Assistive Technology Services (ATS)

Every school has an assistive technology coach who works with school teams to incorporate assistive technology for students with disabilities

Assistive Technology Services (ATS) helps students with disabilities in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) by providing tools like communication devices, apps, extensions, hardware, software, and mobility devices to help them do their best in school.

The Virginia Department of Education’s Assistive Technology Tools and Strategies (VDOE VATTS) gives advice on how to choose and use assistive technology (AT) for students with disabilities. This includes planning and putting AT services into action.

ATS staff members work in collaboration with school teams to make sure students who need assistive technology get the right tools and training. This helps students access their lessons, close the achievement gap, learn important life skills, and reach their full potential.

ATS uses a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework to make sure technology tools are used well. It's the job of the whole school team to make sure AT tools are part of the curriculum.

Assistive Technology 3 tiers

Tier 3: Assistive Technology Tools 

Assistive Technology (AT) Tools are recommended when students need them to participate in their classes. AT coaches work with Individualized Education Plan (IEP)/504 teams to evaluate the student's needs. Coaching is ongoing, and changes to AT recommendations are made as needed. The whole team is responsible for making sure AT tools are used effectively.

Tier 2: Inclusive and Accessible Technology Tools 

Other Approved Tools in the FCPS Digital Ecosystem can be used by all students and may be assigned individually. They help teachers adjust instruction to meet different needs and give students access to the curriculum. If a student needs them, they can be listed as accommodations by an IEP/504 team. AT coaches can help school teams understand and use these inclusive and accessible tools.

Tier 1: Educational Technology Tools 

These are the Core Tools of the FCPS Digital Ecosystem.  They help teachers adjust instruction and provide access to the curriculum. Like Tier 2 tools, they can be listed as accommodations if needed. AT coaches are available to advise school teams on how to use these educational technology tools.

Assistive Technology for Students With Reading Difficulties

In the video below, meet Emmy, a student at Poplar Tree ES, who struggled with dyslexia early in her elementary years. With encouragement from her parents and a team of specialists and teachers, Emmy found an assistive technology tool that worked best for her learning style. 

Dyslexia information and online training for families

There are many simple adjustments that can be made in Microsoft Word and Google Docs that may help with the readability of documents for students with reading difficulties.

The font in which text is presented can make a difference in how well students are able to differentiate among letters. Fonts that have distinct shapes and minimize extra flourishes tend to be easier for students to read, such as sans-serif fonts. Learn how to change the font in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

There are also free fonts available that have been designed specifically for increased readability. 

Text-to-speech readers convert text on a computer screen to spoken words to be read aloud to a student. 

Natural Reader - Natural Reader is a text-to-speech program that will read aloud text. Natural Reader is available on FCPS computers via AppV in the user's "My Applications" folder. If Natural Reader is not listed in the user's "My Applications" folder, please contact your school's Technology Support Specialist (TSSpec). The free version of Natural Reader can be downloaded for use at home. The Chrome extension for Natural Reader has also been approved for FCPS student use. Video Tutorial on Natural Reader | Video Tutorial on the Natural Reader Chrome Extension | AT Ambassador Student Video Tutorial on Natural Reader

Read Aloud/Speak Tool in Microsoft Office - The Read Aloud/Speak tool is a built-in read aloud feature of Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and OneNote. Students can use the Read Aloud/Speak tool to listen to their written text for any spelling or grammar errors. Speak Tool in Microsoft Office | Read Aloud in Word for Microsoft 365 and Word 2019 | Video Tutorial on How to Add the Read Aloud Tool to the Quick Access Toolbar in Microsoft Office

Immersive Reader - Immersive reader is a free tool from Microsoft that uses proven techniques to help improve reading.  The program reads text aloud, spaces words, breaks down syllables and parts of speech.  It also translates, provides, definitions and pictures and visually simplifies the page.  It can be used in many programs such as Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Word, One Note and Excel. AT Ambassador Student Video on Immersive Reader in the Classroom

Magnifier Reading - Magnifier reading is built into the Windows operating system starting with Windows 10. Students can use the Magnifier reader to listen to selectable text on web pages and web applications such as Google Docs.

Text Compactor - Text Compactor is a free online text summarizer. After typing or pasting text into the provided text box, the user can select the percentage of summarization. Text compactor will provide a summary of the text that could then be read aloud by a separate screen reader, such as Natural Reader.

