The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997 provides definitions of assistive technology devices and services and contains the requirement, as part of the IEP development process, that "the IEP team shall consider whether the child requires assistive technology devices and services." The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE), Arkansas Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (ACSPD) has determined, through its needs assessment process, that there is a need for training in the area of assistive technology. The ADE Special Education Unit is recruiting 32 participants statewide [2 from each education service cooperative (ESC) area and 2 from central Arkansas] to receive training in assistive technology. These individuals will form a cadre of local trainers to conduct training in assistive technology on a regional basis for individuals involved in the education of children with disabilities.
School personnel selected to be trained will participate in six (6), four-week distance learning courses which will begin 8/16/99 and last through 5/12/00. Each course requires participants to attend a 2 hour teleconference in the compressed video lab at their ESC, participate in e-mail discussions, complete multimedia/self-paced adult learning activities, attend a hands-on lab in central Arkansas, and complete activities in the course materials mailed to them. There will be no cost to participants for the course work. Participants will be responsible for their transportation costs only. Course facilitators will be members of the ACSPD Assistive Technology Task Force.
Applicants must have access, either at school or at home, to the following basic equipment:
· Computer: IBM Compatible with 386 processor or better, using Microsoft Windows 3.11, Windows 95, or Windows NT 3.51 or later versions of Windows, Macintosh Performa or greater.
· Modem: 2400 baud minimum (14.4 or faster recommended)
· CD-ROM
· VCR and Television
· E-mail and Internet Access
The following courses will be offered:
· Computer Access 8/16/99 - 9/10/99
· Assistive Technology Assessment: 9/27/99 - 10/22/99
Data Gathering
· Assistive Technology Assessment: 11/8/99 - 12/10/99
Decision Making
· Assistive Technology: Family Issues 1/10/00 - 2/4/00
· Assisted and Augmentative Communication: 2/21/00 - 3/17/00
Systems and Assessment
· Classroom Technologies 4/17/00 - 5/12/00
Individuals being trained will be required to participate in the development of training modules for use in regional workshops, participate in the "field test" of the training modules at Special Show 2000 (August 3 & 4, 2000), and serve as an assistive technology resource person for their ESC area, including participating as a trainer in at least 2 regional workshops. Applicants must return a completed application (attached) no later than April 30, 1999 to the following address:
Bryan Ayres, Chair
Assistive Technology Task Force
Easter Seals Outreach Program
3920 Woodland Heights Rd.
Little Rock, AR 72212
There is an attachment to this memo. (Application)
*Please note the toll free number above in the contact area for the contact person.
NOTE: Applications that are not signed by the applicant and superintendent (or Co-op Director if applicant is employed by the ESC) will not be considered.