TExES 161 Assistive Technology and Accommodations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student with dyslexia struggles with decoding grade-level text. Which AT tool would most directly support this student's reading access?
- A graphic organizer template
- Text-to-speech software (Correct answer)
- A calculator with large display
- An FM amplification system
Correct answer: Text-to-speech software
Text-to-speech software reads digital text aloud, allowing students with dyslexia to access written content without relying solely on their decoding skills.
Question 2: During an AT assessment, the evaluator uses the SETT framework. What does SETT stand for?
- Student, Educator, Tasks, Technology
- Student, Environment, Tasks, Tools (Correct answer)
- Skills, Expectations, Teaching strategies, Tools
- Services, Evaluation, Training, Technology
Correct answer: Student, Environment, Tasks, Tools
The SETT framework (Student, Environments, Tasks, Tools) guides AT decision-making by first examining the student's needs, the environments where AT will be used, and the tasks required before selecting appropriate tools.
Question 3: A student who is deaf-blind uses a device that converts text into tactile output through raised pins. This technology is called a:
- Speech-generating device
- Braille display (refreshable braille display) (Correct answer)
- FM loop system
- Voice output communication aid
Correct answer: Braille display (refreshable braille display)
A refreshable braille display converts digital text into braille characters through electronically raised pins, allowing users who are blind or deaf-blind to read text through touch.
Question 4: Under IDEA, who is responsible for ensuring that AT devices included in an IEP are provided to the student?
- The student's parent or guardian, who must purchase devices independently
- The school district, which must provide AT at no cost to the family (Correct answer)
- The state department of assistive technology, through a separate grant process
- The student's private therapist or physician who prescribes the device
Correct answer: The school district, which must provide AT at no cost to the family
When AT is identified in a student's IEP, IDEA requires the school district to provide those devices and services at no cost to the family as part of a free appropriate public education (FAPE).
Question 5: A student with a hearing impairment uses an FM system in the classroom. What is the primary function of this technology?
- It converts sign language into spoken words for the teacher to understand
- It wirelessly transmits the teacher's voice directly to the student's hearing aid or cochlear implant (Correct answer)
- It provides visual cues on a screen to accompany the teacher's verbal instruction
- It records and transcribes classroom lectures for later review by the student
Correct answer: It wirelessly transmits the teacher's voice directly to the student's hearing aid or cochlear implant
An FM system uses a microphone worn by the teacher to wirelessly transmit the speaker's voice directly to the student's hearing aid or cochlear implant, improving the signal-to-noise ratio in the classroom.
Question 6: Which of the following AT strategies would BEST support a student with fine motor difficulties who struggles to produce legible handwriting?
- Allowing extra time on written assignments only
- Providing a word processor or speech-to-text software for written tasks (Correct answer)
- Reducing the quantity of written work required
- Assigning a peer scribe for all written assignments
Correct answer: Providing a word processor or speech-to-text software for written tasks
Word processors and speech-to-text software provide the student an independent means to produce written work without relying on fine motor skills for handwriting, supporting access and independence.
Question 7: When a student's IEP includes AT services, what do these services typically include?
- Only the purchase and delivery of the device to the school
- Evaluation, training, technical assistance, and coordination of AT with other therapies and interventions (Correct answer)
- Annual replacement of AT devices regardless of the device's condition
- Reimbursement to parents for AT purchased outside of school
Correct answer: Evaluation, training, technical assistance, and coordination of AT with other therapies and interventions
IDEA defines AT services broadly to include evaluation, selection, acquisition, training of students and staff, technical assistance, and coordination with other interventions and services.
TExES 161 Assistive Technology and Accommodations 2
A student with dyslexia struggles with decoding grade-level text.
Which AT tool would most directly support this student's reading access?