Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Category: Event

Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Eastern

Webinar Details:

Title: Building a Streamlined AT Assessment System in K-12 Schools (Part One: Foundations and Identification)

Speaker: Sharvari Dixit, OTR/L, ATP, Empower AT Services

Pricing: Free for RESNA members; $45 for non-members

Abstract: School-based Assistive Technology (AT) processes often break down before assessment even begins. Educators may be unsure what AT is, when it is appropriate, or how to describe student needs in a way that leads to a meaningful referral. This webinar introduces the foundational concepts needed to build a functional, defensible AT process in K–12 schools.

Participants will examine why AT systems are often fragmented, how IDEA and the IEP process shape AT consideration, and why structured identification and referral practices are essential. The session will distinguish universal supports, targeted supports, and AT; discuss common referral triggers and referral pitfalls; and emphasize the importance of defining functional access barriers before moving into assessment. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to guide teams toward appropriate AT consideration and how strong problem definition leads to more focused, efficient, and educationally relevant AT assessments.

This is part one of a four-part webinar series. RESNA plans to offer the remaining parts of the series, but the schedule has not yet been set. Participants may contact the instructor for more information.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Explain why AT identification and referral processes in K–12 schools are often inconsistent or ineffective and describe the need for a streamlined school-based AT Assessment workflow.
2. Distinguish between universal supports, targeted supports, and Assistive Technology when considering student access to instruction and participation.
3. Identify functional indicators that suggest an AT referral may be appropriate in a school setting.
4. Describe how to define an AT-related problem in functional, task-based terms rather than diagnostic or vague language.
5. Apply structured referral and consideration tools to improve the quality of IEP team decision-making before formal AT assessment begins.

Audience

This webinar is for K-12 AT specialists and certified ATPs who wish to establish a structured AT Assessment workflow in their school setting to better serve students. It is also appropriate for K-12 special education teachers who wish to better understand the many uses of assistive technologies in the classroom and how to work with AT specialists and students to achieve the best outcomes.

Completion of this webinar and all required components earns 0.1 IACET CEU.

Register Now

Presenter Bio: 

Sharvari Dixit, OTR/L, ATP is the founder and lead assistive technology specialist for Empower AT Services, which provides consulting services to schools and parents on appropriate assistive technologies for students. She is a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) and licensed Occupational Therapist in California, passionate about helping students with disabilities access their education and thrive. Over the years, Sharvari has worked closely with educators, therapists, and families to design and implement personalized AT and OT solutions that align with each student’s IEP goals and foster meaningful participation in school and daily life. Sharvari is an approved AOTA and RESNA CEU provider, and offers CE webinars through her website, www.empowerats.com.