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Services to Meet the Needs of Schools, Parents and Students

CATIES offers two evaluation options for students in grades K-12: Assistive Technology and Augmentative Communcation evaluations.

Both evaluations focus on access to curriculum and instruction and are conducted by qualified staff who have experience working with schools and curriculum.   CATIES adheres to the SETT Framework which puts the student at the center of the evaluation process and considers implementation strategies needed to make become a reality.

CATIES 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 needs of the student in his learning environment.

Assistive Technology Evaluations

Children with disabilities participate in an assistive technology evaluation  to determine which technology tools and services 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)).”

Evaluations conducted by CATIES fit into the IEP process.  Evaluations results offer recommendations and accommodations that meet the unique learning needs of the student.

Learn more about assistive technology evaluations and the process of scheduling one with CATIES here.

Augmentative Communication Evaluations

Individuals with speech/language difficulties may benefit from an augmentative communication evaluations to determine methods to improve communication. Augmentative communication evaluations are conducted according to best practices and methods supported by research.  Evaluations are thorough and take into account the student, the learning environment and the curriculum.  Recommendations found within the evaluation typically span the assistive technology continuum providing low tech and high tech recommendations.    This practice allows students to have a system of communication that will fit his needs in a variety of situations.

Augmentative communication evaluations are conducted by a certified Speech-Language Pathologist .Learn more about augmentative communication  evaluations and the process of scheduling one with CATIES here.