Supports
The level of supports can make or break the success of the assistive
technology intervention. Examples of supports could include modifications to
learners- environments such as adequate lighting, practitioners with adequate
knowledge of assistive technology, financial resources and transferability to
other settings.
Operating strategies
It is necessary for learners to learn how to operate assistive technology. They
need to learn about the features and maintenance, operations, how to
integrate assistive technology into typical routines and how to problem-solve
and cope with malfunctions, etc.
The SETT model to help implement assistive technology
Joy Zabala developed this material while she was an Educational Consultant
in Assistive Technology at Region IV Education Service Center in Houston,
Texas. The SETT model was first introduced at the 1995, "Closing the Gap"
Conference in Minneapolis, MN. It has been published in a number of
publications since then and has also been used by many others in the
development of their materials. The model was developed to help reduce the
misfits and under usage of technology. Professionals agreed that a set of
questions needed to be explored to help select the most efficient and effective
assistive technological equipment that would best meet learners- needs.
The SETT (student, environment, tasks and tools) model is a guideline for
gathering data in order to make effective assistive technology decisions. The
SETT Framework considers the Student, the Environment(s), the Tasks
required for active participation in the activities within the environment, and
finally, the system of Tools needed for the student to address the tasks.
The questions under each section of the SETT Framework are expected to
guide discussion rather than be complete and comprehensive in and of
themselves. As each of these questions is explored, it is likely that many other
questions will arise. The team continues the exploration until there is
consensus that there is enough shared knowledge to make an informed,
reasonable decision that can be supported by data.
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