Gloucester County
Special Services School District
1340 Tanyard Rd, Sewell, NJ 08080
Phone: 856-468-6530



Friday, September 10, 2010
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Assistive Technology

GCSSSD students who have assistive technology as a part of their educational plan participate in specialized training.  Staff and family members are shown how to use and implement the technology.  Furthermore, GCSSSD’s AT staff maintain and program equipment, as well as trouble-shoot problems that arise.  As needed, certain students participate in assistive technology trials to encourage greater participation in the curriculum through a lending program within the district.
 
WHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY?

Assistive Technology (AT) refers to the means used to help individuals with disabilities live and function in school, home, workplace, and the community.

It is the use of adapted equipment to help a person become more independent, self-confident, and productive. AT can range from simple switches and devices to high-tech systems.

TYPES OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SEEN IN SCHOOL DISTRICTS
  • Communication Devices
  • Infrared classroom amplification
  • Personal auditory trainers
  • Specialized software
  • Adapted computer equipment
  • Environmental control units
  • Vision aids
  • And many, many more!
THE PROBLEM: You have a student who cannot:
  • communicate wants, needs, thoughts, or ideas
  • efficiently write using traditional methods
  • access the computer due to motor or vision impairment
  • functionally read
  • tune out distracting noises and focus on what's important
  • hear, see, talk or move
THE SOLUTION: An Assistive Technology evaluation from GCSSSD!

The evaluation includes:
  • A clinical observation of the student
  • Interviews with team members
  • Access to trained professionals with extensive experience in special education
  • A full written report with valuable information and reasonable recommendations
  • Device trials and loans (where applicable and available)

    THE PROBLEM:

    You have:
  • Devices that need to be programmed
  • Devices that are not being used
  • Recommendations that are not being implemented
  • Staff that need to be trained to use assistive technology equipment
  • Staff that is unaware of what is on the AT market today
  • Students that do not know how to use equipment purchased for them
  • A district that needs to develop an AT plan for a growing number of special needs students
THE SOLUTION: AT CONSULTATION SERVICES FROM GCSSSD!
  • Device programming
  • Parent training
  • Staff training
  • Student training


DID YOU KNOW... GCSSSD HAS AN EQUIPMENT RENTAL PROGRAM
  • Rent instead of buying
  • Try before you buy
  • Be sure the equipment will be used before committing to a purchase
  • Short-term usage
Contact us for equipment information and availability:

Joy Strehle
(856) 415-7530, Extension 6471
jstrehle@gcsssd.org
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