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Response to Intervention (RTI): Is There a Role for Assistive Technology?

I was asked to help paint the 'big picture' of technology use with relation to the education of students with disabilities. My viewpoint is (albeit, perhaps a biased one) that technology has the potential to be beneficial in almost every aspect of educating students with disabilities. However, as I was presenting, questions started to arise as to how technology - specifically assistive technology - fit into various initiatives and mandates - Response to Intervention (RtI), Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) and the Assistive Technology (AT) mandate within IDEA. We had some lively discussion about these but I decided to put together a graphic to begin fueling the discussion and think about the relationships between these various initiatives and mandates. The graphic has been revised several times as my thinking has changed over time.

InfoUse, in collaboration with the Research Triangle Institute (RTI), is conducting an Assistive Technology Act Data Collection Project for the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). Our 4-year project designed and implemented a Web-based performance reporting system for the Assistive Technology Act state grants program. This system was designed to meet the information needs of the Assistive Technology Act grantees, NIDRR, and Congress, and to fulfill the requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA). The project is also conducting evaluation studies, described in more detail under Activities & Resources. We are creating a Chartbook on Assistive Technology that presents national estimates on the need for and use of assistive technology. The project is producing statistical estimates, by state, on the need for and use of assistive technology. The project is studying "model approaches" to capacity building systems that provide assistive technology training to professionals and individuals with disabilities. Research on employment-related assistive technology is also underway.

"Just as a carpenter needs to locate and use the correct tool for the job, teachers need to select technology tools to assist all learners in the classroom. Many tools can also assist in providing Tier 1 differentiated instruction for all learners and Universal Design for Learning. Use this wiki to learn about Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Response to Intervention (RTI), free web tools and assistive technology (AT). Each set of "tools" might not be all encompassing. Continuing the carpenter analogy, every tool available is not necessary in order to complete a successful project. In addition some manual tools (non-technology) might be better than power tools (technology tools) for some projects. Teachers can fill their own toolbox with specialized tools to make learning more effective and efficient for all all students."

"Response-to-Instruction and Universal Design for Learning: How Might They Intersect in the General Education Classroom?"

Delivery of Services Model for Special Services' Response to Intervention for All Student Success

"On this website, you can access general information and resources about assistive technology (AT) and augmentative/alternative communication (AAC). You can also learn specifically about AT/AAC efforts in the district."

"Welcome! Whether this is your first visit or your one-hundredth, we hope you are finding what you need to create the right learning environment for you and your students. I believe that each of your students with unique learning needs can thrive in the right environment. This requires the right tools, the right implementation and the right instructional approaches. Our QuickTopics Learning Strands will provide you with more information and inspiration as you explore your own path of interest. After you select the strand you want, you will receive an article by email about every 10 days-4 to 6 emails depending on the topic. If you want to explore another strand or discontinue receiving this information, you can do so at any time. "