Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology
The Monroe County Intermediate School District (MCISD) recognizes that assistive technology can eliminate barriers and enable students with impairments to be participating and contributing members of society.
We believe that all students with impairments in Monroe County are entitled to equal access to the technology needed to ensure appropriate educational opportunities.
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology (AT) device means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device.
Decision Making
Assistive Technology Guidelines
The Guidelines for the Provision of Quality Assistive Technology Services: A Plan for Region IV serves as the framework for districts, counties, and schools to use as they develop and refine their Assistive Technology Service. The plan reflects No Child Left Behind and IDEA 2004. In addition, it incorporates the principles of Universal Design for Learning and integrates Quality Indicators for Assist
AT Consideration Process Guide
Assistive Technology Staff Forms (sign-in page)
Assistive Technology Procedures
- Complete AT Consideration Process Guide with the IEP team to decide if AT is required. Review the consideration outcomes and decide whether or not assistive technology is required.
- If potential assistive technology solutions are not known to the IEP team, the IEP team may contact the assistive technology consultant/committee who can assist the team in addressing assistive technology or refer the student for an assistive technology evaluation. A trial use period may be recommended at the end of the consultation or evaluation. To contact the assistive technology consultant, complete the Consultation Request Form.
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If potential assistive technology solutions are known to the IEP team, trial use of the identified assistive technology solution may be documented in the IEP and implemented. To check out an assistive technology device, complete the Assistive Technology Device Request Form.
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If you’ve determined that the student accomplishes the required tasks within the relevant instructional or access areas with assistive technology that has been determined educationally necessary and is currently in place, then document required assistive technology devices and services in the IEP. Complete and/or update the Assistive Technology Plan.
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If the student plans on taking assistive technology home, please complete the MCISD Device Loan Agreement for Home Use Form. Please email completed form to at@monroeisd.us or complete the online version with the QR code/web link listed on the form.
AT Tools/Resources
Find self-paced learning tutorials, hands-on activities, how-to videos, and resources to build technology skills including free learning modules and professional development courses. Learn about a variety of topics that promote best practices. For more information on assistive technology tutorials, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) apps and software, core vocabulary resources/activities, switch access, and visual impairment apps and software, visit Resources and Information.
Lending Library
The Instructional Resource and Technology Center (IRTC) has a lending library of materials available to students attending schools within Monroe County. The IRTC loans both low-tech and high-tech devices in the following categories:
Communication
Computer Access
Daily Living Aids
Hearing & Listening Aids
Learning
Software
Switches
Vision Aids
Assistive Technology equipment can be checked out after completing the AT Consideration Process Guide.
Professional Learning
Tobii Dynavox On-Demand Learning
Time invested in quality training is always well spent. Discover our Learning Hub and grow your knowledge and skills at your own pace - whether you’re a parent, caregiver, clinician, educator or augmented communicator yourself. Many of our resources also offer the option to earn ASHA CEUs (continuing education units).
The 21 Things 4 Educators site's goal is to provide a single site of free resources and tutorials which meet the ISTE, International Society for Technology in Education, standards, and offer any-time training to be used for professional development. Its resources are designed to serve a variety of models for professional development. This is a companion site, to 21 Things 4 students, that is now being funded and managed by the Macomb ISD in Michigan.
EduPaths is a free professional development portal for all Michigan educators, funded by the Michigan Department of Education.
Whether you’re a clinician, educator, family member or caregiver, we’ve got the training and education you need to help your AAC communicators. We provide professional, engaging live and recorded training that will enable you to learn and implement effective AAC strategies no matter where or how you provide them.
AssistiveWare's Online Learning
Are you an SLP looking for AAC training? Are you new to using an AAC app? We have online learning that is perfect for you. Connect with our AAC experts in live webinars or learn at your own pace with online video.
ableU Professional Development
All ableU professional development sessions are recorded and posted to our ableU YouTube channel. Hundreds of on-demand sessions are available for you to view 24/7. These sessions do not provide ASHA CEUs.