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Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit
Training and Consultation (TaC) » Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology

The Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit provides assistive technology training and technical assistance to educational agencies serving students with disabilities from birth to age 21.  Consultations are provided for students, teachers, parents, and IEP teams within the BVIU region to support students in their customary environments.  In addition, LEAs may request an Augmentative and Alternative Communication consultation for children struggling with speech and language goals.

 

Assistive Technology Devices:  Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Assistive Technology Services: Any services that directly assist an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.

To request an assistive technology consultation:

  1. Contact the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit at 724-774-7800, x. 3027 to discuss the student's needs. You may also send an email request to [email protected]. 

  2. If the need involves speech and language, or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), the requesting teacher, or team, will be required to complete a referral information packet and submit it to the Consultation Team at New Horizon School. This can all be done online or with hard copies. The requesting school is also asked to provide a short video of the student working or communicating at school or at home. The video(s) can be attached to an email or sent on flash media to [email protected] or [email protected] at New Horizon School. Upon receipt of the questionnaires, an appointment for the assessment will be made by the Team. Every effort will be made to complete the observation and consultation at the student's school. If this is not possible, the visit can be completed at New Horizon School and the district will be responsible for the student's transportation. It should be noted that one-half school day will be necessary for the initial assessment. A district representative and the Speech and Language Pathologist should be available during the appointment. It is also recommended to invite the parent or guardian.

  3. Appointments for consultations involving other areas of need (reading, writing, etc.) will be made at the time of the initial request. These will occur at the school site.  Contact [email protected]. 

  4. Following the consultation with the child, it will be necessary to meet with the SLP, the classroom teacher or special educator, and an LEA Representative. Here, we will summarize the consultation and note strategies or equipment to trial. Follow-up visits to the school may be scheduled to observe student progress, assist with programming of devices, or consult with teachers.

  5. Team members will be available as a local resource to support the selection, acquisition, or use of assistive technology. For questions and assistance with AAC, feel free to call New Horizon School at 724-728-3730.

For assistance, contact:

Christopher McCabe, Assistive Technology Consultant

724-774-7800, x3027

Services in the following areas:

  • Consultations

  • Evaluations

  • Follow-up support

  • Hardware and software training

  • Incorporating AT into the IEP
 

Helpful Resources

 

Forms and Tools

  • AT Resource Guide