Assistive Technology

Denise BazelED505

June 8, 2015Dr. Minear

Assistive TechnologyEnabling all to participate to the greatest possible extent

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology devices are identified in the IDEA 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.

• The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device. (idea.ed.gov)

Assistive Technology Service IDEA defines an 'assistive technology service' as...• any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection,

acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Such term includes -• (A) the evaluation...• (B) purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of

assistive technology devices...• (C) selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying,

maintaining, repairing, or replacing...• (D) coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with

assistive technology devices...• (D) training or technical assistance for such child, or ...the family of such

child...• (F) training or technical assistance for professionals... (20 U.S.C. 1401(2)) (idea.ed.gov).

AT Devices vs AT Services

AT devices are only effective when proper AT services are provided

AT devices should be considered when developing any Individualized Education Plan(IEP)

Without appropriate AT services, to help make the right choices and follow up to ensure devices are used properly, AT devices can be ineffective.

AT Devices for Physical Disabilities

AT devices for a physically disabled child.

• Some devices assist with mobility such as wheelchairs and walkers.

• Other devices such as adjustable chairs and tables enable a student to maintain a comfortable position while in the classroom

AT Devices for Speech Impairments

• Speech impairments often prevent students from expressing information.

• Augmentative communication devices, picture boards, and voice output devices can assist a child with a speech impairment.

• He can choose the word he is wanting to express from selections on the screen as opposed to having to produce it verbally.

Hearing Impairment Devices

• Some devices used to assist students are surgically implanted(cochlear implants) and these are not considered AT devices.

• Amplifiers, and captioning devices are very useful in assisting a hearing impaired child succeed academically.

Not an AT device

Visual Impairment• A child with a visual impairment may be assisted

with low-tech devices such as large print books or screen/page magnifiers.

• Other devices such as talking computer software are more high tech but can be very effective.

AT Devices for Children with Learning Disabilities

• Computer software is easily accessible.• Programs such as spell checker, and speech

synthesis applications work very well for students who have better listening skills than reading abilities.

• Alternative keyboards allow a child to customize the keys to best suit his/her needs. (pluk.org)

Protecting One’s Rights

• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 protect the rights of students with disabilities.

• Assistive Technology Act of 1998 - The Assistive Technology Act establishes a grant program, administered by the U.S. Department of Education, to provide Federal funds to support State programs that address the assistive technology needs of individuals with disabilities. (wrightslaw.com)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act(IDEA)

• IDEA 2004 requires IEP teams to consider the assistive technology needs of all children with disabilities. (20 U.S.C. 1414(d)(3)(B)(v))

• IDEA 2004 also requires schools to provide assistive technology training for the teachers, child, and family. (20 U.S.C. 1400(2)

• NIMAS - National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (ndrn.org)

• The requirements about access to instructional materials and accessibility standards are new in IDEA 2004. (idea.ed.gov).

Uses of Assistive Technology

Communication in the classroomMobility and travel around schoolAcademic endeavors within a

learning environmentExtracurricular activities such as

band, sports etc.

References

Assistive Technology Federal Law and Regulations. (n.d.) Retrieved June, 8, 2015, fromhttp://www.ndrn.org/issues/assistive-technology/292-assistive-technology-federal-law-and-regulations.html

Assistive Technology for Students with Learning Difficulties.(n.d.) Retrieved June, 8, 2015, from http://www.pluk.org/Pubs/ATguide4LD_419k.pdf

Assistive Technology -Wrightslaw. (n.d.) Retrieved on June 8, 2015, from http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/atech.index.htm

IDEA-Building the Legacy of IDEA 2004. (n.d.) Retrieved June, 8, 2015, from http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/,root,statute,I,A,602,1