You will apply your knowledge of AT and its benefit to individuals with special needs by interviewing an AT specialist either in a public school setting (elementary/middle/high), a therapy center (Sylvan, Huntington, speech & language therapy clinic), a private school, a federally funded center (Head Start, ARC, regional center), or another setting approved by your instructor. Your interview can take place in person, over the phone, or through electronic correspondence.
You will need to ask a minimum of ten interview questions relating to AT devices and their use to support students with individual needs. You must be sure to touch on each of the topics listed below and ensure that the interviewee provides a detailed response. Include follow up questions when appropriate.
1. Choice of technology.
2. How is the technology implemented?
3. Funding (Did they receive grants? Where did the funds come from? How were funds allocated?)
4. Population served.
5. Who is impacted? (Is there a universal impact or does it affect one student?)
6. Incorporation into the curriculum
7. How is training offered for the device(s)?
8. How are the technology devices maintained? (What happens if one breaks?)
9. Review likes and dislikes.
10. Do they have any way to track whether it is beneficial to student learning? If so, how do they track this information? If not, why do they not have any way to track whether it is beneficial to student learning and how could they track this information?