Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology (AT) are tools that can help students with disabilities complete tasks that are hard for them. AT can help students read, write, speak, understand, stand, walk, and sit. AT comes in different types, including AT for communication, learning, access. AT is not always something electronic. It also includes things made from lined paper, such as graphic organizers, pencil grips, and communication books. The AT team supports AT for learning, communication, and access. Please see the image below for examples of AT tools.

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Learning

Tools that help students read, write and understand.
Examples include text to speech, word prediction, graphic organizers and manipulatives.

Communication

Tools that help students communicate.
Examples include communication devices and paper-based communication boards.

Access

Tools that help students access classroom materials and the school.
Examples include adapted chairs, gait, trainers, standers, switches, adapted utensils, and many other tools to help student success.

During each annual IEP meeting, your child’s team will discuss the need for AT tools during the consideration process. This discussion will include your child’s strengths and needs, the tasks that are hard for them, the tools that are currently in place and if they are helping your child, and the need for potential AT tools. Many AT tools are available at your child’s school, while some may require a special loan.

If the team decides that your child would benefit from AT tools, the school may have the AT tools that your child needs. They may also need help finding the best fit for your child. If the school needs help, they submit a request for support from the AT team. The AT team can provide loaner AT tools for your child, consult with the team to help them find the best tools for your child, or complete an evaluation.

Device Loan

Loaner tools provided to schools for use with the student.
Provided when the school does not have the tool the student needs to access the curriculum.

Consultation

Collaborative decision making process between the Assistive Technology (AT) team and school-team.
Includes a meeting with the school team, discussion of student needs, recommendations for AT tool, long term trial, and data collection.

Evaluation

Comprehensive evaluation of a students AT needs across areas.
The AT team member works directly with the student to collect data and make recommendations.