What It Is

A. 300.308 Assistive Technology
Each public agency shall ensure that assistve technology devices or assistive technology services or both, as those terms are defined in 300.5-300.6 are made available to a child with a disability if required as part of the child's:
   (a) Special Education under 300.17;
   (b) Related services under 300.16;
   (c) Supplementary aids and services under 300.550(b)(2).

Technology Device

A. 300.5 Assistive Technology Device
As used in this part, "assistive technology device" means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of children with disabilities. 300.5 (Authority: 20 U.S.C. Chapter 33, Section 1401 (25))

Service/Training

A. 300.6 Assistive technology services
Service /training
300.6 Assistive technology services
Any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Such term includes:
   (a) the evaluation of needs including a functional evaluation, in the child’s customary environment;
   (b) purchasing, leasing or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices;
   (c) selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing of assistive technology devices;
   (d) coordinating with other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;
   (e) training or technical assistance for an individual with disabilities, or where appropriate that child’s family; and
   (f) training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education and rehabilitation services), employers or others(s) who provide services to employ, or are otherwise, substantially involved in the major life functions of children with disabilities. [Authority 20 U.S.C., Chapter 33, Section 1401(26)]

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Jill Gierach, MSE ATP

  CESA #2 - Jill Gierach has been an Assistive Technology Consultant for the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI) and CESA 2 since 1993. Jill is a special education teacher with over 18 years of classroom experience in many settings. She has been recognized by the Council for Exceptional Education in Wisconsin as a Teacher of the Year. Jill has a Master's Degree in working with students with severe profound multiple disabilities. She holds DPI certification in Assistive Technology through ST. Norbert's A.T. program as well as national certification as an Assistive Technology Practioner from The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA). Jill is a Trainer for staff who wish to learn Environmental Communication Teaching. She has a special interest in the development of curriculum with universal access for all students. Jill is a speaker who presents at state and national levels in the areas of assistive technology, and best instructional practices for including all students.

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Peggy Strong

  Peggy is the Administrative Assistant for the Assistive Technology Department. She performs various duties with verve and aplomb, all while frequently breaking out in song and/or dance. Peggy holds a BBA in Computer End-User Technology from UW-Whitewater.

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Connie Isackson, MSE

  Connie is the Professional Resource Center (formerly the Expanded SEIMC) consultant. She received her B.S.E. degree in Special Education and Elementary Education and her M.S.E. degree in Elementary Education at UW-Whitewater. Connie holds a Wisconsin Teacher's License in the following areas: Special Education, Elementary Education, and Reading. Connie has done further studies in Library Media at the graduate level. Prior to coming to CESA, Connie taught second grade as well as GED classes. During the past twenty years at CESA 2, Connie's extensive knowledge of current educational materials has provided an invaluable resource to districts. The Wisconsin Council of Administrators of Special Services Region III has recognized Connie for her outstanding service to teachers.

 

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