FAQ's
What is the FNESC/FNSA/SET-BC Pilot Project?
2008-2009 is our second year for this exciting project!
FNESC (First Nations Education Steering Committee), and FNSA (First Nations School Association), and SET-BC (Special Education Technology - British Columbia) have collaborated to provide technology support for students with disabilities in federally-funded band schools in British Columbia.
SET-BC has provided this service for provincially-funded schools for some time, and the FNESC-FNSA-SET-BC partnership takes advantage of SET-BC’s infrastructure and resources to support students with disabilities in First Nations’ schools.
What kinds of disabilities are targeted for this project?
This project is designed to assist school districts in educating students whose access to the curriculum is restricted primarily due to the following:
- Physical disabilities
- Visual impairments
- Autism
What kinds of equipment does this project provide?
The kinds of technology provided break down as either a ‘speaking tool’ or a ‘writing tool’.
A ‘speaking tool’ may be hardware and/or software that will assist a student with communication challenges to express their knowledge, needs and ideas. A common example of this would be a voice-output device that will record and play speech that has been programmed for that student.
A ‘writing tool’ may be hardware and/or software that will assist a student in the process of accessing and producing print materials. These could take the form of portable word processors, computers, scan and read software, word prediction software, etc.
The Assistive Technology Examples and Descriptions (PDF), provides more detailed examples of these devices.
It is the school district's responsibility to arrange for printer access, networking capabilities and/or Internet. The school is also responsible for supplying any regular software such as virus protection, word-processor, math programs, educational games, etc.
How can I apply for technology for my students with special needs?
Federally-funded First Nations schools in British Columbia can apply for service for their students by submitting a FNESC/FNSA/SET-BC Screening Checklist.
Using this form, interested school teams can submit a profile of each prospective student’s goals, descriptions of barriers to achieving those goals, and educational strategies that they are currently using.
Is there a deadline for applications?
Currently, we are organizing the intake of applications over two cycles within the school year.One is initiated in June of the previous year and the Collaborative Action Plan and equipment delivery takes place for this cycle early in the new school year. The deadline for that cycle was June 15, 2008.
A second cycle is initiated in October, after schools get to know their new students for the year. The deadline for those applications is October 3, 2008.
If schools have questions about putting their students forward after that time, they may contact us for more information:
Kelly Kitchen
Email: kellyk@fnesc.ca
Phone: 1-877-422-3672
Carol Graham
Email: cgraham@setbc.org
Phone: (250) 507-3922
What is the process of getting the equipment and the training that my students and their support team needs?
Funding for the pilot project limits the number of students who can participate, so a selection / screening process is necessary. All schools that apply will be notified as to whether their student is accepted for the project.When a student is selected for equipment through this process, a second form is sent to the team, a Request for Service Form. This short form is an authorization for the request and release of information and requires the signatures of the school contact person, school administration and the parents of the student.
We also send a consent form for Use of Photos, Video and/or Student Materials.
Then the SET-BC consultant will meet with the team to collaboratively plan what equipment would best suit the student, roles for implementation and training opportunities. This meeting is called the ‘Collaborative Action Plan’ (CAP). All of the people who will be involved in the selection and implementation of the student’s technology should be involved in this planning meeting. Together we share our knowledge and our ideas and plan for the best solutions for our student and together we have the very best chance for success!
After the meeting, the equipment is ordered, and usually shipped directly to the school. Sometimes, other arrangements are necessary and can be accommodated. After the school receives the equipment, plans are made for training for the student and for the teams that support them in the school.
Once the equipment is sent, does it belong to the school?
The short answer is ‘no’. SET-BC operates as a loan bank. The equipment is made available for the student for as long as he/she attends a K-12 school in British Columbia.
The actual loan is made to the school, not to the student. If the student leaves the province or graduates, the equipment is returned to the loan bank so that it can be used by others.
If the student transfers to any band school, public school or most independent schools, they will have the same equipment assigned to them and they will continue to receive support through SET-BC.
What about training?
The project offers a wide range of training activities on the educational use of assistive technologies.
- When a student receives an equipment loan, the student's school based team receives training on the implementation of the technology in the classroom. This type of training is usually arranged at CAP meetings, or during the follow-up contact to monitor the student's progress.
- School district staff can also attend SET-BC workshops on a wide range of topics, such as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) issues, alternate access, or vision technologies. The contact person from the school team will get notice of these opportunities as they arise.
- The Learning Centre on the SET-BC website contains on-line presentations and tutorials, downloadable lesson plans, product guides and software demonstrations.
What happens if the equipment needs a repair?
The project consultant, Carol Graham, assists with training related issues on the SET-BC software or hardware.
Maintenance or repair issues with SET-BC technology are addressed by the SET-BC Support Desk at 1-866-738-3375, or email support@setbc.org. In the Lower Mainland call 604-269-2222.