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Assistive Technology  Assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability. The purpose of assistive technology is to reduce or eliminate the effects of a student’s disability and to eliminate barriers to the academic standards. Assistive Technology can help level the playing field for students with disabilities. For many students with disabilities, assistive technology provides a way to participate more successfully in the general education curriculum. What does every teacher need to know about assistive technology? 1. The 1997 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) requires each IEP team to "consider" assistive technology when planning the IEP of every student. 2. Assistive technology devices and/or services essential for a student to receive Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) shall be made available to each student. 3. Assistive technology shall support a student's participation in learning within the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). 4. Poor academic performance should be a trigger for assistive technology consideration. 5. How to consider the range of assistive technology options to offer a solution for the students learning challenge. 6. How to write assistive technology into the IEP. Adapted from Edyburn, D.L. (2007). What Every Teacher Needs to Know About Special Education Technology. Special Education Technology Practice 9(1), 20. For more information about how to consider assistive technology and the range of options, click on "AT in the IEP" in the left sidebar. |