Assistive Technology

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> ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY QUESTION & ANSWER GUIDE

> PART I

>

> By Wanderman

>

> 1. What is the difference between an assistive technology device and an

> assistive technology service?

>

> Answer: An assistive technology device can be simple or complex.

> Assistive technology devices include velcro, adaptive clothing

> and toys, seating systems, powered mobility systems, augmentative

> communication devices, special switches, and thousands of other

> commercially available or adaptive items. Common examples of

> assistive technology devices used in the classroom include: computer

> hardware, software, and adaptations; augmentative and

> alternative communication systems; assistive listening systems; and

> classroom modifications, such as environmental controls and

> adaptive seating/positioning devices. These equipment solutions can

> improve a student’s ability to learn and interact with teachers,

> family members, and friends.

>

> Assistive technology services are those that ensure appropriate

> selection, maintenance, customization and repair of equipment;

> those that provide technical assistance, consumer or care giver

> training, and peer counseling; and those that help fund equipment

> through loan, rental, lease, or purchase.

>

> 2. How should assistive technology as recommended by the TEAM be

> included in the IEP?

>

> Answer: Assistive technology can be included in the IEP in the

> following ways: Under the Student Instructional Profile, page 2 of the

> IEP form if required as part of the student’s special education,

> related services, or supplementary aids and services. Example: student

> uses specially lined paper when there is written work that is not done

> on the computer. As a goal statement when assistive technology is needed

> to develop technology skills to reach other goals and instruction may be

> needed. Example: student will learn to use a word processing program

> with spelling, grammar, and punctuation checklist. As part of a goal

> statement when assistive technology is needed to carry out specific

> goal(s). Example: student will use a cassette recorder to practice her

> oral language responses.

>

> 3. What is the responsibility of the local school district to ensure

> the delivery of the assistive technology listed on the student’s IEP?

>

> Answer: According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

> (IDEA) and policy directives from the United States Department

> of Education, it is the responsibility of the local school district to

> provide all assistive technology written into the IEP. (See Appendix

> for public agencies that support the purchase or access to assistive

> technology devices and services.)

>

> Questions 4 thru 13 can be found at:

>

> http://library.thinkquest.org/11799/data/assistech2.html