Assistive Technology Unit (ATU)

The ATU is part of the Diverse Learners Department and provides consultation, training, and AT materials for classrooms and students with disabilities in Waukegan School District 60.

Please refer to the AT Overview page for more information on AT in general, and the AAC pages for resources specific to communication.

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technology (AT) is any device or service that increases the functional capability of a student with a disability.  AT is compensatory; this means that it is designed to help students perform a task with the same level of proficiency or independence as same-age peers, but it cannot teach new skills or concepts.  Although AT includes the term "technology", it includes simple tools such as a pencil grip or slant board as well as more complex equipment.   

AT tools range from low tech to high tech.  The AT continuum always starts with low tech and then becomes more complex because low tech tools tend to be easiest for the user to learn and are often already available in the classroom environment.  



At every IEP meeting, the team is required to consider if AT is necessary to help the student achieve their goals and access their education.   The team must identify the specific task the student is currently unable to complete, then consider the options for AT, before trialing an option and using data to demonstrate that the identified tool increases the student's success.  The AT process is continuous, requiring consistent monitoring and reconsideration to ensure the student has the most appropriate supports and tools at all times, given current performance and needs.  More information on these processes is available below. 

Assistive Technology Consideration

Assistive Technology consideration is required by law, per IDEA, at every IEP meeting.  For Waukegan staff members, there is a webinar series on AT decision-making available in the Infinitec online classroom.  Please contact the ATU for assistance creating an account as needed.

Guiding questions for AT consideration

- What do we want the student to be able to do?
- Can the student complete tasks independently when given standard classroom tools?
- Can accommodations or modifications help the student preform tasks independently?
- If accommodations or modifications aren't enough, can assistive technology help the student complete the task?
- AT Consideration Resource folder

AT consideration outcomes (documented in Special Factors as detailed below)

- No AT is required.
- AT is needed/already successfully used.  The team already has data and documents it in the IEP.
- AT is possibly needed, but the team needs assistance from the Assistive Technology Unit to determine what AT is required or to complete a trial to confirm the tool is appropriate.

WPS Assistive Technology Unit Services

Trainings - individual or group

Professional Consultation to educational teams for a classroom/program or for an individual student

Communication Boards/Cards and Visual Supports creation

AT Evaluation for specific students