Evaluating+the+Need+for+Technology


 * There are so many tools out there and such a variety of learner needs!**

There are tools that can help you with the process of determining the need for assistive technology tools:

[|www.donjohnston.com] is a company dedicated to developing technologies and strategies to support students who struggle with reading and writing. They have collaborated with many educators, researchers and learners to develop their tools and strategies. They have adopted and further developed the following tools to identify the need for technology supports for reading and writing:


 * PAR: Protocol for Accommodations in Reading**

The PAR manual helps you determine the most suitable reading accommodations for specific students by assessing their individual needs. Anyone on the IEP team can administer PAR to systematize how reading accommodations are recommended on a student level or across the school district.

Download PAR here: Cost: FREE

[|http://donjohnston.com/par/#.VBo9ymRdUQ8] (Note there is now an online version available for a subscription fee.)

In this age of accountability and assessment, your district needs a process to evaluate writing issues for students with disabilities. Unfortunately, many districts don’t have a systematic way to do this. In “Developing a Written Productivity Profile,” Dr. Denise DeCoste outlines a 4-step process to assess student handwriting and then determine the appropriate assistive technology solutions. This book is perfect for assistive technology specialists, occupational therapists, special educators and diagnosticians.
 * Writing Productivity Profile:**

[|http://donjohnston.com/assistive-technology-assessment-developing-a-written-productivity-profile/#.VBo_HGRdUQ8] Cost: $25 to download

1. Download PAR [|http://donjohnston.com/par/#.VBo9ymRdUQ8] 2. Read the Manual, watch the video, explore resources on the website 3. Select a student 4. Administer the PAR to selected student (30 mins) (Use free or built-in text-to-speech tools) 5. Complete PAR evaluation form (use digital form or scan) 6. Complete PAR reflection discussion post with peers
 * Assignment:**

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**OPTIONAL:** For those of you interested in direct links about Assistive Technology Evaluation and Implementation:
 * Other resources for evaluating the need for assistive technology:**
 * **SETT Framework:** []
 * **Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology**: []
 * **Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative:** []
 * **Georgia Project for Assistive Technology:** []

Great information about Accommodations for High Stakes Testing:

[|http://donjohnston.com/testing-accommodations/#.VXhCz9pViko]

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