Rewordify - Rewordify is an online tool that will simplify text. Words that are simplified are highlighted on the screen. The user can click on the highlighted words to see and hear the original word.  

Fairfax County Public Schools Library Online Resources, Databases and eBooks - These databases and eBooks are centrally purchased for the use of all Fairfax County Public Schools students and staff. Many schools purchase additional databases. Please see your school's librarian for more information. Home access requires a password. See your librarian for a password list.

Accessible Instructional Materials-VA (AIM-VA) - AIM-VA provides accessible instructional materials to eligible Virginia K-12 students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and are unable to access traditional print. AIM-VA Eligibility Requirements 

Learning Ally - Learning Ally provides members access to audiobooks, including literature selections. Some students may qualify for access to Learning Ally books through AIM-VA or schools may purchase school memberships. Parents may also purchase a individual membership. Users can access their audiobooks by using Learning Ally's audiobook app for computer, smartphone or tablet. Learning Ally's Audiobook App and User Guides | AT Ambassador Student Video Tutorial on Learning Ally

Bookshare - Bookshare provides access to accessible books for students with print deficits. Bookshare is free to students who qualify. To register for an individual or organizational membership, please visit Bookshare's Sign Up page.

Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM)

Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) are printed textbooks, trade books, and other educational materials that are converted to alternate formats (braille, large print, electronic/digital text, and audio recordings). Students with a documented visual, physical or print disability (IEP) may require accessible instructional materials (AIM) if the limitations of print materials are the barrier to their success. IEP teams are required to consider whether a student requires materials in an alternate format.

AIM-VA

The AIM-VA center, located at the Helen A. Kellar Institute at George Mason University, provides accessible instructional materials at no cost to eligible Virginia K-12 students with IEPs.

The AIM-VA center, located at the Helen A. Kellar Institute at George Mason University, provides accessible instructional materials at no cost to eligible Virginia K-12 students with IEPs.

Each school will have a designated Lead Digital Rights Manager who can add teachers into the AIM-VA system as Digital Rights Managers. After a student is found eligible and the teacher is added, the teacher can go into the system and order the needed materials.

For some students, access to print materials in an alternate format can drastically enhance their ability to interact with and comprehend text. Materials provided through AIM-VA can offer features that are not available in online textbooks or other digital or online materials. Students can also access popular literature titles and other materials that are often not available electronically from other sources.

If an IEP team or 504 team finds that a student requires an accommodation of materials in an alternate format and they are not eligible for AIM-VA materials, then the school will need to provide alternate access to materials. Additionally, the school team may work with the Assistive Technology Services resource teacher assigned to their building to explore resources available to support the student.

AIM Simply Said videoVisit AIM-VA

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) uses a variety of techniques and tools, including picture communication boards, line drawings, speech-generating devices (SGDs), tangible objects, manual signs, gestures, and finger spelling, to help the individual express thoughts, wants and needs, feelings, and ideas. (American Speech-Language Hearing Association, 2018)

AAC is augmentative when used to supplement existing speech, and alternative when used in place of speech that is absent or not functional. (American Speech-Language Hearing Association, 2018)

In the video below, learn how FCPS uses AAC devices to help give students a voice in their learning.

An AAC system is an integrated group of components used to enhance communication. These components include forms of AAC (aided or unaided), symbols, selection techniques, and strategies. (American Speech-Language Hearing Association, 2018)

The design of an AAC system incorporates each individual's strengths and needs. It incorporates the individual's full communication abilities and may include existing speech, vocalizations, gestures, languages spoken, and/or some form of external system (e.g., Speech generating device). (American Speech-Language Hearing Association, 2018)

An individual may use multiple modalities or many systems of AAC in combination, allowing for change based on context, audience, and communicative intent. A well-designed AAC system is flexible and adaptable. It allows for changes to vocabulary and mode of access as the individual's language and physical needs change over time. A well-designed system also maximizes the individual's abilities to communicate effectively and efficiently across environments and with a variety of communication partners (Beukelman & Mirenda, 2013). (American Speech-Language Hearing Association, 2018)

Core words are high frequency words that we use over and over again to communicate. For more information on core language, modeling strategies and ideas, check out this blog post from AssistiveWare on Teaching with Core Words: Building Blocks for Communication.

What is Modeling When Using an AAC Device?

Simply put, modeling is showing an AAC user where words are on an AAC device while providing verbal input (speaking key words and phrases). Check out some great tips on modeling with AAC from Praacticalaac.org.

