Assistive Technology

“For individuals without disabilities, technology makes things easier.
For individuals with disabilities, technology makes things possible.”
-author unknown

ASSESSING YOUR KNOWLEDGE
By Karen Spawton, Administrator MATCH Team

Can you answer the following questions:

• Does the Rochester City School District have a MATCH team?
  
• Who comprises the staff on the MATCH team?
  
• What is the function of the MATCH team?
  
• What is Assistive Technology?
  
• Who uses Assistive Technology?
  
• Can assistive technology be listed on a student’s IEP?
  
• How does assistive technology get added to a student’s IEP?
  
• Can assistive technology assist with reading and writing disabilities?
  
• Does assistive technology only mean computers and high-and technology tools?
  
• Can you name at least three assistive technology tools that are available?
  
• BONUS QUESTION: What does the acronym MATCH mean?
  

First of all, if you were able to answer the bonus question, give yourself a gold star!!!
If you were able to answer 8 or more of the above questions correctly, you scored a “4” or “exceptional “on our MATCH rubric of knowledge. Correct answers on 6-8 of the questions scored you a “3” or “adequate” on your abilities. Those of you who answered 5 or less questions correctly will be requiring some differentiated instruction.
Seriously, though, I am pleased to announce that the MATCH team now has a link on the District’s website that actually has the answers to many of these questions (except the bonus question) and more. After you enter www.rcsdk12.org and get into Rochester City School District’s home page, you need to click on the left hand side of the page that says “District”. The District link will open and, if you scroll down on the right hand side of that page, you will see MATCH Team. The website was developed to provide families and staff with information that they can utilize for students with educational disabilities.
The website will also have a simple questionnaire that you can complete at the end that will provide us with feedback on how we can serve you better. Please feel free to check it out. It will be updated quarterly.
I will also be providing an assistive technology/medical management corner in each issue of the SETRC newsletter. If you have a particular interest or question, please e-mail it to me at Karen.spawton@rcsdk12.org.