Assistive Technology

Devices must be tagged, labeled and setup through both the Technology Services department and the Assistive Technology department. This process typically takes approximately 1-3 weeks. 

The AT team member(s) will review the report, compile resources, and send it to your school team, who will provide you with a copy. This typically occurs within 1-2 weeks.

SSD devices/systems are utilized to support individual education plan (IEP) goals. The goal of the trial period is to determine if the system/tool meets the needs of your student in helping them make progress on his/her IEP goals. At the initial AT consultation/support plan meeting, target goal(s) will be identified for school team members to take data on to determine if the device/system assigned to your student is increasing their ability to reach their targeted IEP goals and to overcome identified barriers.

Your student’s success with using the trial devices/systems is determined through data review at a follow-up meeting, which occurs approximately 6-8 weeks following the initial AT consultation/support plan meeting. For that reason, we do not send devices home during the initial trial period. Home use for a device/system is discussed at the AT consultation follow-up meeting. If the IEP team decides the device/system is required for communication or homework needs at home, the device/system must be returned to school daily per the student’s AT consultation support plan. Periodically, devices may need to come in for updates or repairs, and a low tech backup system may need to be utilized during these periods.

Devices may go home over the summer as determined by an SSD staff member and the IEP team based on several factors, such as summer school plan, ESY homework requirements attendance and your student's IEP goals. 

Devices/systems are managed and supported by SSD, which means personal account information and apps should NOT be placed on your student's device/system. Devices/systems should only be used by the student for whom it was assigned and for academic/communication purposes. Devices/systems need to be charged nightly and kept in safe locations to prevent damage. If a device/system is damaged, lost or stolen, please notify the school team immediately to be informed of next steps. 

SSD devices/systems may support your student as long as he/she requires it to meet their IEP goals and is enrolled in an SSD building/partner district. If the student transfers of of the District, the device/system must be returned. A staff member will discuss funding options to support communication when ready and/or following school graduation.