IDEA Technology Partnership Grants for Assistive Technologies

 
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The use of assistive technologies has made a significant difference in how students with special needs access the curriculum. Due to recent school closures due to COVID-19, schools have been forced to try to teach these learners without the aid of such supports in the home. Thankfully, the DOE has allocated funds for purchasing much needed resources to aid in this task. Funds may be used to purchase both general and assistive technology tools and supports, defined as:

  • general technologies for provision of telehealth services such as videoconferencing licenses, webcams, microphones, laptops, etc.

  • assistive technologies for computer accessibility in the home (adaptive keyboards, mice, etc.)

  • software programs for outreach/instruction

  • special education software/programs to provide accommodation for physical and/or learning disabilities

The AT4Kids Center has been serving the assistive technology needs of districts throughout the state for more than 20 years and is able to help districts with identification of specific needs and provide direct assistance with the application process.

Services are available on a fee basis

Consultation with administration and educational team (one-time fee $250) includes direct assessment of needs using Google survey, 1:1 and group calls, emails, videoconferencing, etc. over the next week to

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  • identify existing district resources to assure alignment of new technology purchases

  • define specific difficulties with remote access for student population

  • identify areas of need related to remote instruction for this group

  • identify specific devices and software supports that would best meet your needs

  • provide a line-item list of recommended items

  • describe the proposed plan of action using grant funds

  • describe the training/PD required to implement these new technologies

  • summarize all information into narrative format for district upload into ePlan application

Professional Development for assistive technology use is available ($125/hour) to provide individualized instruction for any new technologies obtained with these funds. A round-trip travel fee for onsite sessions will apply for districts more than 100 miles from LTVEC. At this time, however, all sessions will be offered virtually until COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. *You may contract for PD services independent of consultations and these can be scheduled at your district’s convenience.

Janice Reese

My name is Janice Reese and I LOVE assistive technology! I worked as an Occupational Therapist for more than 15 years, earned a Master’s degree in Education Technology, and I’m RESNA certified as an Assistive Technology Profession (ATP). I have worked in the school system for many years now and I love using technology to enhance the lives of children with disabilities. Since my first love is teaching, I’ve spent just as much time training wonderful teachers everywhere to use these tools in their classrooms. AT4Kids, llc was founded in 2008 in an effort to provide quality instruction and resources for teachers, therapists, student users and parents who wanted to know more about using AT.

I currently serve as Director of the Center for Assistive Technology, a state-supported program of the Little TN Valley Educational Cooperative. LTVEC is a non-profit agency whose goal is to provide rehabilitation services and accessibility supports for students with special needs in east Tennessee. My AT4Kids blog is designed to be as a one-stop resource for ideas and information for those wanting to learn more about the use of AT with children in the special education setting.

I hope to offer helpful hints, program and product reviews, AT recommendations, links to great new finds on the web, and lists of resources for “all things AT”.

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