Video

Here are some short video examples of a communication partner modeling on an AAC device with an AAC user. Each video includes how to prepare for the activity. 

Expanding on Your Child's Language When Using AAC

Children who are new to AAC may just use 1 or 2 words at a time while utilizing their device.  We, as communication partners can expand or extend what could be said during a conversation. 

Video

Prentke Romich Company (PRC) Device Resources

Tobii Dynavox Device Resources 

Communication Apps

  • PrAACtical AAC
    Blog website providing AAC resources and implementation strategies, as well as weekly and monthly featured posts. To get started exploring activities and resources, type "core word of the week" or "literacy" in the "search this website..." dialog box.
  • AssistiveWare's Core Word Classroom 5 minute Fillers
    Resource website with free printable core word displays, one page reference sheets, as well as AAC modeling suggestions for home and school. This website requires you to register with an email address to access their free resources. FCPS staff and student emails should not be used to register for an account. 
  • AAC Language Lab Free Resources
    Resource website with a variety of articles, activities, books, and games to help implement AAC. This website also includes free manual communication boards that can be downloaded and printed. No subscription is required to access the free resources.

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. For additional information on executive function and to experience what it may be like for your child with attention and learning difficulties, please visit Through Your Child's Eyes.

Materials management skills include the ability to keep one’s workspace, play areas, and materials orderly. Students must also understand what materials are needed and be able to readily find and utilize what is needed for a task.

Natural Reader - Natural Reader is a text-to-speech program that will read aloud text. Natural Reader is available on FCPS computers via AppV in the user's "My Applications" folder. If Natural Reader is not listed in the user's "My Applications" folder, please contact your school's Technology Support Specialist (TSSpec). The free version of Natural Reader can be downloaded for use at home. The Chrome extension for Natural Reader has also been approved for FCPS student use. Video Tutorial on Natural Reader | Video Tutorial on the Natural Reader Chrome Extension | AT Ambassador Student Video Tutorial on Natural Reader

Adobe Reader Fill and Sign and Comment Tools - Adobe Reader Fill and Sign and Comment Tools can be used to annotate and fill in electronic PDFs. Adobe Reader Fill and Sign Tool | Adobe Reader Fill and Sign Video Tutorial | Adobe Reader Comment Tool | Adobe Reader Comment Tool Video Tutorial | AT Ambassador Student Tutorial on Adobe Reader Fill and Sign Toolbar

Fairfax County Public Schools Library Online Resources, Databases and eBooks - These databases and eBooks are centrally purchased for the use of all Fairfax County Public Schools students and staff. Many schools purchase additional databases. Please see your school's librarian for more information. Home access requires a password. See your librarian for a password list.

Accessible Instructional Materials-VA (AIM-VA) - AIM-VA provides accessible instructional materials to eligible Virginia K-12 students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and are unable to access traditional print. AIM-VA Eligibility Requirements

Learning Ally - Learning Ally provides members access to audiobooks, including literature selections. Some students may qualify for access to Learning Ally books through AIM-VA or schools may purchase school memberships. Parents may also purchase an individual membership. Users can access their audiobooks by using Learning Ally's audiobook app for computer, smartphone or tablet. Learning Ally's Audiobook App and User Guides | AT Ambassador Student Video Tutorial on Learning Ally

Bookshare - Bookshare provides access to accessible books for students with print deficits. Bookshare is free to students who qualify. To register for an individual or organizational membership, please visit Bookshare's Sign Up page.

Tar Heel Reader - Tar Heel Reader is a collection of free, easy-to-read, and accessible books on a wide range of topics. Each book can be speech enabled and accessed using multiple interfaces, including touch screens and 1 to 3 switches.

Paper Document to Electronic Document - There are two ways that you can turn a paper document into an electronic document by using your phone or tablet's camera or Notes app. The electronic document can then be uploaded to Google Drive, emailed, or exported to other applications on your computer. Video Tutorial on How to Create an Electronic Document Using Your Phone's Camera | Video Tutorial on How to Use the Notes App to Create an Electronic Document 

Notes App - The Notes app allows a student to take notes, write down thoughts, and record text on a mobile device. This app is part of the standard set of apps that come on an iOS device. Other mobile devices will have similar apps.

Information management skills assess a student’s ability to come up with the steps needed to reach a goal and to decide their order of importance. Students with weak planning and prioritizing skills may not know how to start planning a project, may be easily overwhelmed trying to break tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks, and they may have trouble seeing the main idea.

