Assistive Technology Lisa Hembree (What is assistive technology, 2013)

Explanation of Assistive Technology Assistive Technology Device Assistive technology devices are identified in the IDEA 2004 as:  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 the functional capabilities of children with disabilities. Assistive Technology Service As defined in 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 term includes -  The evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child’s customary environment;  Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by children with disabilities;  Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, retaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices;  Coordinating and use other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;  Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability or, if appropriate, that child’s family; and  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. (Georgia department of education, n.d.)

Assistive Technology Laws Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act 29 U.S.C. § 794d Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires that all electronic and information technologies developed and used by any Federal government agency must be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes websites, video and audio tapes, electronic books, televised programs, and other such media. Individuals with disabilities may still have to use special hardware and/or software to access the resources. Section 508 does not apply to the private sector or to organizations that receive Federal funds. Assistive Technology Act of 1998 Public Law [29 USC 2201] The Assistive Technology Act, also known as the “Tech Act” provides funds to states to support three types of programs:  the establishment of assistive technology (AT) demonstration centers, information centers, equipment loan facilities, referral services, and other consumer-oriented programs;  protection and advocacy services to help people with disabilities and their families, as they attempt to access the services for which they are eligible;  Federal/state programs to provide low interest loans and other alternative financing options to help people with disabilities purchase needed assistive technology. (Assistive technology: federal law and regulations, 2012)

Assistive Technology for Individuals who are Hearing Impaired  Amplification Devices  Alerting Devices  Hearing Aids  Cochlear Implants  iPad  Communication Devices (K. Buchanan, personal communication, October 30, 2014)

Assistive Technology for Individuals who are Visually Impaired  Screen reader  CCTV  Braille Books  Tape Recorder  Magnifier  Braille Note  Long Cane  Tactile Manipulatives

Assistive Technology for Individuals who are Learning Disabled  iPad  Audio books  Calculator  Tape recorder  Graphic Organizers  Alternative Keyboards

Assistive Technology for Individuals who are Physically Disabled  Picture Symbols  Eye Gaze Computers  Sip n Puff Systems  Alternative Keyboard  Head Rest  Wheelchairs  Stander  Adaptive Daily Living Devices (J. Holman, personal communication, October 31, 2014)

References Assistive technology: federal law and regulations. (2012). National disababilty rights network. Retrieved from technology-federal-law-and-regulations.html technology-federal-law-and-regulations.html Definition of assistive technology. (n.d.). Georgia department of education. Retrieved from Assistive-Technology/Pages/Assistive-Technology-Definition.aspxhttp:// Assistive-Technology/Pages/Assistive-Technology-Definition.aspx What is assistive technology. (2013). Techaccess of RI. Retrieved from