Improving Your Assistive Technology

Service Delivery

AHEAD Conference 2014

Janet Peters, Great Lakes ADA CenterBryan Ayers, Easter Seals ArkansasGayl Bowser, Independent Consultant

Session Overview

An Introduction to the QIAT-PS Project

Demonstration of the Student Self-Evaluation Matrix

Demonstration of the Campus Self-Evaluation Matrix

Discussion of the Pilot Project Opportunities

QIAT-PS Project History

What’s it like for post-secondary students who use AT ?

Assistive Technology and Your College Experience

Survey Results

The following survey was distributed to students with disabilities in post secondary education nationally, results were compiled in June, 2009.

1. How would you rate your overall transition experience from high school to post secondary education?

Rating Percent %

Very Positive 33.82%

Positive 25.74%

Neutral 25.74%

Negative 9.56%

Extremely Negative 5.15%

40.45% had neutral or negative experiences

2. Have you used assistive technology in the following school environments?

Environment Percent %

Post Secondary 77.06%

High School 52.29%

Middle School/Jr. High 31.19%

Kindergarten - Elementary 22.02%

Birth - Preschool 5.50%

7

QIAT – PS www.qiat-ps.org

The indicators are an extension of the QIAT K-12 transition indicators and respond to the civil rights legislation of the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) and sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act which will guide a student in their new post-secondary educational environment. 8

Transition Services in IEPs

9

Developed by the age of 16 (or younger if appropriate)

Updated annually Include measurable post-secondary goals

based on age-appropriate transition assessments

(34) Transition services-

- The term `transition services' means a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability that--

(A) is designed to be a results-oriented process, that is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of the child with a disability to facilitate the child's movement from school to post-school activities, including post-secondary education, vocational education, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation;10

(34) Transition services

(B) is based on the individual child’s needs, taking into account the child's strengths, preferences, and interests . . . "

11

Study of Post Secondary Life

12

Youth with Disabilities

General Population

Enroll in Post-secondary program 45% 53%

Enroll in 4 years college 8% 29%Held jobs on average 10 mos. 15 mos.

Use checking account 46% 68%Use credit card 28% 50%Likely to be working 57% 66%

AT Transition Implications For Educators

Competent AT implementation in school does not necessarily carry over to new environments.

There are specific skills at every age that can be learned for AT transitions.

The student’s Coordinated Set of Activities should include a focus on assistive technology use.

13

Indicators for Transition Success Self-awareness Disclosure of disability information Communication Self advocacy Self evaluation Student initiative and decision making Assistive technology problem solving

14

Student Self-Evaluation Matrix

Student Matrix Tool Demonstration

Indicator Areas Awareness and Eligibility Planning and Implementation Evaluation of Effectiveness Administrative Support Professional Development and Training

17

Campus Self-Evaluation Matrix

A Guide to Getting Started

Tool Demonstration

QIAT-PS Pilot Program

Pilot Project Requirements

Application - Share demographics of the size, culture and needs of the organization for accommodation and assistive technology.

Training or Meeting on the Pilot Project Pre and post assessment using campus self-evaluation

matrix (Results Shared) Identify an area of need and plan an improvement

strategy (Plan Shared) Complete a survey on the indicators and project

effectiveness

Results from the Pilot Data

Most schools use the QIAT-PS pilot project as part of a self-improvement process happening on campus

Accessibility Information Technology is often discussed and targeted while considering Assistive Technology Service Delivery

Evaluation of Effectiveness is the most common Indicator Area targeted for improvement

Experiences from the Field

Setting Priorities and Making A Plan

Contact Information

Janet Peters, Great Lakes ADA Center, jpete@uic.edu

Bryan Ayres, Goodwill Easter Seals, bayres@eastersealsar.com

Gayl Bowser, Independent Consultant gaylbowser@aol.com