Assistive Technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, product system, or service.
Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) are materials that we are using to teach our students, provided in ways that can be accessed in more than one way.
Present Level
Special Factors #4
Assessments
Supplementary Aids and Services
Related Services, training for the student
Program Modifications and Supports, training for staff or others
When the team determines a student requires assistive technology services or devices to meet Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), AT needs to be documented in the IEP under special factors and the program summary section. How the student is using and accessing AT is included in the present level of performance.
Check “Yes” for Question 4 (“Does the student require assistive technology services or devices?”). State item, piece of equipment, product system or the service the student needs to increase, maintain or improve the student’s functional capabilities. Also, discuss if the student requires accessible education materials (AEM) to access, use and derive meaning from age or grade level standard printed text.
Include each aid, service, and other support which are provided to enhance or allow the least restrictive environment for the student. Assistive technology is most logically included in the IEP as a Supplementary Aid when it provides more independence and requires little instruction in order to be used effectively.
1. Avoid writing specific brand names in the IEP.
2. Describe the features of the product.
3. Include the environment or task that the AT will be used in/for.
Does the student need to be trained to use the AT?
Provide time limits for training as appropriate (first quarter, or 15 min 1x/month)
Please note a goal/objective or DRN is typically needed when AT is a related service.
Any staff member who is knowledgable about that tool can provide the AT related service.
A formal evaluation does not need to take place for AT services to be included as a related service. A formal AT evaluation can be completed during an initial or re-evaluation when the IEP team needs to collect additional information. This evaluation can range from a review of records (i.e. from outside trials/evaluations) to trialing various AT equipment. Please reach out to CESA 5 if you need support in completing a formal evaluation for Assistive Technology.