Discussing AT at the IEP

Do you discuss Assistive Technology (AT) at every IEP meeting?

Each time an IEP Team develops, reviews, or revises a student’s IEP, the IEP Team must consider whether the student requires AT devices and services.

Initially, strengths and needs are discussed and documented under Present Levels. As the meeting progresses and you are discussing Special Factors you need to consider assistive technology tools and services, and document the discussion in the Notes.

A Guide to Discussing AT at every IEP Meeting:

1. Discuss what tools the student requires to be successful at school. What are they already using? What ideas do you have to help them be successful?

2. Consider each of areas and common tools:

   • Seating, Positioning and Mobility:

     • Cushions

     • Wheelchair

     • Stander

     • Gait Trainer

   • Communication:

     • Communication Boards and Books

     • High-Tech Communication System

   • Computer and Device Access:

     • Onscreen Keyboard

     • Eye Gaze

     • Switch / Joystick

     • Enlarged Keyboard

   • Composing Written Material:

     • Pictures with Words

     • Written Templates and Guides

     • Dictionary / Thesaurus

     • Word Processing Software

     • Adapted Paper 

   • Producing Written Material: 

     • Pencil Grips

     • Alternative keyboard

     • Word Prediction and Spelling Check

     • Speech-to-Text Technology 

   • Reading:

     • Adapted book for access

     • Text-to-Speech Technology

     • Pictures and Symbols with Text

     • Audiobooks

   • Mathematics:

     • Physical manipulatives

     • Calculator

     • Speech recognition math software

     • Number line

     • Multiplication Chart 

   • Organization:

     • Task Analysis Lists

     • Visual Schedule

     • Calendar / Planner

     • Visual Timer

   • Self-Regulation:

     • Noise canceling headphones

     • Chewelry

     • Wobble seat

   • Participation & Play:

     • Adapted Toys

     • Adapted Equipment

     • Remote Controls

     • Virtual Recreational Experiences 

   • Seeing & Vision:

     • Enlarged Font and Images

     • High Contrast Materials

     • Screen Reader

     • Braille

     • Visual Mobility Aid

     • Glasses

     • Slant Board 

     • Talking Calculator

     • Tactile Graphics

   • Hearing & Listening: 

     • FM System (personal and/or sound field)

     • Closed Captions

     • Personal Amplification 

     • Vibrating / Light Up Alerting Device

3. Document the Student’s Needs on the Special Factors page.

   • Area of Need, General Tool, Rationale

4. Refer for an AT Assessment or AT Services, if:

   • The team is unsure of what specific tools are appropriate for this student.

   • Anyone on the team will need training or coaching to support the student in using the AT tools. 

   • The student is not making progress using their AT tools. 

   • Parent Request

Please Do Not Offer Assistive Technology Services during an IEP Meeting without the consultation and attendance of a designated Assistive Technology Service Provider. Refer, and discuss service recommendations at an addendum meeting.