Mission Statement
The mission of the Region IV Assistive Technology (AT) Consortium is to promote and facilitate the capacity to deliver quality AT services through regional and inter-regional collaboration and training.
We recognize that technology can eliminate barriers and enable individuals with disabilities to be participating and contributing members of society.
We believe that all individuals with disabilities are entitled to equal access to the technology needed to ensure opportunities for learning.
We accept responsibility to provide assistive technology services, when appropriate, to directly assist a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.
Who We Are
The Region IV Assistive Technology Consortium began in 1993 as The Academy on Assistive Technology and includes representatives from eight Intermediate School Districts (ISD’s) in Southeast Michigan. These districts include Jackson, Lenawee, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland Schools, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne County.
The representatives from each county serve on a committee whose purpose is to collaborate on assistive technology (AT) issues in compliance with the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regulations and all other state and federal mandates.
What the Consortium Does
Developing model guidelines for assistive technology and aiding other regions in developing their own AT programs. Communicating with both state and national agencies that serve Region IV students in order to exchange ideas, information, and resources. Reviewing software and technologies appropriate for student with disabilities and facilitating group purchases to reduce costs. Collaborating to provide professional development opportunities to staff and parents throughout the region.
Supporting a High Incidence Project that will develop a system for replicating instructional strategies and technology tools to support all learners in reading and writing across the curriculum.
Region IV A.T. Goals 2011-2012
- Support and integrate the Region IV Guidelines.
- Share resources including people, processes and materials.
- Provide professional development opportunities in the area of Assistive Technology (AT), Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
- Collaborate and work in partnership with the general education community.
- Promote access to the general education curriculum through application of UDL principles, AIM and AT strategies and tools.
- Continue to collaborate with agencies and organizations including: State and private agencies: MITS, MACUL, TAM/CEC, MISAAC, WSU/ETI, MDE and AIM.
| regionivatguidelines.pdf |
