What is Assistive Technology?

The Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) defines assistive technology 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. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device."

Assistive technology (AT) devices may be low-tech or high-tech and tools that students require to meet the demands of their curriculum/ individualized education plan (IEP).

AT devices may help a student with a wide range of activities at school, not limited to: reading, writing, communicating, and organizing/ staying on task.

How do I know if my student might benefit from assistive technology?

Talk to your child's teacher. Ask if your child is meeting the task demands of the classroom. If your child is not meeting task demands in the classroom, you may want to discuss what would help your student be more successful in meeting the task demands of the classroom. Depending on the task(s) your student has difficulties with, various professionals (ie: dyslexia teachers, speech pathologists, interventionists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, Vision Impairment teachers, auditory impairment teachers, and/ or members of the district's assistive technology team) may come together to determine if AT would help your student, as well as what AT tool(s) your student benefits from.