What+is+Assistive+Technology?

Assistive Technology (AT) should be considered for every student with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or student with a Section 504 (Americans with Disabilities Act) Plan. It should also be considered as part of [|Response to Intervention] (RTI) and in planning for [|Universal Design in Learning] (UDL). But what is Assistive Technology?

According to the [|Individuals with Disabilities Education Act] 2004 (IDEA), the federal special education law, AT is broken up into two broad categories: devices and services.



//For Example of Devices click devices//.

An assistive technology service is defined as: //"any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.//" This service includes all of the following possibilities:


 * evaluation of the technology needs of the individual, including a functional evaluation in the individual's customary environment;
 * purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices for individuals with disabilities;
 * selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing of assistive technology devices;
 * coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;
 * assistive technology training or technical assistance with assistive technology for an individual with a disability, or, where appropriate, the family of an individual with disabilities;
 * training or technical assistance for professionals, employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or otherwise are substantially involved in the major life functions of individuals with disabilities.

Basically, any member of the IEP team can provide an AT service - be it a parent, teacher, speech pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Assistive Technology Specialist or other provider.