Assistive Technology Services (ATS)

Every school has an Assistive Technology Coach who works with school teams to incorporate assistive technology for students with disabilities.

Real Assistive Technology for Everyone (RATE) Conference

Join us for the 2023 Real Assistive Technology for Everyone (RATE) Conference! The RATE Conference will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at West Springfield High School.
Conference Information and Registration

Assistive Technology Services (ATS) uses computers, augmentative communication devices, and adaptive technology peripherals to maximize the potential of FCPS students with disabilities.

ATS staff members work in collaboration with school teams to ensure that all students with disabilities who require assistive technology have the technology tools and training necessary in order to access the curriculum, narrow the achievement gap, gain essential life skills, and reach their full potential.

Assistive Technology Services:

  • Provides assistive technology (AT) support to FCPS students with disabilities.
  • Builds capacity of school teams to incorporate assistive technology options for all students with disabilities.
  • Assigns an AT Coach to provide AT training and support to every FCPS school and center (AT Coaches support an average of eight to ten sites each).
  • Provides augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), adaptive access, support for the visually impaired, support for the deaf and hard of hearing, and instructional software training and support to FCPS students with disabilities.
  • Offers individual AT consultations for students with disabilities through a comprehensive assistive technology referral process.
  • Provides direct, ongoing school-based assistive technology support to students with disabilities who have been previously referred to ATS.
  • Provides topic specific assistive technology training.
  • Sponsors staff development projects like the Technology Outreach and Program Support (TOPS) teacher program.
  • ATS Continuum of Service

Contact Information:

Department of Special Services, Assistive Technology Services
Jeff Sisk, Program Manager, [email protected]
Jennifer Carr, Educational Specialist, [email protected]
Meaghan Tracy, Integration Specialist, [email protected]

Connect with Us!

twitter

Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM)

Printed textbooks, trade books, and other educational materials can be converted to alternate formats to support students with a documented visual, physical or print disability.

Assistive Technology Support for Students with Reading Difficulties

There are many assistive technologies and strategies available that can support access to the curriculum and increase capabilities for students with reading difficulties.

AT Ambassadors Program

To showcase the leadership, self-advocacy, and technology skills of FCPS students with disabilities.

Assistive Technology and Executive Functioning

In order to manage tasks and succeed in goal-directed activities, executive function skills are required. Most academic tasks require students to coordinate and integrate many different skills. Weaknesses in executive function skills may have a significant impact on the accuracy and efficiency of students’ performance. Many different technologies can be used to facilitate executive functioning skills.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

AAC uses a variety of techniques and tools to help an individual express thoughts, wants and needs, feelings, and ideas. - American Speech-Language Hearing Association

Technology Tools to Support All Learners

Universal Design for Learning is a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn. Explore these quick and easy inclusive tools and resources that can facilitate learning in FCPSOn, Strategies for Success and other classrooms for diverse students.

Technology Tools to Support Special Education Instruction

Technology tools and resources that support students with disabilities who receive category B services within FCPS and access special education instruction in various classroom settings.

Assistive Technology Support for FCPSOn Schools

Assistive Technology Services works in collaboration with FCPSOn schools to leverage technology across all learning environments for students with disabilities.

Assistive Technology Tools and Resources for Computer Access

Alternative computer access includes tools and settings which make it easier for users with a variety of disabilities to access their computers more independently.

Accessibility in FCPS

FCPS staff collaborate to provide accessibility resources, professional development, and guidance across the division.