Assistive Technology Itinerant, Alternative Augmentative Communication

Chicago, IL, United States

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 320,000 students in 600+ schools and employing approximately 40,000 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 of Diverse Learner Supports and Services (ODLSS) is to provide high quality and specially designed instructional supports and services for all diverse learners 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 diverse learners by ensuring diverse learners 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 ODLSS 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 ODLSS 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 determined necessary to support the ODLSS department.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Assistive Technology Itinerant -AAC must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required

Teachers must possess at least one of the following valid teaching licenses issued by the Illinois State Board of Education: Professional Educator License (PEL) or Educator License with Stipulations (ELS), properly endorsed for this position (Speech-Language Pathologist or Learning Behavior Specialist endorsement)

Master's degree and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certification are highly preferred

Experience Required: Minimum of five (5) years experience and/or evidence of working with a variety of alternative augmentative communication solutions for individuals with disabilities.

Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse students is highly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Excellent oral and written communication skills

Ability to communicate effectively with parents, ODLSS staff, school-based staff, citywide staff, and governmental and community-based agencies.

Ability to organize, analyze, and share information and data.

Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external partners.

Ability to multi-task with strong organizational skills

Knowledge of special education trends in AAC

Experience with Chromebook/Windows/Mac/iPad required.

Excellent computer skills (i.e. Google Education Suite, SSM, FileMaker, and SIM).

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.

Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 - Unless approved for a medical or religious exemption, all employees are required to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and to submit proof of vaccination to the district within 30 days of hire. "Up-to-date" on vaccination is defined as being at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters.