When planning assistive technology for a student with severe disabilities in school, which step should occur first?

When planning assistive technology for a student with severe disabilities in school, which step should occur first?

• A. Determine intervention goals in collaboration with the student
• B. Determine access capabilities in collaboration with the SLP
• C. Identify funding sources in collaboration with the social worker
• D. Obtain family support in collaboration with the psychologist

Answer: (A)

Starting with the student’s goals ensures the assistive technology plan centers on meaningful school participation. When you collaborate with the student to identify what they need to do and achieve in the classroom, you define the tasks the technology must support and how the student will interact with it. This goal-driven foundation guides later decisions about what access methods are required, which devices or features are appropriate, and how success will be measured. Without first establishing these goals, subsequent steps like assessing access capabilities, securing funding, or engaging family supports may not align with the student’s actual priorities or educational outcomes. Collaboration with others is essential, but those steps come after the goals and desired outcomes are defined.

Starting with the student’s goals ensures the assistive technology plan centers on meaningful school participation. When you collaborate with the student to identify what they need to do and achieve in the classroom, you define the tasks the technology must support and how the student will interact with it. This goal-driven foundation guides later decisions about what access methods are required, which devices or features are appropriate, and how success will be measured. Without first establishing these goals, subsequent steps like assessing access capabilities, securing funding, or engaging family supports may not align with the student’s actual priorities or educational outcomes. Collaboration with others is essential, but those steps come after the goals and desired outcomes are defined.