G Suite for Education - G Suite for Education is an integrated communication and collaboration solution, hosted by Google and managed by FCPS. G Suite for Education was formerly known as Google Apps for Education. G Suite for Education includes the following apps for students: Calendar, Classroom, Contacts, Draw, Drive, Docs, Keep, Forms, Mail, Sheets, Slides, Sites, and Tasks.  To access FCPS G Suite for Education, students and staff must login with their fcpsschools.net username and password. 

Google Docs Tables-to-Text Graphic Organizer - Use a table as a graphic organizer for students to easily organize brainstormed ideas. A simple copy and paste strategy will then allow paragraph and sentence construction. Video Tutorial on Google Docs Tables-to-Text Graphic Organizer

Google Draw Graphic Organizer - Google Draw is an online tool within FCPS G Suite for Education. Use Google Draw to create a graphic organizer as a pre-writing strategy to help organize thoughts and ideas. Once you have created a Google Drawing as a graphic organizer, it will insert into a Google Doc and can be edited as needed. Students can then create a written draft from their ideas in the graphic organizer. Video Tutorial on How to Create a Graphic Organizer in Google Draw

Immersive Reader - Immersive reader is a free tool from Microsoft that uses proven techniques to help improve reading.  The program reads text aloud, spaces words, breaks down syllables and parts of speech.  It also translates, provides, definitions and pictures and visually simplifies the page.  It can be used in many programs such as Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Word, One Note and Excel. AT Ambassador Student Using Immersive Reader in the Classroom | Video Tutorial on Immersive Reader in Microsoft Edge Browser | Video Tutorial on Immersive Reader in Microsoft Office | Immersive Reader in Microsoft Word Tutorial | Immersive Reader in Microsoft OneNote Tutorial 

Mozilla Firefox Reader View - Mozilla Firefox Reader View is a Mozilla Firefox web browser feature that removes distractions, ads, and background images for better readability of web page content. Mozilla Firefox Reader View allows user to customize settings to fit their reading preferences.

Flipgrid - Provides an online platform where students can collaborate and build projects with online video. The site requires parent permission for anyone under 13 years of age to use. Students and staff should login with their FCPS Google account. Flipgrid and Accessibility | Immersive Reader in Flipgrid | Video Tutorial on Immersive Reader in Flipgrid

Kahoot! - A game based learning platform to create, play and share learning games with students. Staff should login with their FCPS Google account.

Padlet - An easy to use online tool to construct boards that can be used to collaborate and communicate with students. This site requires parent permission for anyone under the 13 years of age to use. Students and staff should login with their FCPS Google account.

Quizlet - Quizlet makes simple learning tools that let you study anything, including flashcards, games and other learning tools. Students and staff should login with their FCPS Google account.

Wizer.me - Use Wizer.me on any device to create interactive worksheets with choices to embed video, text, and images. There are many options to sort, reflect, comment, discuss, and make choices on the worksheets you create. Choose from the "community" for worksheets on various topics. The site requires parent permission for anyone under 13 years of age to use. Students and staff should login with their FCPS Google account.

Pear Deck - Pear Deck is a resource for creating interactive presentations with formative assessment elements. Pear Deck is integrated with G Suite. Teachers and students log into Pear Deck with their fcpsschools.net username and password. Immersive Reader in Pear Deck | Video Tutorial on Immersive Reader in Pear Deck

ReWordify - ReWordify is an online tool that simplifies difficult text.

Text Compactor - Text Compactor is a free online text summarizer.  After pasting text into the provided box, the user can select the percentage of summarization.  The program will then provide a summary of the text which includes the chosen percentage of the original text.  The summarized text could then be read aloud by a separate screen reader. 

Self-management skills are the mental processes that enable us to plan, set priorities and resist impulsive actions or responses. A student needs to sort through a constant stream of sensory information and needs to employ self-regulation strategies to monitor and regulate one’s thinking, attention, behavior, emotions, and social interactions.

Self-Check Behavior Checklist - Self-Check Behavior Checklist Maker is a free application that allows teachers to quickly create checklists that students can use to monitor their behavior in the classroom.

