Assistive Technology Program

4711-A Sid Katz
San Antonio, Texas 78229
PHONE: 210-397-2431
FAX: 210-397-2407
Lead Assitive Technology Specialist: Janis Mazurek
Secretary: Melissa Covarrubias



PROGRAM PURPOSE and DESCRIPTION

.....The Assistive Technology Program is designed to provide a technology support system that will enable special education students to utilize technical assistance as necessary. Assistance may be requested for students who have communication, learning, mobility and/or self-help needs which cannot be adequately met through routine special education services. Adaptive or assistive equipment includes items recommended by occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech pathologists, vision and hearing specialists, campus staff, or psychologists. Devices may be as simple as a switch to activate a toy, or as sophisticated as a computerized augmentative communication device. Other examples of appropriate equipment that might be recommended are: pencil grips, highlighted text, positioning equipment, adaptive chairs, computer-assisted equipment, or environmental controls. 
DELIVERY MODEL

.....Northside Independent School District's Special Education Department utilizes a team approach to address each student's assistive technology needs through the ARD committee and/ or the Assistive Technology Program.

At Northside, the students' assistive technology needs are addressed through a variety of programs and services upon completion of the necessary evaluations from one or more of the following programs:
    1. Visually Impaired Program
    2. Auditorily Disabled Program
    3. Occupational Therapy Program
    4. Physical Therapy Program
    5. Speech-Language Program
    6. Assistive Technology Program
    7. Campus Based Special Education Team

LEGAL DEFINITION OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICES
".....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 functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities" (20 U.S.C., Chapter 33, Section 1401 (25).
What This Means

.....This means that many of the adaptations, modifications and accommodations made for a student, in order for him / her to participate, may be considered as assistive technology. Assistive technology can be as simple as a pencil grip or as complex as a computer.
Assistive technology may impact many areas of an individual's life. The specific areas considered for any individual will be influenced by their specific needs.

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