Assistive Technology

Assistive technology is a valuable tool to assist students with learning disabilities in

gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in life. It is also one of the most

under-utilized tools available to educators. This is a failure on the part of educators and in many cases may be a violation of federal

law.

What is an Assistive Technology Device??

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA ’04) defines an

assistive technology device as “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional

capabilities of a child and specifically excludes a medical device that is surgically implanted or the

replacement of such device” (e.g., a cochlear implant).

What is an Assistive Technology Device??

OK!!!!!! Assistive technology, therefore, might be something as complex as a hand-held electronic

magnifying instrument or as simple as a specialized rubber

pencil grip.

Assistive Technology Service

IDEA ’04 defines an assistive technology service as “any service that directly assists a child with a

disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive

technology device.”

Assistive Technology Supports & Services

• Evaluating the student’s need for a device• Buying, leasing, or acquiring the device• Selecting, fitting, adapting, repairing, or replacing the

device as needed• Coordinating the services for a student who uses a device

(e.g., therapies, education)• Providing training or technical assistance to the student,

family, teachers, or others involved in the use of the device

Assistive technology supports and services that are specified in the federal definition of assistive

technology services include:

IEP Team Consideration

IDEA ’04 requires IEP teams to consider whether AT devices and services are

needed to accomplish the individualized goals and objectives for students with

disabilities. Though teams are required to consider AT, unfortunately there is no

federally designated process for them to follow.

IEP GuidelinesThe IEP team uses the AT guidelines established by

their state or district to consider whether the student requires AT to meet these goals. The team may

conclude that:

• The current interventions are working and nothing new is needed.

• The current AT devices or services are appropriate.• New AT is required.• More information is needed.

Is It Working for the Student

As soon as the implementation of AT has begun, it is critical that information be gathered so the team can make informed decisions about what is working for the student. Some of the information that should be collected includes:

• Student feedback to determine whether the student likes the AT and feels that it is helpful

• Observations to establish whether the student uses the AT and appears engaged and interested in using the device

• Performance data to determine whether the AT helps the student to perform the intended task(s)

Monitoring for Success

• Ongoing monitoring is necessary to determine whether the assistive technology is working properly and is assisting the student.

• Monitoring must be performed by everyone involved in the education of the student. This includes all teachers, parents, and teaching assistants

Assistive Technology for theHearing Impaired

HEARING AIDThe Hearing Aid

magnifies sound to allow an individual with limited

hearing to hear much better.

Assistive Technology for theSeeing Impaired

SCREEN MAGNIFIER The screen magnifier

does exactly what its’ name says it does. It

magnifies the content of the monitor to allow an individual with limited

sight to view items that are much larger than on

a normal screen.

Assistive Technology for theLearning Disabled

This device allows students with a learning disability to

understand simply command and instructions by pushing a

large button. I prerecorded message is played when each button is pushed.

Assistive Technology for thePhysically Disabled

This wheel chair assessable desk allows a student

in a wheelchair to comfortably have access to a desk.

Works Cited

• Attainment Company. (2013). GoTalk 20+

[Photograph]. Retrieved from

http://www.attainmentcompany.com/gotalk-20

• Infogrip, Inc. (n.d.). Wheelchair accessible desk. [Photograph].

Retrieved from http://www.infogrip.com/products/furniture/des

ks/wheelchair-accessible-desk.html

Works Cited

• Jones, K. (2013). Auditory devices used in the classroom [Photograph].

Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/info_8056733_auditory

devices used-classroom.html

• The IRIS Center. (n.d.). Page 2: Assistive Technology Devices. Vanderbilt

University Peabody College. Retrieved August 24, 2013, from

http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/at/cresource/what-should-ms-

adelaide

-know-about-assistive-technology-and-how-it-is-used-by-students-with-disabili

ties/at_02/

Works Cited

• The IRIS Center. (n.d.). Page 3: Assistive Technology Services. Vanderbilt

University Peabody College. Retrieved August 24, 2013, from http://

iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/at/cresource/what-should-ms-adelaide-kno

w-about-assistive-technology-and-how-it-is-used-by-students-with-disabilities/at

_03/

• The IRIS Center. (n.d.). Page 4: Considering Assistive Technology. Vanderbilt

University Peabody College. Retrieved August 24, 2013, from http://

iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/at/cresource/what-are-the-schools-responsi

bilities-regarding-assistive-technology/at_04

/

Works Cited

The IRIS Center. (n.d.). Page 6: Evaluating and Decision Making. Vanderbilt

University Peabody College. Retrieved August 24, 2013, from http://

iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/at/cresource/what-are-the-schools-res

ponsibilities-regarding-assistive-technology/at_06/

The State University of New York. (2013). Low tech aids [Photograph].

Retrieved from http://

atto.buffalo.edu/registered/ATBasics/Populations/LowVision/tool s.php