Digital Assistive Technology Lab
Let’s Explore Assistive Technology (AT)
IDEA defines an ‘assistive technology device‘ 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 functional capabilities of a child with a disability. (20 U.S.C. 1401(1))
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…
- (E) 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 2004,
- Wrightslaw: Special Education Law, 2nd Edition, p. 49.
Watch the following video to explore 5 myths about assistive technology use
Assistive Technology in Education and Disability Law
There are several laws governing the use of assistive technology in our classrooms. The summaries below describe the development of AT in the law (adapted from the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center website).
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) first referred to assistive technology in its initial enactment in 1975, but later amendments defined the terms “assistive technology device” and “assistive technology service” in federal education law. See the language in the current, 2006 Part B regulations under 34CFR§ 300.105 and the current provisions for children from birth to three in 2011 Part C Regulations.
- The Assistive Technology Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-364) “increased access to, availability of, and funding for assistive technology for all individuals with disabilities, including very young children.”
- “Additionally, children with disabilities, even those who are not eligible for special education under IDEA may have a right to assistive technology under either Title II or Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, which protects the rights of individuals with disabilities of all ages in many different aspects of their lives.”
- The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) “supports the effective use of assistive and instructional technology to enhance teaching and learning.”
Georgia Project for Assistive Technology
AT Evaluation Guidance and Resources
Assistive Technology Examples and Case Studies
Assistive Technology App Databases
- AT Tutorials and Case Studies from Tools for Life
- BridgingApps is a resource where users can search for apps reviewed using standards-based assessment tools as well as find resources on how to use mobile devices to effectively target skill development. BridgingApps is a program of Easter Seals Greater Houston.
- For more databases and resources, please visit the MASS Match website.”
Assistive Technology Resource Grid for Common Learning Barriers
Common Case Scenarios (WEB)
| AT in Everyday Tech | AT for Reading | AT for Writing and Social Studies | AT for Math and Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT Chrome Extensions (PDF) | Reading Comprehension and Access- Office 365 | Digital Math Writing (WEB) | |
Power Point (PDF) | Text-to-Speech (WEB) | Speech-to-Text(WEB) | National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (WEB) |
| Office 365 and Mac Tools (PDF) | Read and Write (WEB) | Writing AT Examples (WEB) | Math and Science AT Examples (WEB) |
| Ms Word Document Accessibility (PDF) | Early Literacy AT Examples (WEB) |
Assistive Technology Resource Grid for Less Common Barriers to Learning
Less Common Case Scenarios (WEB)
| Communication | Access | Mobility and Positioning |
|---|---|---|
| Explore AAC (WEB) | Alternate Achievement Adapted Texts (WEB) | AT for Positioning, Motor Control, and AAC Access (WEB) |
| Augmentative and Alternative Communication Examples (WEB) | Lexile Leveled Texts on Current Events and Ed. Topics (WEB) | 2019 AT for Mobility Examples (WEB) |
| Symbol Board Creation-Boardmaker Online (WEB) |
Assistive Technology Case Study Examples
Common Assistive Technology Solutions
| Meet Sam | Meet Joseph | TED talk with Jeff Paradee, Disability Technology |
Less Common AT Solutions
| Meet Elle | Meet Nick | Meet Jared |
Want More Examples?
- Want even more AT examples specific to your grade band? Visit the Supports and Accommodations for Students with Disabilities digital resource guide (PDF) from the Leadership Support Service.
- Assistive Tech Consortium App Finder (PDF)
- AT in Current Literature
Provided by The Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD) and PACER Center
Last updated: 3/6/2023