some different models. Not only did I learn a lot about the models but I also learned that when dealing with assistive technology and the framework for decision making there are many different paths you can take to get to the same place...student support! Every model we spoke of during our class tonight was a model that had one soul purpose - to make a difference in the education of a child. Given this purpose these are very powerful and important models.