Washoe Country School District
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Assistive Technology (AT)
What is AT?
Assistive Technology equipment, whether low-tech or high-tech, is provided to allow a child to complete a task he/she would not have otherwise been able to complete. AT devices and services are provided when determined to be educationally necessary for a child to receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Any student with an IEP is eligible for AT, however students must have a problem that technology can solve.
How is a child referred for AT?
There is no AT test. The WCSD AT team helps IEP teams make decisions about AT based on the student's area of difficulty: goals, classroom expectations, and the student's functional capabilities. The two different systems for AT referrals are Standard Referrals and Fast Track Referrals.
A standard referral is made for students who are low incidence, and/ or who have significant educational concerns. Contact the AT team for the appropriate paperwork based on the concern for the student. After the referral is submitted, a case manager will be assigned and will contact the school team to set up an initial consult meeting.
Fast Track is a fast and efficient way for special education teachers to get needed assistive technology that is not available at school sites for students with high incidence disabilities in grades 3 and above (All students K-2 require a standard referral). Students with high incidence disabilities are students who qualify for special education under the categories of learning disability or health impairment and who have mild impairments. Students must additionally be primarily educated in the general education setting and need AT for reading, writing, spelling, organization, or math.
What is different about a Fast Track Referral?
The assistive technology team will provide needed AT equipment without requiring a meeting with an AT team member. Training is available from AT team members on the referral process and equipment at the team's request. Students with low incidence disabilities such as autism, TBI, mental retardation, blindness, or multiple impairments would not be served by the Fast Track program.
Do I need to include AT in the IEP before I make a referral?
Yes, prior to sending the completed packet, the IEP team must hold a revision meeting, unless the decision was made at an annual IEP, and revise the student's IEP to reflect a program change by writing "AT Referral" under "other" on the Related Services page with the date the packet will be completed and sent to the AT office. After the paperwork is submitted with a copy of the IEP, the AT team will contact the case manager to set up an initial consultation.
How Do I write Assistive Technology into the IEP?
Go to: AT-P1168 for AT procedures.
AT Procedures - AT-P1168
AT Consultative Services Flowchart - AT-G1165
AT specialists:
Keri Huddleston (khuddleston@washoe.k12.nv.us)
Nikki Murphy (nmurphy@washoe.k12.nv.us)
Justin Kolbe (jkolbe@washoe.k12.nv.us)
Moira Soulia (msoulia@washoe.k12.nv.us)
Assistive Technology Office
560 Mill Street, 3rd floor, Reno NV 89502
Phone – 775-333-5036, Fax – 775-333-5318
Student Support Services Assistive Technology Link
What are some examples of Assistive Technology?
There is a wide variety of equipment based on the needs of the student. Options are available for writing, reading, communication, access issues, math, educational participation, and organization. Your AT specialist can help your team make decisions about appropriate AT.
What services does the AT Team provide?
They provide assistance to IEP teams in considering AT through the referral process. They also provide necessary equipment, maintenance and repair of equipment, consultative services, and training.
How do I write the type of technology being used into the IEP?
When writing Assistive Technology into the IEP, be sure to use a generic name rather than a brand name.
