AT Referrals for EI Classrooms

Who can request an Assistive Technology Referral?

Staff who work with students that are currently attending an IU Special Education preschool classroom

Who requires an AT Referral?

Students should have at least one of the following areas of need:

• vision
• communication
• physical limitations including access to preschool materials and toys

Who fills out the AT Referral?

The teacher or therapist working directly (no consult service) with student who attends an IU Early Intervention classroom

*PTE/PTR are NOT needed! This is not a new evaluation because AT is not a new "direct service" like therapies. See IEP documentation section below. The AT Referral should be discussed with family members.

**Your supervisor must be aware of the AT Referral being placed and their approval must be obtained prior through email/written form. You can then sign "X has approved this referral".

AT REFERRALS ARE ONLY FOR IU CLASSROOM STUDENTS!

What do I do first?

• trial AAC apps on your IU issued iPad
• trial other low tech options through AT Lending Library
• use visual supports such as communication boards to teach language using modeling/Aided Language Stimulation
• speak to the IEP team and family about a possible AT Referral

What can be provided through the AT Referral:

• Devices related to vision needs
• Low or high tech communication devices
• Proximity, pressure, or movement sensor switches to activate an adapted toy or functional item
  
• Adapted toy
• Adapted functional items (ie scissors, pouring cups)
• AA, AAA battery interrupters used with a switch (adapts a toy to be switch activated)

How do I document AT tools in the IEP?

Section II: Child and Family Information- Summary of Child's Present Performance

Teachers and therapists will write about how the students uses the AT tools to gain access to the curriculum.

• Communication Device Example: X uses a high tech communication device with touch access to communicate with his peers and teachers. The staff model use of the language on the device and make sure that is ready and available for use. X is gaining more language and functional communication skills with the device including asking for a break, talking about his feelings and greeting peers/adults.
• Vision Tool Example: X uses a handheld magnifier when given visual materials within the classroom.

AT tools can be described these ways:

• Single message voice output device
• Sequential message voice output device
• Random message voice output device
• Random spinning choice device

• Environmental control unit (ECU)
• Adapted toy
• Adapted pouring cups
• Adapted battery scissors
• Battery interrupter
• Switches: pressure switch, round button switch, movement sensor switch, proximity sensor switch, tilt switch, pneumatic switch (activated by air compressed), thumb switch, textured (shape= oval, square, circle) switch, joystick switch, adjustable angle switch
• Mid-tech multilevel communication device with (insert # here) grid size paper boards

• High-tech communication device with eye tracking access method
• High-tech communication device with touch access method
• Accessories: wheelchair mount, table mount, floor mount, keyguard, communication app or communication software (include vocab type/grid size)

Section III: Special Considerations: 6."Does the student need AT?" - mark YES

Section IV: Measurable Result/Outcome/Goal- note how AT tools are being used to meet goals

When will the AT referral get started?

The AT Consultant will receive your referral and reach out to the contact person within 1 week. Your assigned AT Consultant will schedule requested trainings and referrals at their earliest convenience.

When will we get the AT tools for the student?

AT tools take time to order (allow for 4-6 weeks for order/processing/shipping/delivery). The AT Consultants try to estimate what items are frequently used so some items may be in the AT inventory. Just ask!

Where?

• Your Early Intervention Special Education classroom
• Trainings and consult-type meetings may be are available through virtual meeting
  

Gretchen Burr - Mars, Rowan, Lakeview

mailto:gretchen.burr@miu4.org

Megan Mackrell - Emily Britain, Center Avenue, Grove City

mailto:megan.mackrell@miu4.org

Sarah Reiber - Sharpsville

mailto:sarah.reiber@miu4.org

Steven Sheirer - New Castle

mailto:steven.sheirer@miu4.org