SITE MAP | Last updated 6.15.09

AT Evaluations

• review the referral video and information ahead of time to devise possible alternatives to explore.
  
  
• pProvide materials and resources for the session when possible.
  
  
• conduct one half-day session per student at your site.
  
  
• lead the process and involve the local team members.
  
  
• write an Action Plan report based on discussions with the local team.
  
  
• provide technical support and follow-up via email and phone contact.
  
  
• coordinate limited loan of equipment through MD TAP and provide extensive information about rental options from vendors.

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• select a student who presents significant needs and who may benefit from the use or refined use of Assistive Technology.
  
  
• identify a local team who serves the individual student and who will be available to participate in the evaluation. Members may include administrators, assistive technology specialists, special educators, regular educators, paraprofessionals and assistants, physical and occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, vision and hearing specialists, family members, and the student if appropriate.
  
  
• arrange a date with the Maryland A.T. Cooperative Team
  
  
• arrange for release time for those team members who will be participating and provide a room for the session. Local computers may need to be available, if the student's needs include computer technology.
  
  
• send information and a short video ahead of time to the Cooperative Evaluation Training Team explaining the student's abilities and needs and brief review of what has been tried with the student including current successes and problems. Forms will be provided.
  
  
• participate in the session to determine needs, work along side the Cooperative Evaluation Training Team to evaluate the student using the technologies and discuss observations and ideas for an action plan.

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Currently, the Cooperative Evaluation Team Members Include:

Linda Burkhart
Linda Burkhart is an internationally known pioneer in the field of simplified technology for children with severe challenges. As a special educator her experience includes teaching school age children with orthopedic disabilities and preschool children with severe and profound disabilities, including a preschool "total communication classroom" for children who are pre-verbal or non-verbal. For eight years she served as augmentative communication and assistive technology specialist for the Center for Technology in Education, conducting workshops and providing direct service as member of the Statewide Technology Assistance and Training (STAT) Team. She presents and consults internationally on practical strategies for assistive technology and augmentative communication from "light tech" to "high tech." She is the author of four books.

Susan Garber
After 18 years as a special educator working with students of many ages and disabilities plus two advanced degrees in communicative disorders and technology, Susan became Program Director for assistive technology training at the Center for Technology in Education. In that position she developed both in-service and graduate level programs and lead the multidisciplinary STAT Team. For four years she served on an 11-member international Professional Standards Board to develop a credential for Assistive Technology Practitioners and Suppliers. She has presented at numerous conferences and authored a chapter and several articles on A.T. evaluations and program development. She is currently the Executive Director of the Maryland Assistive Technology Cooperative, known for its innovative discounted purchasing and training.

Christina Schindler
Christina Schindler recently joined AT:LAST as an assistive technology specialist after working for eight years as the assistive technology specialist for the Center for Assistive Technology and Inclusive Education Studies (CATIES) located at The College of New Jersey. There she provided training and technical assistance to teachers, students, parents, faculty, and disability support providers on the benefits of assistive technology for students with disabilities.  She also provided assistive technology evaluations for students from elementary school through college. In her position at AT:LAST, she continues to provide assistive technology training and technical assistance to Maryland school districts and community members. Mrs. Schindler is a certified special, general, and history education teacher.  She holds a M.S. in Educational Technology and a CSUN Assistive Technology Certificate.

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