Program Consultant For Assistive Technology And Aac

POSITION SUMMARY

The Program Consultant for Assistive Technology (AT) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is responsible for county-wide consulting/coaching to assist IEP teams, students, and families in identifying, selecting, and implementing AT and AAC into the curricula. This position will be critical in advocating and developing user-friendly content, training, and guidance (e.g. AT/AAC SETT Considerations) for the advancement of AT & AAC within both local districts and Livingston ESA programs. Recognizing the importance of Autonomous Communication, this position plays a pivotal role in supporting students with complex communication needs.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and analyze and interpret general business periodicals professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of administrators, staff and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to use advanced mathematics to solve problems related to use of technology.

OTHER SKILLS & ABILITIES

Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to area of professional responsibility; ability to plan and implement adaptive technology based on needs and abilities of students to whom assigned. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents and community; ability to speak clear and concisely in written or oral communication.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in education or field of study related to special education.
• Minimum of five (5) years of documented experience with selecting, programming, and implementing AT and AAC strategies to support students with complex communication and alternative access needs.
• Demonstrates evidence of professional growth, including leadership and participation in a wide range of significant professional development activities.
• Strong knowledge of high-leverage practices and differentiated instruction.
• Experience and/or knowledge in best practices for identifying and implementing appropriate and individualized AT and AAC supports for students with complex communication and alternative access needs

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Note: These duties and responsibilities are judged to be “essential functions” in terms of the Americans With Disabilities Act or ADA. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The statements below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed by such a person

• Enthusiasm and flexibility to work collaboratively with students, parents, teachers, and administrators.
• Experience supporting students with complex communication needs, including familiarity with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) supports.
• Provides guidance and ongoing support to Individualized Education Programs (IEP) teams on the implementation of the AT and AAC decision-making framework to support students’ educational goals and progress in the school curriculum.
• Supports IEP teams in the ongoing use of data to monitor the use of student performance and Assistive Technology tool effectiveness.
• Serves as a liaison to the local school district instructional technology department/personnel, collaborating to support and implement Assistive Technology tools, devices, and materials at the local and building level.
• Develops, presents, and facilitates effective professional learning for agency as well as local district staff.
• Collaborates with regional and statewide Assistive Technology committees.
• Advises school district personnel on consideration and inclusion of Assistive Technology (AT) on students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Trains and supports students, parents and school personal in general operation of Assistive Technology tools and workflows using non-technical language.
• Provides ongoing technical assistance regarding student Assistive Technology implementation plans.
• Implements Assistive Technology assessment procedures and device protocols and maintains an inventory of Assistive Technology lending library devices and loan agreements within Livingston County.
• Identifies, locates, and utilizes AT resources and information from a variety of local, state and national level sources.
• Maintain knowledge of best practice and current educational and legal issues related to consideration of AAC and AT within the educational environment.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Performs other related tasks as assigned.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in education or field of study related to special education.
• Minimum of five (5) years of documented experience with selecting, programming, and implementing AT and AAC strategies to support students with complex communication and alternative access needs.
• Demonstrates evidence of professional growth, including leadership and participation in a wide range of significant professional development activities.
• Strong knowledge of high-leverage practices and differentiated instruction.

• Experience and/or knowledge in best practices for identifying and implementing appropriate and individualized AT and AAC supports for students with complex communication and alternative access needs.

  CERTIFICATES, LICENSES and/or REGISTRATIONS

• Possess a valid professional certificate/license in one of the following area(s): Speech Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, or Teacher with a Special Education endorsement.