QIAT: Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology:

The QIAT Consortium has developed 8 areas with quality indicators for assistive technology providers. As a school district we are working to ensure we develop and deliver AT services to meet these quality indicators.


Universal Design for Learning:

UDL is a method of lesson planning and teaching, to reach and engage all learners. UDL principles examine flexible ways to present information to students, flexible methods for students to express what they have learned and flexible means of engagement, so that all students can participate in classes.

For more information on UDL, check out the free online book, Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age, from the Center for Applied Special Technologies. 


The SETT Framework:

Joy Zabala, creator of the SETT Framework for AT evaluations suggests that IEP and evaluation teams begin with these questions in mind when considering AT for a student:

The Student
  • What does the Student need to do?
  • What are the Student's special needs?
  • What are the Student's current abilities?

The Environment

  • What materials and equipment are currently available in the environment?
  • What is the physical arrangement?
  • Are there special concerns?
  • What is the instructional arrangement?
  • Are there likely to be changes?
  • What supports are available to the student?
  • What resources are available to the people supporting the student?

The Tasks

  • What activities take place in the environment?
  • What activities support the student's curriculum?
  • What are the critical elements of the activities?
  • How might the activities be modified to accommodate the student's special needs?
  • How might technology support the student's active participation in those activities?

The Tools

  • What no tech, low tech, and high tech options should be considered when developing a system for a student with these needs and abilities doing these tasks in these environments?
  • What strategies might be used to invite increased student performance?
  • How might these tools be tried out with the student in the customary environments in which they will be used?