Low-Tech Strategy Cards - Create cards that illustrate strategies that can be used when a student feels that they are losing control. These cards can be used as a visual reminder to help students make better self-management decisions. Printable Picture Cards

Social Stories - Social stories are used to teach students coping strategies and social skills using simple language and visuals. Social stories can be personalized to the student by using photos of themselves or their classroom/home to aid in comprehension. Video Tutorial on How to Create a Social Story

Social Stories Library - This website provides a variety of social stories, such as school routines, emotions and friendships. These social stories are downloaded to Microsoft Word and can be adapted to meet your child's needs.

Book Creator - This app can be used to create books with pictures, sound, text, and video. This app can be used to create social stories to support students who struggle with responding appropriately to social situations. Available for iOS, Android, and Windows. 

Video Modeling - Video modeling is a teaching strategy where a student watches a video of someone doing an appropriate behavior/skill and then imitates the behavior/skilled that they watched. Video modeling encourages independence and consistency in teaching an appropriate behavior or skill. Video Tutorial on Visual Supports at Home: Video Modeling

IRIS Center - A national center dedicated to improving education outcomes for all children, especially those with disabilities birth through age twenty-one, through the use of effective evidence-based practices and interventions. Helping Students Become Independent Learners

GoNoodle - This is a website that helps teachers and parents get kids moving with short interactive activities. Desk-side movement helps kids achieve more by keeping them engaged and motivated throughout the day. There is a range of activities to help calm behaviors, relieve anxiety, release excess energy, etc. 

Breathe, Think, Do - This is a resource app for you to share with your child to help teach skills such as problem solving, self-control, planning, and task persistence. Models deep breathing and calming activities using a friendly monster. Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame for iOS | Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame for Android

Time management skills are essential for a child’s success at school. It allows a child to complete tasks in a timely manner. To have strong time management skills, a student should estimate the time necessary to finish tasks and make and follow a schedule. Time management involves a child monitoring their own effort and actions, having an appropriate sense of urgency to complete assignments, and having the ability to follow step-by-step procedures.

Google Calendar - Google Calendar is a tool in a student's FCPS G Suite for Education account which can assist with reminders, schedules and general organization.

Google Keep - Google Keep is an online collaborative note taking tool within FCPS G Suite for Education. You can use Google Keep to create notes, checklists and schedule reminders. You can also use Google Keep for structured writing within Google Docs.

Checklists - Students can plan and self-monitor tasks by using a checklist. Checklists can be created in a word processing program. There are also online checklist creators, such as Project Based Learning Checklist.

Schedules - Schedules can be used to help a student with transitions between activities. Schedules can be created in many different ways. Visual schedules can support students who are visual learners by pairing pictures with activities. Schedules can be maintained in a notebook, in an app on a mobile device, or on a computer. Schedules allow students to be more independent with their movement from activity to activity throughout the day. Video Tutorial on Visual Supports at Home: Schedules | Video Tutorial on Visual Supports at Home: Work Task Schedules

First/Then Boards - First then boards are simple visual schedule tools that communicate to students what they need to do now (First) and what comes next (Then). These boards can be used as behavior supports to help a student complete an undesired task.  The demand (First) would be paired with a reinforcer (Then). Video Tutorial on Visual Supports at Home: First/Then Boards | Video Tutorial on How to Create a Low Tech First/Then Board | Video Tutorial on How to Create a First/Then Board in Microsoft Word  

Timers - A timer is a type of clock used for measuring specific time intervals. Timers keep track of how much time has passed and how much time is left. Timers help students to focus, stay on task, and may reduce stress. Video Tutorial on Visual Supports at Home: Timers | Timer - Online Timer | TimeMe | Online Timer with Alarm

Windows 10 Timer - Windows 10 has a built-in timer that can be used to help manage time.  The timer gives a visual and musical notification when they go off. Multiple timers can be saved in the app as well. Video Tutorial on How to Setup and Use Windows 10 Timer App

Time-Timer - The Time-Timer is a visual timer that helps students see the amount of time left for an activity. The Time-Timer is available as a large, clock-like timer and as an app. The app is available for both iOS and Android. 

Clock App - This is a standard app on mobile devices which allows students to set a stopwatch, alarm, and timer options. Most mobile devices will have a clock app.

Reminders App - The Reminders app is part of the standard set of apps that comes with an iOS device. This app allows you to create reminders with subtasks and attachments, and set alerts based on time and location. AT Ambassador Video Tutorial on the Reminders App | How to Use Reminders on iOS Devices

Remind - A safe classroom communication tool that helps teachers communicate instantly with students and parents by sending quick messages to entire class, small groups, or individuals on any device.

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]

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