Technology
The Basics of Assistive Technology
From "I Can News Service" (February 14, 2001)
Assistive technology (AT) products and services have created opportunities for empowerment, participation, and improved quality of life among persons with disabilities.
Here are some basic definitions of general AT terms and a description of some of the benefits AT offers:
Assistive technology (AT) consists of devices and other solutions that assist people with deficits in physical, mental, or emotional functioning.
Assistive technology devices are items frequently used by people with functional deficits as alternative ways of performing actions, tasks, and activities.
Assistive technology services are those that directly assist individuals with disabilities in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive technology device.
Examples of AT services include:
- Evaluating the needs of an individual with a disability
- Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices
- Selecting, designing, bidding, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices
- Providing training or technical assistance individuals with disabilities or, where appropriate, the family or caregiver
- Providing training or technical assistance for professionals, employers, or other individuals who provide services to individuals with disabilities
Benefits of assistive technology may include:
- An assistive word processor Greater control over one's life
- Increased participation in and contributions to activities within the home, school, community, and work environments
- Improved interaction with others
- Ability to benefit from opportunities, and improve self-esteem
Assistive technology in education
Assistive PDA Schools are responsible for Assistive Technology in IEPs.
According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, school departments are responsible for providing any assistive technology that is included in a student's Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). Schools can pursue other funding sources, such as Medicaid, but not if it causes significant delays in providing the necessary equipment. Schools cannot force families to use their private insurance if doing so would create a financial burden. School boards cannot revise an IEP to eliminate assistive technology. This law also applies to students in private school placements.
Assistive Technology must also be available if needed for homework
If a student needs assistive technology to do homework, schools have several options: provide a portable device; provide an additional device for use at home; or arrange for a supervised homework period at school. As long as the need is identified in a student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP), the school system must provide some means of meeting that need.
Hearing aids are considered Assistive Technology in Individualized Education Plans
In the past, a public agency was not required to purchase a hearing aid for a student because it was not responsible for providing a personal device that the student needed whether or not he or she was attending school. A new ruling from the Director of the Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education, found that this policy does not apply to a situation where a public agency determines that a child with a disability needs a hearing aid in order to receive a "free appropriate public education" (FAPE), and the child's Individualized Education Plan specifies that the child needs a hearing aid.
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