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Supporting Erie, Huron and Lorain Counties

Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology devices and services were first defined in federal law in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-476). These definitions remained unchanged until 2004 with the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (Public Law 108-446) when an exemption to the definition of an assistive technology device was added to clarify a school system’s responsibility to provide surgically implanted technology such as cochlear implants.

Assistive Technology Device definition

Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. (IDEA, Part A, Definitions, Sec. 602)

Assistive Technology encompasses the areas of:

Communication
Computer Access
Hearing
Math
Positioning, Seating, Mobility
Reading
Vision
Writing


Assistive Technology Service definition

As defined by the IDEA, an assistive technology service is any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, and use of an assistive technology device. The terms include-

(a) The evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child’s customary environment;

(b) Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by children with disabilities;

(c) Selecting designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, retaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices;

(d) Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;

(e) Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability or, if appropriate, that child’s family; and

(f) Training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals or rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of children with disabilities.

(Section 300.6)


Assistive Technology Consideration

 
 
Since the re-authorization of IDEA in 1997, IEP teams have been required to “consider” the need for assistive technology devices and/or services for each student with a disability during the IEP development process.
 
AT Consideration is:
 
To think carefully about
Discussion of potential assistive technology necessary to receive FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education)
Not ignored or skipped over
Not just for students with severe disabilities
Brief…no more than 15 minutes
 
 
Remember: 
Consideration can only take place after goals and objectives have been developed.
 

Questions for IEP teams to ask during AT consideration: 

  • If the student is currently using AT, is the tool adequate to address the new goals and objectives?
  • Does the student need AT to access the curriculum?
  • Does the student need AT to access the technology used by other students?
  • Does the student need AT to access instructional materials?
  • Could AT help the student work more independently?
 
 
 
 
 
 

Assistive Technology Consultations

Embedded Image for: Assistive Technology Consultations (20131230115312700_image.jpg)
Assistive Technology consultation services are available free of charge to school teams in Erie, Huron, and Lorain counties concerning specific students. Consultations consist of on-site meetings to assist the IEP team in identifying potential tools and strategies that might allow the student to be more independent or function more effectively. If your team would like to refer a student for an Assistive Technology Consultation, please contact Jennifer Heim at [email protected] or 440-324-5777 ext. 1148.

AT Material Resource Center

 
State Support Team Region 2 offers an Assistive Technology Materials Resource Center for its districts which contains many low, medium, and high technology supports.  Items can be borrowed free of charge for a minimum of 6 weeks to trial with individual students at school.  Click here to download the listing:

AT External Links

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