AT for Life Skills

An Overview of Using the WATI AT Assessment Process

Estimated Time to Complete: 2 hours

Hundreds of schools across the nation use a process that was developed by the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI) to support AT consideration and assessment. This module provides an overview of the WATI assistive technology consideration, assessment and planning process. It also provides step-by-step directions for using the WATI process and forms to determine student AT needs and plan for successful implementation of selected AT devices and services. 

Organization - WATI - Part I

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 1/2 hours

This module briefly discusses organizational skills as components of a larger skill set often referred to as executive functioning (EF). In addition, the module discusses how a team can use the WATI AT assessment process to identify the challenges with EF in four areas of organization: self-management, information management, time management, and materials management. Identifying the problem addresses the first few sections of the AT Decision-Making Guide for Organization, including the student's strengths and challenges, the student's environmental considerations, and identifying and prioritizing tasks the student needs to do. This is done prior to discussing any tools the student may use currently or as recommended solutions. Specific tools for the four areas of organization management (self, information, time and materials) will be discussed in four subsequent modules.

Organization: Information Management - WATI - Part II

Estimated Time to Complete: 2 hours

This module discusses assistive technology (AT) for information management and associated strategies. Tools and strategies for finding information, organizing information, and retaining information are discussed. Additionally, barriers to effective information management are outlined with tips for how to avoid these stumbling blocks.

Organization: Materials Management - WATI - Part III

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 1/2 hours

This module is Part III of the WATI assessment process for organization - materials management. This module continues the process of using the WATI AT Decision-Making Guide to select and implement assistive technology (AT) tools for organization in the area of materials management. By using the information gathered during the decision-making component of the assessment process that focused on the student, environments, and tasks, teams will be able to explore tools to support the specific issues that were identified. This module includes the WATI Continuum of Considerations for AT in the area of materials management, which delineates specific AT tools that may be considered. The next steps include guiding the team through tool selection, implementation, and follow-up. A case study, resources, and supports round out the module to assist teams in making AT decisions to support students with organizational deficits in the area of materials management.

Organization: Self-Management - WATI - Part IV

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 1/2 hours

This module is part of the WATI assessment process for organization, specifically self-management. This module continues the process of using the WATI AT Decision-Making Guide to select and implement assistive technology (AT) tools for organization in the area of self-management. By using the information gathered during the WATI assessment process on the student, environment, and tasks, the reader will be able to explore tools to support the specific issues that were identified. The WATI AT Continuum organizes the specific tools that may support self-management, whereupon the team is guided through tool selection, implementation, and follow-up.

Organization: Time Management - WATI - Part V

Estimated Time to Complete: 2 hours

This module focuses on assistive technology (AT) for time management and associated strategies. Managing time, making tasks more manageable, as well as specific types of AT such as timers, clocks, reminders, and planning tools will be discussed. Additionally, strategies for using these tools and reducing time otherwise spent on nonproductive tasks will be introduced.

ADL: Independent Living - WATI

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 hour

This module will discuss the importance of teaching independent living skills to students with disabilities. It covers how a team can use the WATI AT assessment process to address needs related to self-care as well as control of electronic devices within the environment. The WATI assessment process systematically progresses through the stages of information gathering, decision-making, and implementation planning. The WATI Assistive Technology Decision-Making Guide supports the team with guiding questions designed to yield information about the student, environment(s), and tasks, leading to the selection of appropriate tools.

Vocational and Post Secondary Environments - WATI

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 hour

This module addresses the use of assistive technology (AT) in vocational and postsecondary environments. The need for transition planning, to include AT, will be stressed, as well as resources for obtaining AT that can be used in these environments. The module will guide the user through the WATI AT assessment process, which systematically progresses through the stages of information gathering, decision-making, and implementation planning. The WATI Assistive Technology Decision-Making Guide supports the team with guiding questions designed to yield information about the student, environment(s), and tasks, leading to the selection of the most appropriate tools.

Recreation and Leisure - WATI - Part I

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 1/2 hours

This module will assist teams in using the WATI assessment process to assess a student's need for assistive technology (AT) to participate in recreation and leisure activities. The WATI assessment process systematically progresses through information gathering, decision-making, and implementation planning. The WATI Assistive Technology Decision-Making Guide supports the team with guiding questions designed to yield information about the student, environment(s) and tasks. This module is Part I of two parts. Part II, Recreation & Leisure - WATI - Part II, further explores a range of low- to high-tech solutions for students participating in recreation and leisure activities.

Recreation and Leisure - WATI - Part II

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 hour

This module is Part II of the WATI Assessment Process for Recreation and Leisure. Part I introduced the first three components of the WATI AT Decision-Making Guide for Recreation and Leisure. This module continues the assessment process with questions to guide you through the solution generation, solution selection, and implementation parts of the decision-making guide. Specifically, the module will explore a range of low- to high-tech solutions for students participating in recreation and leisure activities.

AT for Life Skills Course Post-Assessment

Post-assessment for AT for Life Skills course.