It is common for IEPs to include goals related to the student's home life and the wants and needs of their family members. This sample goal shows how assistive technology in the home can help meet student needs:
Present Level of Academic
Achievement and Functional Performance: Jeff likes to interact with his family. He enjoys eating and
being involved in meal time and other functional activities in the home. He has
not been able to participate in cooking or cleaning except to look toward the
item that is needed next, or make a sound when his mother purposely “forgets”
something.
Annual Goal: Jeff will use a single switch to activate adapted utensils and
appliances to assist family members in targeted functional household tasks
during three out of four opportunities.
STO 1: Jeff will activate the blender and mixer with a single switch at
appropriate times to participate in preparing meals in three out of four
opportunities on three consecutive trials.
These specially designed utensils allow individuals with physical limitations, like Jeff, to be more independent at home during family meals. Changing the thickness of the utensil's grip as well as the angle and the way the utensil is help can enable students to increase their self-care skills and their independence.
Another way to increase an individual's independence in the home is to re-think the locations of certain appliances. For example, placing the microwave under the counter-top makes it more accessible. Also, using a freezer with a pull-out drawer allows individuals who are wheelchair bound to access the contents without any difficulty.
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