Course Overview

AT for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

September 9, 2024 - January 3, 2025

This online course uses the Assistive Technology Internet Modules (ATIM: www.atinternetmodules.org) to provide participants with an overview of assistive technology assessment, implementation, and intervention strategies for adults with developmental disabilities. Participants in this course will learn about the AT assessment and implementation processes for all areas of AT as well as special considerations for AAC users. Additionally, participants will learn about AT for independent living, workplace accommodations, driving and transportation, and gain an understanding of transitions from school-age to adult services.

  • Registration Instructions

  • Course registration is a two-step process: 1) Register on ATIM and 2) Register and pay on Ashland University's system. Once you have completed this two-step process, this course will be available to you on ATIM at the start of the semester, September 9, 2024.

    If you have questions about this course or the registration process, please contact the course instructor, Heather Bridgman at heather_bridgman@ocali.org.
  • Registration Details
  • Course registration open September 2, 2024 - December 13, 2024
  • 1-Credit course costs $225 paid to Ashland University
Course Modules

AT Assessment Strategies for Adults: Part I

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 1/2 hours

This module describes the role Assistive Technology (AT) can play in the lives of adults with developmental disabilities and begins the discussion of assessment strategies that may be used to determine AT needs. This is Part I of a two-part module and focuses on how AT can help people become more independent, more active participants in their own lives, and reduce the amount of support they need. Specific topics in Part I include an overview of AT devices and services, identification of the need for AT, and clarifying the individual's strengths and obstacles to independence.

AT Assessment Strategies for Adults: Part II

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 hour

This module is Part II of the Assistive Technology Assessment Strategies for Adults module. This module describes the actions that Individual Service Plan (ISP) teams can take to evaluate the value of specific assistive technology (AT) devices and services a person may need. It also addresses ways to include AT in an ISP, and provides a brief overview of possible sources of AT funding. The final section of the module addresses ways a team might begin to develop a plan for a person's AT use in everyday routines and activities.

Assistive and Smart Home Technology for Independent Living

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 hour

This module explores the trends in independent living and the use of assistive technology (AT), smart home technology, and remote support technology that can be used to assist individuals with developmental disabilities to live independently. It provides an overview of the AT assessment process using the SETT Framework and sample questions to ask about the person's needs and abilities and their environment. Examples of independent living tasks are provided and the module looks at potential tools to address these tasks. It also provides many resources to support the use of assistive technology and smart home technology in independent living.

AAC Assessment: Adults with DD

Estimated Time to Complete: 2 hours

A team-based assessment process is required to determine the appropriate tools which best match the needs of individuals with communication challenges. This module provides users with information about the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) assessment process for adults with developmental disabilities (DD), the variety of communication supports, and the selection criteria for communication devices and apps.

AT for Workplace Accommodations

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 hour

This module explores the use of assistive technology (AT) in providing workplace accommodations for people with developmental disabilities. The need for transition planning to include AT will be emphasized, as well as resources for obtaining AT that can be used in workplace environments. This module provides an overview of the AT assessment process using the SETT Framework and sample questions to ask during the client and environment sections of the assessment, as well as sample tasks. The module also looks at potential tools to address a variety of tasks in employment settings, and provides many resources to support the use of AT as workplace accommodations.

AT for Driving and Transportation

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 hour

There are many forms of assistive technology (AT) available to support individuals with and without disabilities to meet their driving and transportation needs. This module provides an overview of AT resources used when learning to drive, driving with adaptive equipment, driving with low vision, driving with autonomous vehicles, use of alternative transportation, and traveling with a disability.

AT Implementation: Adults with DD

Estimated Time to Complete: 2 hours

Without an implementation plan, all of the previous work of assessing AT needs and selecting AT to match the identified needs could end with no changes for the person who uses the AT. At the point of AT implementation, a person is supported through a planful process to develop independence and need less support. This module explores aspects of high-quality implementation planning and offers resources and videos to help the support team.

AAC Implementation: Adults with DD

Estimated Time to Complete: 2 hours

A coordinated team approach is required to support the success of adults with developmental disabilities (DD) who experience complex communicative needs (CCN) and do not rely on speech. This module provides information about recommended practices for the implementation of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), including strategies for building communicative competence and the important role of communication partners.

AT Transitions

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 1/2 hours

Based on the assumption that Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams have basic knowledge about AT, have already determined that a student with a disability requires AT, and that the student has been using AT in the current educational setting, this module focuses on the transition planning process for students who will be continuing to use AT as they move to new placements or settings. The principles of AT transitions presented in this module are directly related to the transition planning that is required for students 16 and older in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA), however the processes and strategies discussed in this module are generally appropriate for the transitions of AT users at any age.

Overview of Assistive Technology (AT)

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 hour

Beginning with the current definition of assistive technology and continuing with the laws and legal mandates that influence AT implementation, readers of this module will be provided with a broad, foundational introduction to the field of AT. This module provides readers with information about specific AT devices and services, implementation and impact of AT devices and services across various environments, the low-mid-high tech continuum of assistive technology, AT standards of practice as well as AT program and self-evaluation tools.

AT for Adults with Developmental Disabilities Course Post-Assessment

Post-assessment for AT for Adults with Developmental Disabilities course.