The SETT Framework

What is the SETT framework?

The SETT Framework is a four part model developedby Zabala. It is intended to promote collaborative decision-making in all phases of assistive technology service design and delivery from consideration through implementation and evaluation of effectiveness. SETT is an acronym for Student, Environments, Tasks, and Tools. The SETT framework provides a helpful guide for deciding which technology tools will help an individual student. This framework reminds us that the student is the first priority when making decisions on technology


How can it be used to make decisions for student with disabilities and AT?

The SETT framework is used to determine the student's age and grade level, strengths, interests, and skill set. Then the environment is taken into consideration, what are the physical arrangements, the equipment and materials that are available in the environment, the support and resources that are available to students. The next step in the framework is the tasks that the students must perform. Finally in the framework, the decision of technology be 
determined such as the different assistive technology that will support students' active participation and improve their performance.  Assistive technology such as low tech, mid tech, and high tech devices. . The following questions are asked when determining technology:

• What are the student’s current abilities?
• What are the student’s special needs?
• What are the other students doing that this student needs to be able to do?
• What does the student need to be able to do that is difficult or impossible to accomplish independently at this time?                                                                                                          The SETT Framework is very essential in ensuring that informed decisions are made when considering and implementing inclusive technologies for students in schools. The SETT framework  promotes a process that is student centered, flexible, and allows for shared knowledge and collaboration.

Resources for the SETT Framework

·         Personal Choices: Finding Low and Mid Tech Tools That Work For You –http://www.onionmountaintech.com/files/PersonalChoices.pdf 

·         Zabala, J. S. (2005). Using the SETT Framework to Level the Learning Field for Students with Disabilities. Retrieved 26/02/08, fromhttp://www.ode.state.or.us/initiatives/elearning/nasdse/settintrogeneric2005.pdf 

·         Assistive Technology Training Online Project (ATTO): Assessing Student Need –http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/ATBasics/Foundation/Assessment/index.php 

·         SETT Framework – http://www.joyzabala.com 

·         NZ Ministry of Education. Assistive Technology Guidelines: Supporting Students with Special Education Needs . A guide to support schools and specialists to provide quality assistive technology services.http://www.minedu.govt.nz/web/downloadable/dl7576_v1/7576-assistive-technology-guidelines-apr-08.pdf