Guidance for Families about Special Education Services
Assistive technology is not an entitlement for every student who receives special education services. However, every school district must make assistive technology—both devices and services (evaluation to determine appropriate assistive technology to provide, etc.)--available to every student who needs them.
Decisions about whether a student should have access to assistive technology are made by the IEP team, based on the individual needs of the student. Assistive technology can be, but is not always, “high tech.” Examples of Low Tech. Assistive Technology (PDF).
Key points to keep in mind:
- There is no such thing as a district that "doesn’t do" assistive technology.
- The (reasonable) ways a student might benefit from assistive technology are not always obvious.
Helpful Resources
Special Education Technology Center (SETC)
SETC provides collaborative technology planning, a lending library of toys and other tools, and staff development on technology topics
Making Informed Assistive Technology Decisions for Students with High Incidence Disabilities
Exploring the use of assistive technology for students with Learning Disabilities, Speech/Language Disorders, Cognitive Disabilities, Emotional and/or Behavioral Disorders, and Other Health Impairments.
Hey, Can I Try That? A Student Handbook for Choosing and Using Assistive Technology (PDF, 20 pages)
A handbook created by the Oregon Technology Access Program and the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative
Family Information Guide to Assistive Technology
User friendly information on assistive technology. Guide includes: The Possibilities of Assistive Technology (AT), Assistive Technology in Schools, Funding AT, Quick Questions and Tips, Glossary of AT Terms and Definitions, Additional AT Information Resources
|
|
|