CIA Assistive Technology Operation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student uses word prediction software but frequently selects incorrect predictions without noticing. Which strategy should the assistant use first?
- Disable word prediction entirely
- Teach the student to pause and visually verify each prediction before selecting (Correct answer)
- Increase the prediction list to 10 words
- Switch the student to voice recognition software
Correct answer: Teach the student to pause and visually verify each prediction before selecting
Building the habit of verifying predictions before confirming them reduces errors without removing the benefit of the assistive technology.
Question 2: Which braille display feature allows a student to directly edit text on a connected computer?
- Panning keys
- Routing cursor keys (Correct answer)
- Thumb keys
- Scroll buttons
Correct answer: Routing cursor keys
Routing cursor keys are positioned above each braille cell and, when pressed, move the computer cursor directly to that character for editing.
Question 3: A student's speech-generating device (SGD) vocabulary does not include a word needed for a science lesson. What should the assistant do?
- Tell the student to use a synonym already in the device
- Temporarily add the new vocabulary item to the device in coordination with the SLP (Correct answer)
- Wait until the SLP updates the device at the next scheduled appointment
- Write the word on paper for the student to hold up
Correct answer: Temporarily add the new vocabulary item to the device in coordination with the SLP
Adding lesson-specific vocabulary in coordination with the SLP ensures the student can participate fully while maintaining programming consistency.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a joystick alternative access device for a power wheelchair user who also needs computer access?
- To replace the keyboard entirely for all tasks
- To provide proportional cursor control that mirrors the motor skills the student already uses for mobility (Correct answer)
- To enable eye-gaze input on the computer
- To control smart home devices
Correct answer: To provide proportional cursor control that mirrors the motor skills the student already uses for mobility
A joystick leverages existing motor skills used for wheelchair driving, reducing the cognitive and physical load of learning a new access method.
Question 5: Under IDEA, who is responsible for ensuring assistive technology devices and services are provided to a student with a disability?
- The student's parents at their own expense
- The school district at no cost to the family if included in the IEP (Correct answer)
- The state assistive technology program
- The student's private insurance
Correct answer: The school district at no cost to the family if included in the IEP
IDEA requires school districts to provide AT devices and services at no cost to families when the IEP team determines they are necessary for a free appropriate public education.
Question 6: A student's augmentative communication device uses symbol-based vocabulary. Which symbol set is most widely used in US educational settings?
- Blissymbolics
- Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) (Correct answer)
- Minspeak icons
- Makaton symbols
Correct answer: Picture Communication Symbols (PCS)
Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) by Mayer-Johnson are the most widely recognized symbol set used in AAC systems and educational materials across the US.
Question 7: When a student transitions from school to a community setting, assistive technology considerations should be documented in which plan?
- The behavior intervention plan (BIP)
- The individualized transition plan (ITP) within the IEP (Correct answer)
- The 504 accommodation plan
- The school improvement plan
Correct answer: The individualized transition plan (ITP) within the IEP
The ITP outlines post-secondary goals and the supports—including AT—needed to achieve them, ensuring continuity of access across environments.
CIA Assistive Technology Operation 3
A student uses word prediction software but frequently selects incorrect predictions without noticing.
Which strategy should the assistant use first?