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Assistive Tech

Students with disabilities sometimes need and may be entitled to special equipment and services to ensure that they have access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). 

Assistive technology includes both devices and services used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability.  During the IEP process, assistive technology must be considered for every child and then provided by districts if deemed necessary by the IEP team.  

In some cases, families may have already obtained Assistive Technology for their student privately via their personal insurance. In these cases,  IEP teams may determine what services are needed to support the successful use of these items so the student can successfully access their education.

Please contact your child's Special Education teacher or case manager you are wondering if Assistive Technology is appropriate and needed for your student.  

Communication

AAC device (Augmentative and Alternative Communication device), is a tool that helps an individual communicate when they can not functionally communicate in their environment.  AAC devices can be low tech (communicate boards, picture cards) or high tech (speech generating devices.)

The ability to communicate helps a student function more independently and maintain safe behavior.  

Our special services staff passionately support the use of AAC devices for students who are non-speaking or who struggle to communicate fluently.  AAC devices become part of a student's IEP based on need and trialing what works best for the student.  AAC devices are most successful when used both at school and at home since they serve as the student's voice. 

 

 Hearing and Vision

If the special education evaluation and IEP process reveals that your student needs support with hearing and/or vision,  assistive technology may be found appropriate so your student can  better access their education.  

Examples include: 

  • Hearing: Hearing devices, alerting devices, personal amplification systems, vibrating alarm clocks 

  • Vision: Screen readers, screen magnifiers, talking devices, dynamic braille displays, large print materials

 

Mobility and Daily Living

Some students may need support with accessing their environment, whether it be a mobility or a daily living issue due to physical or cognitive disabilities. IEP teams work to determine what supports are appropriate for each individual student based on their particular needs.  

Examples include: 

  • Mobility: Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, scooters, and power chairs.   

  • Daily living: Modified eating utensils, dressing aids, adapted personal hygiene aids, pencil holders, page turners, and adapted books