AT in the IEP & 504 Plan

Individual Education Plan (IEP)

The IDEA requires that the IEP team consider what, if any, assistive technology may be needed by every student with a disability. When a determination is made that there is a need for assistive technology by the IEP team, it is then necessary to describe the assistive technology in the student’s IEP.

Assistive technology may be any tool that assists a child performance in a functional task that they cannot perform well or cannot perform at all because of their disability.

Assistive Technology devices and services are defined in IDEA as:

§300.5 Assistive Technology device

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 children with disabilities. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. Chapter 33, Section 1401 (25))

§300.6 Assistive Technology service

Any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Such terms include: (A) the evaluation of needs including a functional evaluation, in the child’s customary environment;

(B) purchasing, leasing or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices;

(C) selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing of assistive technology devices;

(D) coordinating with 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 an individual with disabilities, or where appropriate that child’s family; and

(F) training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education and rehabilitation services), employers or others(s) who provide services to employ, or are otherwise, substantially involved in the major life functions of children with disabilities. [Authority 20 U.S.C., Chapter 33, Section 1401(26)]

Section 504

Section 504 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Section 504 ensures that a child with a disability has equal access to education. The child may receive accommodations. Assistive Technology is a reasonable accommodation according to Section 504.