Interview+with+Local+AT+Specialist



The purpose of the FDLRS Action Associate Center is to provide the following programs and services for individuals working with students with disabilities, families, and support agencies in Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Sumter Counties. Interview with Program Administrator, Mrs. Jan McLain:
 * Child Find || Assist in the location, identification, evaluation and initiation of appropriate education or other needed services to all children and youth, birth through 21 years of age who have or are at risk of developing special or unique needs ||
 * Human Resources Development (HRD) || Plan collaboratively with school districts, exceptional student education departments, staff development offices and other professional development entities to provide information, professional development, and technical assistance about effective instructional strategies and service delivery models for the education of children and youth who are exceptional or have unique needs. ||
 * Parent Services || Assist districts and families who have children who are exceptional or have special or unique needs to develop effective partnerships allowing shared responsibility to improve the education of all children and youth. ||
 * Technology Services || Assist and support district professional staff and families of students who are exceptional or have special or unique needs in the appropriate use of assistive, instructional and communications technologies. ||

1. What does FDLRS stand for? Can you tell me about what your organization does?  Answer: //FDLRS stands for the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System. We provide support services to exceptional student education programs statewide here in Florida. That's accomplished through close partnerships between families and district personnel working with ChildFind, human resource development, parent services, as well as through the provision of assistive or adaptive and instructional technology.//

2. Do you know about how many students in Florida your organization serves?  Answer: // For a really great visual, have a look at this map which shows the different school district which participate or are members in our organization. // []

3. What types of Assistive Technology and/or other services do you offer?  Answer: //We offer needs assessment, dissemination of information about Special Needs and Disabilities, professional development, technical assistance, consultation, and resources for all sorts of AT.//

4. How do you determine if a particular child would benefit from Assistive Technology and other services your organization offers? Is there some special screening method or intervention process they must pass through before they reach you?  Answer: //We operate with the aid of Child Find. By having the children and their parents attend special screening and consultation sessions, we are able provide early intervention services and place the children in appropriate special education programs//. //At that point, any AT best suited to the children's needs would be assessed and provided for, if such a need has not already been met.//

5. What are the most popular types of assistive technology or software supports you offer? Answer: //A form of AT that you might be most interested in is the Online Distance Learning Program the state offers for ESE students. Follow this link for more information ://  [| http://www.fdlrs.ocps.net/Virtual%20ESE%20Course%20Offerings%20Flyer_Spring%202008_10-29-2007.pdf]

6. Do you provide special training for parents or teachers in the field of exceptional student care, education, or assistive services? Answer: //Absolutely, we sure do! There is so much out there, and the field is constantly growing, FDLRS does all that it can to help professionals and parents alike stay abreast of all the different technology and best practices that can help children with special needs become productive, proud members of society.// 

7. Are you involved in the IEP process in any way for the children you serve?

Answer:
//Indirectly, yes. Since we provide support services for disrict faculty and staff, as well as parents, we operate as a resource for the development and implementation of IEPs.


 * For more info on FDLRS, check out their website: FDLRS Orange County Public Schools //