Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology: The Law
As stated in The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA) 300.308, each school district is required to insure that assistive technology devices and services are provided if needed by a student in order to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE).
Definition of Assistive Technology
300.308 Assistive Technology Each public agency shall ensure that assistive technology devices or assistive technology services or both, as those terms are defined in 300.5 - 300.6 are made available to a child with a disability if required as a part of the child’s
(a) Special education under 300.17;
(b) Related services under 300.16; or
(c) Supplementary aids and services under 300.550(b)(2).
Assistive technology devices and services
300.5 Assistive technology device
Assistive technology device means 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 a child with a disability. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device. [Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1401(1)] 6
300.6 Assistive technology services
300.7 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 of needs including a functional evaluation, in the child’s customary environment; (B) purchasing, leasing or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices; (C) selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing or replacing of assistive technology devices; (D) coordinating and using other therapies, interventions or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs; (E) training or technical assistance for a child with disabilities, or where appropriate that child’s family; and (F) training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education and rehabilitation services), employers or others(s) who provide services to employ or are otherwise, substantially involved in the major life functions of that child. [Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1401(2)]
IDEA 2004 affects assistive technology tool choice as well as the delivery of services. In addition, IDEA requires IEP Teams to provide alternative text formats, in a timely manner, to students who have difficulty interacting with text found in educational materials. Teams are required to identify the text format that matches a student’s need. Additionally, they must select the compatible file format for the device the student will use and the service needed to support the student’s successful use of the device for learning.
Consideration
IDEA 1997 added the requirement that each IEP Team consider the need for assistive technology as part of the Consideration of Special Factors.
300.346 (a)(2) Consideration of Special Factors
The IEP Team shall … (v) consider whether the child requires assistive technology devices and services
Assistive Technology Resources
West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems (WVATS)
WVATS Virtual Loan Library and Exchange System - provides a virtual Loan Library and Exchange System, and is a free online service.
WATI (Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative)
Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Services (QIATS )
Tech Finder is an online database of expert approved apps and games for children with learning and attention difficulties.
15 Assistive Technology Tools for Students with Disabilities
Free or Low Cost Assistive Technology for Everyone
AT TechTools Plante (Center on Technology and Disability)
75 Best Apps for Special Education
Support, Guidance, and Advice
WV Department of Education Assistive Technology Guidance 2017
WV Department of Education Assistive Technology Fact Sheet 2017
WV Department of Education Accessible Educational Material Guidance 2015
Assessing Student’s Needs for Assistive Technology - A Resource Manual for School District Teams
AT IEP Planner - (QIATS) Quality Indicators of Assistive Technology Services
Family Guide to AT and Transition Planning (Center on Technology and Disability)
Assistive Technology Checklist for IEP
“Frequently Asked Questions on Effective Communication for Students with Hearing, Vision or Speech Disabilities in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools,” U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Education, November 2014 http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/dcl-faqs-effective-communication-201411.pdf