Assistive Technology
What is AT?
Assistive Technology (AT) are tools that can help students with disabilities complete difficult tasks. AT can help students with reading, writing, communicating, understanding, and accessing and using classroom materials.
AT includes no, low, mid, and high-tech tools such as graphic organizers, classroom visual supports, highlighters, and communication supports. It is not always electronic.
Assistive technology comes in various categories, including communication, learning and access. Hearing and vision, while categories of AT, are supported by the D49 audiology and vision teams respectively.
Communication
Tools that help students communicate. This includes high tech communication devices, battery operated communication devices (e.g., BigMacks, GoTalks, etc.), and paper based systems, such as picture communication symbols.
Learning
Tools that help students read, write, and understand academic content. Examples include text to speech, word prediction, adapted books, and graphic organizers.
Access
Tools that help students access academic content and schools environments. Examples include adapted chairs, gait trainers, standers, switches, adapted utensils, and many other tools to help student success.
AT and the School Team
During each annual IEP meeting, the IEP team will discuss the need for AT tools during the consideration process. This discussion will include the child’s strengths and needs, the tasks that are hard for them, the tools that are currently in place and if they are helping the child, and the need for potential AT tools. Many AT tools are available at the child’s school, while some may require a special loan.
If the team decides that the 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 the child, consult with the IEP team, make recommendations for tools and/or devices, train everyone on the team, and assist families in procuring AAC devices.
Assistive Technology utilizes a universal design for learning framework for the successful implementation of technology tools. It is the collective responsibility of a school team, with support from the AT team, to successfully integrate AT tools into the curriculum.
What Does the AT Team Do?
Assistive technology (AT) is an interdisciplinary team composed of a speech-language pathologist, an occupational therapist, special education teachers and an assistive technology technician. The team provides consultative services for students with academic and communication difficulties to determine appropriate tech supports.
AT staff members work in collaboration with school teams to ensure that all students who require assistive technology have the technology tools and training necessary in order to access the curriculum, narrow the achievement gap, gain essential life skills, and reach their full potential.
Motoric and access needs, including adapted seating, gait trainers, standers, adapted utensils, slant boards, and more are considered by the Motor Team in District 49.
AT and the Law
Per the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) in 1997, IEP teams are required to consider the AT needs of every student who receives special education services.
The IDEA 2004 update clarified that the IEP team must "consider whether the child needs assistive technology devices and services" under the Consideration of Special Factors section (IDEA 2004, 300.324).
IDEA defines AT 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 a child with a disability." § 602(1)
Assistive Technology Services
Per IDEA 300.6, Assistive Technology services are: "any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. The term includes—
(a) The evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child’s customary environment;
(b) Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by children with disabilities;
(c) Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices;
(d) Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;
(e) Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability or, if appropriate, that child’s family; and
(f) Training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education or rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of that child."