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Assistive Technology Resources · Helpful Links · Trends in Assistive Services & Technology · Home Medical Equipment Warranties ·
The 1997 Amendments to the IDEA (individuals with Disabilities Education Act) require that the need for assistive technology be considered at the IEP (individualized Education Plan) meeting. By becoming familiar with the right to assistive technology, parents and students will be better prepared to advocate for needed assistive technology in the IEP (individualized Education Plan) and also in the *504 Plan (equal access to all school programs), thereby promoting enhanced learning and functioning in inclusive environments.
What is assistive technology? Assistive technology (AT) includes devices and services as well as training that help an individual to select and utilize a device or aid. AT devices are items, pieces of equipment or systems (both off-the-shelf and customized) used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of students with disabilities. Assistive technology services include evaluation, maintenance or repair and training for students, professionals or families. AT devices or aids include, but are not limited to, the following:
When must assistive technology (AT) be considered? Evaluation The student assessment/evaluation process must provide for a child to be evaluated or screened in all areas related to the suspected disability, including (where appropriate to the needs of the child) health, vision, hearing, social and emotional status, general intelligence, academic performance, communication status and motor abilities. Consideration of technologies should be an integral part of the assessment l evaluation process to ensure the IEP reflects each student’s unique needs. For example, in the mandatory assessment phase, evaluators should determine how technology will allow a student to communicate and access the instructional program. Placement School officials must consider how assistive technology can help children with disabilities succeed in regular classrooms before looking at other placements. Educational and Related Services A child's need for assistive technology, aids, training and support services must be considered on a case-by-case basis in developing the student's IEP. Further, if the participants on an IEP team, which includes parents, determine that a child requires assistive technology in order to receive an appropriate public education and designate such technology as either an educational or related service or as necessary to maintain the student in a regular classroom, the child's IEP must include a specific statement of such services. Related services include occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy.
What about use of assistive technology (AT) in the home? According to the U.S. Department of Education, if a child needs assistive technology for home use as part of their appropriate public education (e.g., for homework, reading books to supplement classroom instruction, etc.) as determined by the IEP team, the technology must be provided to implement the IEP.
Further information If you have questions or need assistance, contact the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology at (800) 322-7881, the Advocacy Center or the Florida Dept. of Education at the numbers listed below.
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The Board of Directors of FAAST, Inc., encourages the adoption of the following recommendations for the rule concerning performance standards for students with disabilities.