What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistive Technology Itinerant position at Chicago Public Schools?
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 320,000 students in 500 schools and employing over 44,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans : academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.
The mission of the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) is to provide high quality and specially designed instructional supports and services for students with disabilities within their least restrictive environment. We work collaboratively with several units, specifically schools and Networks with the goal of improving the academic achievement of all learners by ensuring they receive meaningful and relevant access to grade-level core instruction within their neighborhood school, school of choice, or the school closest to their residence.
Job Summary :
Reporting to the Manager, Assistive Technology Resource Center, the Assistive Technology Itinerant will be responsible for the service delivery aligned with IDEA regulations specific to Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) services and devices required for students with disabilities to communicate and access their curriculum which cannot be provided in the student's CPS school. This position will ensure that students with disabilities are provided the tools that they need to communicate and access their curriculum.
This is a union, 39.6-week teacher-classified role.
The Assistive Technology Itinerant- AAC will be held accountable for the following responsibilities :
- Manage a caseload of augmentative communication evaluations for students who have been referred by IEP teams. Assess and recommend appropriate AAC for gaining access to the curriculum and / or communication based on student needs.
- Prepare written materials for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written references and / or conveying information. (i.e. Complete various reports through SSM).
- Collaborate with AT, AAC, SLPs, OTs, and OSD staff for students who require additional support to communicate, access their curriculum, and / or need specialized access methods.
- Support staff / student implementation of AAC devices at the school level.
- Review and utilize data from AAC usage to make appropriate recommendations for students and staff regarding both device selection and implementation.
- Provide small and large group training for stakeholders (i.e. CPS school staff, parents and students) on AAC / AT hardware and software. This includes the creation and revision of existing professional development which utilizes best practices in adult or child training for staff, parents, and students at schools, at citywide sessions, and via webinars.
- Research AAC best practices, communication devices, software applications, vendors, etc. to become a knowledgeable resource on assistive technology devices and services for CPS stakeholders.
- Communicate with parents, case managers, teachers and school administration regarding a student's augmentative communication needs.
- Partner with OSD Units (e.g. Related Services, Transitions, District Reps) regarding augmentative communication or assistive technology.
- Monitor and assist with the transfer of AAC / AT hardware and software within CPS.
- Provide inventory management support for AAC / AT hardware and software.
- Utilize calendar for scheduling of evaluations and documentation of activities
- Other duties as assigned
In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Assistive Technology Itinerant -AAC must possess the following qualifications :
Education Required :
Experience Required :
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :
Conditions of Employment
As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to :
Establish / Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary / part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.
