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Assistive Technology

Best Practices:

Assistive Technology must be considered for all students when developing their IEPs
If Assistive Technology is checked on the Student’s Special Considerations page of the IEP, then AT-related supports are included in the student’s IEP
Assistive Technology in the IEP is a support not a direct service
IDEA 2004 also requires local education agencies (LEAs) to ensure that students with disabilities receive accessible instructional materials
No-tech, light-tech, or high-tech or a combination of AT supports may meet a student’s AT needs

Considerations:

The school district and/or charter school remains responsible for the provision of assistive technology devices and services
FAPE may require that the child have the assistive technology device overnight, on weekends, and during vacations and summers, or receive assistive technology services during such breaks, which should be specified in the IEP
During online instruction, students may not have the same Assistive Technology available at home as they do in school.

Step 1 - Planning Questions to Ask

Is your remote learning platform accessible? Zoom Google for Education G Suite Accessibility Online Education and Accessibility Webinar
Is the technology the students are using accessible? Microsoft Accessibility Apple Accessibility Chrome Accessibility Technology for Access Across Platforms
Are your digital instructional materials accessible to all learners? Pennsylvania’s Guidelines for the Provision of Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) Design an Accessible Online Course
Do your students have access to the same assistive technology at home as at school? If not, what AT (no-, light-, high-tech) can be made available to your students in the home that can still meet the students' needs?

Step 2 - Determine what Assistive Technology tools students are currently using based on their IEPs or SETT framework

Step 3 - Review Assistive Technology Resources for Online Instruction

Students’ IEP case managers and related service providers should share relevant resources with parents to aid in implementation of AT services outlined in students’ IEPs within the home setting during online instruction.

Step 4 - Share Assistive Technology Resources with Parents

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