Overview
This module will discuss the importance of teaching independent living skills to students with disabilities. It covers how a team can use the WATI AT assessment process to address needs related to self-care as well as control of electronic devices within the environment. The WATI assessment process systematically progresses through the stages of information gathering, decision-making, and implementation planning. The WATI Assistive Technology Decision-Making Guide supports the team with guiding questions designed to yield information about the student, environment(s), and tasks, leading to the selection of appropriate tools.
Estimated Time to Complete: 1 hour
- What's Included
- 22 pages
- Pre/post-assessments
- Free Certificate
- Explain why participation in independent living activities is important for students with disabilities.
- Explain the difference between aids for daily living (ADLs) and electronic aids to daily living (EADLs).
- Apply the student, environment, and tasks components of the WATI AT Decision-Making Guide to address a student's need for AT to participate in independent living activities.
- Identify resources for tools for ADLs and EADLs.
Patti Drescher, M.Ed., OTR, ATP
Patti Drescher received her BS in Occupational Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 2004 she received her Master's Degree in Assistive Technology from George Mason University where she also coordinated the GMU LIFE Program and served as adjunct faculty. A RESNA certified ATP since 1998, Patti has worked in numerous settings including the public schools, in-patient rehabilitation, higher education, and vocational rehabilitation. She has presented at many state and national conferences, and co-authored WATI's ASNAT (Assessing Students' Needs for Assistive Technology) manual. Patti joined Virginia's Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services as an OT/Assistive Technology Specialist in 2010.
This module was developed in collaboration with WATI and provides updated content from the Assessing Students' Needs for Assistive Technology (ASNAT) - IDEA discretionary grant #: 9906-23. 1992-2009
Module Content
You can download a document that includes all content from the module, with the exception of videos. This resource can support your learning while completing the module or be saved for future reference.
Additional Documents
Basic Electronic Aids to Daily Living
Developing Independent Living Skills
Multi-Function Electronic Aids to Daily Living
WATI AT Decision-Making Guide - Independent Living
WATI Environmental Observation Guide