Quality Indicators and Key Concepts
Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology (QIAT)
Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology (QIAT) has defined a set of descriptors that serve as a guide for quality AT services. The basics of these indicators are included here to assist districts as they integrate AT service delivery into current district policies and procedures and/or continuous improvement plans.
Additionally, the QIAT Matrices may be used to guide a collaborative self-assessment of AT service delivery conducted by an LEA team and used to plan for changes that lead to improvement in attainable steps for AT service delivery.
Additional information about the QIAT Indicators for the following topic areas can be found at qiat.org.
Key Concepts
- AT can be part of the carefully considered and planned system of layered supports guaranteeing access to educational opportunities for students.
- AT devices and services can level the playing field for students with disabilities by providing equitable access to the curriculum and support for student participation in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
- AT devices support all academic areas, daily living skills and extracurricular activities.
- It is not the device that defines a tool as assistive technology, but whether the student needs the tool to participate.
- In the annual IEP meetings of all students with identified or suspected disabilities (as per IDEA), educators must consider how AT devices and services can support achievement of goals/objectives during daily school activities.
- When AT devices are identified, AT services such as assessment, training, acquisition, and maintenance will be needed as well. Both tools and services must then be documented in the IEP.
- If a student is using accessible educational materials (AEM), AT will often be required to access these materials.