Services to Meet the Needs of Schools, Parents and Students
Evaluations
Evaluations are performed by qualified staff that have experience working with schools and curriculum. Evaluations focus on access to curriculum and instruction. Evaluations done through CATIES put the student first and also consider implementation strategies needed to make recommendations become a reality.
Evaluations typically offer recommendations that span the assistive technology continuum including simple and more complex tools. The devices and strategies recommended will offer students, parents and schools options that fit the learning environment and the needs of the student.
Evaluations conducted by CATIES can fit into the IEP process. Evaluations conducted before the review of an IEP can offer recommendations and accommodations that meet the unique learning needs of the student.
Assistive Technology Evaluations
An assistive tec
hnology evaluation is conducted on children with disabilities to determine which
technology tools will help a child access the curriculum and succeed in school. Assistive technology evaluations by definition focus on tools and methods that will allow the student to access curriculum.
Assistive technology is defined under IDEA as “…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 a child with a disability” (IDEA 2004, Sec. 1401(1)(A)).”
Augmentative Communication Evaluations
CATIES conducts augmentative communication evaluations on individuals with speech/language difficulties to determine methods to improve communication. Augmentative communication evaluations are conducted by a certified Speech-Language Pathologist with experience working with schools and curriculum.
Augmentative communication evaluations follow are based are research methods supported in the field. Evaluations typically recommend a system of communication instead of one device. By recommended tools that fall on the assistive technology continuum, the student is provided with options to find the right device for the task at hand. Students needs and abilities are always a priority in evaluations. Implementation considerations such as acquiring the devices and training are also considered.