A half-time Assistive Technology teacher was hired in September of 1997. Continued support has come in loans of equipment, advice and direction, vendor support, and ongoing AT education through conferences and a daily conversation through the ATA listserve in which technology questions and answers are offered. In an isolated, rural region, this brainstorming is invaluable. Parents, teachers, and administrators alike have misconceptions about what the technology can and will do for a child. Some believe that it is a crutch and is doing the work for the child.
Technology is a tool, rather than a goal.
Many times the computer or the technology has waited for the arrival of the AT Teacher before it is used. Educating the team that the technology is the tool rather than the outcome is critical. Teachers still are not using classroom computers as teaching tools. Districts tend to look at purchases on an annual basis rather than at long range success for individuals. A computer system is an enormous expense for any of our districts.