What is a collaboration?

The request

The SETC responds to requests for assistance from school staff who serve students with physical and /or cognitive disabilities. These requests occur when the school staff feel that a particular student has learning potential which is hindered by a disability related barrier. The barrier may obstruct the child's access to classroom activities or interfere with the child's ability to express what he/she has learned. Expressive communication (verbal and/or written) is almost always an issue. Staff seek assistance through the SETC in the hope that there is some technology which will help fill in the gap and lead to greater educational success.

The application

A request is made through a formal application process. The staff is required to complete an intake form which covers:

The staff must also provide a 15 to 20 minute video tape showing the student in their typical educational setting(s). Specifically, the tape should show:

You may download a collaboration packet or call the SETC main office to request a collaboration packet. It is wise to return your collaboration packet promptly because we receive many requests and frequently schedule collaborations two to three months in advance. Once the SETC has reviewed your application materials you will be contacted by telephone. At that time we will specify the collaboration format and set a date and location for the collaboration.

The collaboration

The collaboration process involves:

Collaboration product and follow-up:

A collaboration is not a technology evaluation but an opportunity for discussion and brainstorming that should lead to appropriate technology planning for a student. This process does not result in any definite prescription nor does the process provide a letter of justification required for Medicaid funding. The outcome of the collaboration depends ultimately upon the school team and their efforts to try out the various technology and/or strategies suggested and then to select the most suitable solution(s).

A SETC staff member will provide a follow-up telephone call or e-mail approximately two months following this meeting to determine if you require additional assistance in the investigation or implementation of technology and strategies related to the technology needs of your student(s). The SETC staff may be contacted by e-mail or telephone for additional support at any time.

Collaboration formats

Collaborations come in three formats. Click on any format title to see a description.

The choice of format is determined by the SETC team. This determination is based upon the following criteria:

Face to face collaboration

A face to face collaboration usually occurs at one of the SETC office sites. This format provides the school staff an opportunity to brainstorm possible assistive technology solutions for their student. In a face to face collaboration the following persons should attend if possible:

The face to face collaboration typically follows this routine:

Video conference collaboration

A video conference collaboration also occurs at one of the SETC office sites (K-12 video conference network). The advantage to this format is that the school team does not need to travel. In a video conference collaboration the following persons should attend if possible:

The video conference collaboration typically follows this routine:

Telephone collaboration

A telephone collaboration provides specific suggestions to the school team via a telephone conference with one or more of the SETC staff. All school team members that wish to attend the telephone collaboration are welcome to attend. However, It can be conducted with just the primary contact person, in which case he/she will be responsible for sharing information with the other school team members that work with the student.

The telephone collaboration typically follows this routine:

 

© Copyright 2006
Special Education Technology Center
Central Washington University
400 East University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7413
509.963.3350