Regional Local Assistive Technology Specialists:

RLATS

Serving Small and Rural Districts

Today’s Purpose

• Review the RLATS project and discuss how to optimize RLATS services.

• https://regionallats.wikispaces.com

2005-2006

• RLATS program was launched in 2005-2006.

• The purpose of the RLATS project is to provide assistive technology assessment and implementation support to small and rural districts. RLATS support local assistive technology providers (LATS) and ESE teachers, within the classroom environment.

RLATS at Work

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The RLATS Project

FIVE RLATS

• Five RLATS were hired during 2005-2006. Each RLATS serves 5-7 districts. Wakulla, Jackson, Levy, Columbia, and DeSoto serve as fiscal agents.

• Wakulla was the first district to hire (August 2005-Missy Withers). The remaining four RLATS were also hired and began implementing services in ’05 - ’06.

4 TRENDS

TREND 1: Growth

• The RLATS project has been successful and continues to grow. The number of support visits has more than doubled since year 1 of data analysis.

• 537 visits to 1, 232

2008-2009

Baker 58

Bradford 18

Calhoun 23

Columbia 87

DeSoto 84

Dixie 27

Flagler 49

Franklin 47

Gadsden 24

Gilchrist 47

Glades 33

Gulf 26

Hamilton 73

Hardee 56

Hendry 74

Highlands 32

Holmes 31

Jackson 15

Jefferson 33

Lafayette 30

Levy 35

Liberty 45

Madison 41

Nassau 15

Sumter 17

Suwannee 43

Taylor 46

Union 10

Wakulla 68

Walton 18

Washington 27

1232

TREND 1: Growth

Year Number 4 2008 -200 9 (as of 6/8/09) 1232 3 2007 -2008 909 2 2006 -2007 537 1 2005 -2006 No d a ta base

RLATS conducting assessment

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TREND 2: Services to ASD

Noticeable increase in services to students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) 2008-2009.

TREND 2: Exceptionalities Served

In year 4 of project we see an increase in services to students with SLD and EMH.– 1st (most served): Autism Spectrum Disorder

(ASD) years 2, 3 and 4 - and increasing– 2nd (second most served): Physical Impairment

years 2, 3 and 4– 3rd (third most served): SLD - 2008-2009, TMH -

2007-2008, and PMH, Other - 2006-2007

Data base is being updated to reflect new terminology

TREND 3: Satellite Labs Working with FDLRS Technology Regional

Technology Services and District providers, four RLATS manage Assistive Technology Satellite Labs in their regions.

»Wakulla»Jackson»Columbia»Levy

TREND 3: Satellite Labs

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“Team meeting in Wakulla.  The photo includes myself (RLATS), Denise Ray (Hearing Teacher/LATS), Sharon Scherbarth (Vision Teacher / LATS), Sherry Schiller OT and Larry Smith (PT).   I initiated this team formation and led monthly meetings to discuss most involved students that required multiple services.  The outcome of these meetings was more collaboration of services, better brainstorming and implementation of strategies and follow through.” Missy Withers

TREND 4: New ESE Directors

3 New ESE Directors as fiscal agents– RLATS Wakulla: Tanya English (Irene Savary)

• Missy Withers

– RLATS Jackson: Shawn Larkin (Diane Oswald)• Saundra Lunsford

– RLATS Levy: Rosalind Hall/ • Teresa Pinder

– RLATS Columbia: Robin Tally (Chris Bond)• Cheryl Libbert

– RLATS DeSoto: Roosevelt Johnson• Nancy Parker

RLATS and MAP

RLATS: Districts servedMissy Withers

69 Arran Road, Crawfordville, FL 32327

(850) 926-0065 ext. 285

withersm@wakulla.k12.fl.us

(7) Wakulla, Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson Liberty, Madison, Taylor

Saundra Lunsford ESE Building

4302 Liddon Street, Marianna, FL 32246

(850) 482-1310

Saundra.lunsford@jcsb.org

(6) Jackson, Calhoun, Holmes, Gulf, Washington, Walton

Cheryl Libbert,

820 SE Putnam Street , Lake City, FL 32025

(386) 755-8260

Libbert_c@firn.edu

(6) Columbia, Hamilton, Suwannee, Lafayette, Baker, Nassau

Teresa Pinder

Box 217, Reddick, FL

352-209-3475 (c)

pindert@levy.k12.fl.us

(7) Levy, Gilchrist, Dixie, Bradford, Flagler, Sumter, Union

Nancy Parker

530 Lasolona Ave, Acracia, FL 34266

863-990-3546

nancy.parker@desoto.k12.fl.us

(5) DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Glades, Hendry

RLATS Map

Possible Talking Points

• Regional Meetings with ESE Directors/Fiscal Agents?

During 2005-06 when project was started, meetings were held within each Region to discuss implementation, schedules, management etc. Do we need to do that again? Do RLATS fiscal agents need to meet?

Action:

Possible Talking Points

• Implications of growth and follow up for services

What is satisfaction with student outcomes? Is there a need to discuss activity follow up, district involvement, protocol for service delivery etc?Action:

Possible Talking Points

• Project continuanceProject is successful and helpful. How

should we advertise results in order to highlight success stories ( and help insure continuance of project)?Action:

Possible Talking Points

• Your ideas?