Assistive Technology in the Educational Setting Ed Computers and Technology in Special Education

What the Law States Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) states word for word the definitions of Assistive Technology (AT) Devices and AT Services as they apply to children. It is mandatory for all students with special education needs to be considered for assistive technology.

Mandate to Provide Device/Service Schools are required to provide assistive technology to a student if it is needed for the student to receive a free, appropriate public education (FAPE).

Special Factor The 1997 reauthorization of IDEA added a requirement for IEP teams to consider assistive technology needs of each student during the development of the student’s IEP.

What is AT? “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” (20 U.S.C., Chapter 33, Section 1401(25).

What Does This Mean? This means that many of the adaptations, modifications and accommodations made for a student, in order for him/her to participate, may be considered as assistive technology. AT can be as simple as a pencil grip or as complex as a computer.

Examples Assistive technology may impact many areas of an individual’s life. The specific areas considered for any individual will be influenced by their specific needs. Positioning: Allows student greater access to education activities. Wheelchairs Walkers Standing aids Bean bag chairs

Examples Self Care: The areas of eating, dressing and toileting are areas in which devices may be necessary for some students. Adapted utensils Specially designed toilet seats Electric feeders

Examples Augmentative Communication: These are devices which assist students in communication. As simple as communication boards as complex as electronic communication devices and speech synthesizers

Examples Environmental Controls: These are items which enable independent use of equipment in the classroom by the students. Remote control switches adaptations of on/off switches

Examples Assistive Listening: These are items which can assist students with hearing. Visual Aids: Methods for assisting with vision needs. Mobility: Assistance with moving. Hearing aids, closed caption TV and TDD Magnifying devices, computer with voice, optical character reader (Kurzweil) Powered wheelchairs, canes

Examples Physical Education, Leisure, and Play: Enhancing a student’s social interactions. Drawing software Computer games Beeping balls Game rules in braille Swimming pool lifts

Examples Computer Access: This is the means by which the student will access a computer. Touch window Head pointer Speech recognition

Examples Computer Based Instruction: This is a means by which the student may be able to interact more independently with the curriculum. Software can be selected which parallels the regular curriculum, but allows for alternative ways of responding to exercises. Software can provide the tools for written expression, spelling, calculation, reading, and higher level thinking skills.

AT Services IDEA defines Assistive Technology Service as “any service that directly assists a student with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.”

AT Services Also includes: n The evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child’s customary environment; n (b) Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by children with disabilities;

AT Services n (c) Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, retaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices; n (d) Coordinating and use of other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;

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