Assistive Technology

Schools of Westchester Assistive Technology (SWAT) Teams

The Westchester Institute for Human Development Assistive Technology Program has launched the Schools of Westchester Assistive Technology (SWAT) Teams.  This initiative focuses on training school teams in assistive technology evaluations, trials and implementation to better meet the needs of the students.   Assistive technology is any piece of equipment that allows a person with a disability to participate in daily activities.  Assistive technology is available to meet the needs of individuals who need assistance with mobility, vision, hearing, activities of daily living, communication, as well as support to complete the academic activities of reading, writing, and math.  Technology supports can range from low-tech solutions such as communication boards, picture schedules slant boards, and modified pencils to high-tech solutions that might include computer-based instructional strategies, speech generating devices, and motorized wheelchairs.

The  SWAT teams  model has three components:

Training

WIHD now offers a program that trains teams of teachers, therapists, and other professionals (for an individual, as well as within a school, a district, or a group of districts) to address their organization’s AT needs.  The training involves learning about  the administrative support and system changes necessary to implement this model, how to establish and support the referral process, methods for training school staff, development of tool kits for specific areas of need and follow-up consultation to ensure continued support of the teams as they work to meet the AT needs of their students.

Consultation and Support

 WIHD staff remains a resource for the school teams to support activities and/or technology that the school teams feel unable to manage on their own.  WIHD also offers support for more complex technology demands, including advanced or "high" tech needs that may arise.  The specialists from occupational therapy, speech-language pathology and other departments from WIHD follow-up with school-based teams to monitor, improve and re-evaluate skills and needs.

Technology Library

WIHD assists school districts to inventory their existing technology, and to establish a technology loan library system.  WIHD provides recommendations for future assistive technology purchases based on the needs of the students in the school system.

AT Loan Library Component

Enrolled school districts may participate in a loan library housed at and managed by WIHD.  Loan items will include products to support reading, writing, math, and communication skills in the school environment. WIHD will administer the AT Loan Library through:

• Organization and management of a web-based database of descriptions and availability of loan program items, available to all enrolled districts
• Purchase of items for the loan program based on  input from districts and product information
• Maintenance of the loan equipment
• Demonstrations of and training on new products four times/year

Assistive Technology and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Assistive technology can provide support for individuals with autism.  We strive to identify technology to assist individuals in:

• understanding and interacting with the world around them
• expressing themselves
• working on organizational and academic skills
• gaining others' attention, and interacting socially

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