AT for Motor Access

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. 

Switch Access - WATI - Part I

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 1/2 hours

The intent of this module is to provide information and resources on switch access to technology such as computers, mobile devices and AAC equipment, characteristics of students who may potentially benefit from switch access and how to use the WATI assessment process for students needing switch access. The WATI assessment process systematically continues through information gathering, decision-making and implementation planning. The WATI AT 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, Switch Access Tools - WATI - Part II, further explores tools for switch access.

Switch Access - WATI - Part II

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 1/2 hours

Students with significant motor impairments may be limited in their options to play, learn, work, and interact with others. In some cases, switch access is their only option for controlling a computer, mobile device, toys, communication device, and environmental controls. A single, dual, or multiple switch array may be used to tap, scroll, and select items on a computer or mobile device and thereby provide access to reading, writing, leisure and entertainment, communication, and environmental controls. Switch settings may be adjusted to accommodate the type of selection needed; for example, a single activation, press and hold, automatic scanning, or a dual-switch row-column scanning.

Selection of the proper equipment requires careful assessment, and implementation requires well-planned training to promote success for the student using switch access. This module on assistive technology (AT) for switch access Part II will continue with the WATI AT assessment process for selection and implementation of tools for switch access. The WATI AT Decision-Making Guide will present guiding questions to assist the team in completing the assessment process. The WATI AT Continuum for Consideration - Switch Access will be used as an organizational guide to present tools and resources for switch access. The module includes additional supporting articles, forms, case examples, and strategies for instruction and implementation of switch access.

Mobile Device Access - WATI - Part I

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 hour

This module will assist teams in using the WATI assessment process to assess a student's need for assistive technology (AT) in the area of mobile devices. The 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, "Mobile Device Access - WATI - Part II," further explores tools for mobile device access.

Mobile Device Access - WATI - Part II

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 hour

Use of mobile technologies has become popular in education and many aspects of our lives. Implementation of mobile technologies into education provides portable opportunities for research, reading, writing, math and presentations. Finding a reliable access method for students with disabilities is key to inclusion, class participation, learning and success. This module on assistive technology (AT) tools for mobile devices will describe the WATI AT assessment process for selecting and implementing tools for mobile devices. This includes tools and resources for mobile device access, such as accessibility features, hardware for adaptive access to the devices and apps for education that are switch-accessible.

Computer Access - WATI - Part I

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 hour

This module will assist teams in using the WATI assessment process to assess a student's need for assistive technology (AT) in the area of computer access. The process systematically progresses through information gathering, decision-making, and implementation planning. The WATI Assistive Technology Decision-Making Guide supports the team with guiding questions to yield information about the student, environment(s), and tasks.  This module is Part I of II. Part II, "Computer Access Tools - WATI - Part II," further explores tools for computer access.

Computer Access - WATI - Part II

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 hour

This module is Part II of the WATI assessment process for computer access. The module continues to explore the WATI assessment process using the WATI AT Decision-Making Guide for the selection and implementation of assistive technology (AT) tools for computer access. Computer access tools and software will be explored for cognitive, learning, motor, vision, and hearing impairments. The WATI AT Continuum is utilized to organize AT tool choices from common tools (already available in the environment) to more specialized tools.

Seating and Positioning - WATI - Part I

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 1/2 hours

Positioning and seating play a critical role in a student's ability to function in the educational setting. This introductory module starts out by presenting the foundational concepts related to seating and positioning for students with mild as well as with more significant challenges. It goes on to address the first three sections of the AT Decision-Making Guide, which consist of Student Abilities/Difficulties, Environmental Considerations, and Tasks. The second module in this series, Seating and Positioning - WATI - Part II, continues with the Solution Generation, Solution Selection, and Implementation sections of the AT Decision-Making Guide.

Seating and Positioning - WATI - Part II

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 1/2 hours

Positioning and seating play a critical role in a student's ability to function in the educational setting. This module provides information on the AT assessment process for positioning and seating. The reader is directed to the ATIM module "Seating and Positioning - WATI - Part I" for the basic concepts of seating and positioning, current information and understanding of the varying needs, environments and tasks required of students with mild to severe disabilities. The module continues the assessment process with questions to guide you through the solution selection, solution generation and implementation parts of the WATI AT Decision-Making Guide. The module will also demonstrate seating and positioning devices that can be used for a variety of students who may have mild to severe challenges.

Mobility - WATI - Part I

Estimated Time to Complete: 2 hours

Mobility plays a critical role in everyone's life. This is especially true for children as much of their early learning begins through mobility. A student's ability to function in the educational setting, therefore, can be significantly impacted by mobility issues. Assistive technology (AT) for mobility is presented in two modules. This first introductory module starts with basic foundational concepts related to mobility and the use of AT for mobility and continues with the first three sections of the WATI AT Decision-Making Guide, which includes Student Abilities/Difficulties, Environmental Considerations, and Tasks. The second module in this series, Mobility - WATI - Part II, will address the remaining sections of the WATI AT Decision-Making Guide: Solution Generation, Solution Selection, and Implementation.

Mobility - WATI - Part II

Estimated Time to Complete: 1 1/2 hours

Mobility plays a critical role in a student's ability to function in the educational setting. This module provides information on the AT assessment process for mobility. The reader is directed to the ATIM module Mobility - WATI - Part I for the basic concepts of mobility, rationale, issues, barriers, and understanding of the varying needs, environments and tasks required of students with mobility issues. The module continues the assessment process, including questions to guide the team through the solution selection, solution generation, and implementation parts of the WATI AT Decision-Making Guide. The module also demonstrates mobility devices that can be used for a variety of students.

AT for Motor Access Course Post-Assessment

Post-assessment for AT for Motor Access course.