This site is designed to help individuals to find tools that can help their students.

Many students who have special needs may benefit from the use of assistive technology. This site is designed to help you learn more about assistive technology and universal design for learning.

Assistive technology is defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (I.D.E.A. 2004) 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 children with disabilities.

A wide range of assistive technology devices are available. Some are “low tech”, Such as a paper communication board, a pencil grip or Velcro. Other devices are more “high tech” computerized tools.

The 1997 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) requires each IEP team to "consider" assistive technology when planning the IEP of every student.

It is important for individuals who work with students that have disabilities (as well as for parents) to understand what these terms mean and how they can help their students.