What is Assistive Technology?
Definition
Assistive technology refers to products and related services whose purpose is to overcome, work around or otherwise compensate for some barrier encountered due to a disability. Products range from "low tech" to "high tech" and include hardware, software and non-technological items. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) defines assistive technology products as:
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 functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. [20 U.S.C. Chapter 33, Section 1401 (25)]
Here are some examples of assistive technology products ranging from "low tech" to "high tech":
- Velcro adapted clothing
- Hand held magnifier for reading
- Picture based communication board
- Large print books
- Talking clock or calculator
- Hearing aids
- Motorized wheelchair
- "Hands-free" telephone
- Remote control of lights and other appliances
- Adaptive switch control of the computer
- Voice output communication device
- Voice recognition software for dictation
IDEA goes on to define assistive technology services to include "any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device." This law specifically mentions the following services:
- Evaluating the technology needs of the individual
- Selecting and/or designing appropriate technology products
- Purchasing, leasing or otherwise acquiring the technology
- Fitting, customizing, adapting and/or applying the technology
- Maintaining, repairing, upgrading or replacing the technology
- Training and on-going technical assistance for the user of the technology
- Training for service providers who support the user in the use of the technology
- [20 U.S.C. Chapter 33, Section 1401 (26)]
Categories of Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology exists to serve the needs of every disability group in a variety of environments. Consequently there are many categories of assistive technology. With the advent of the computer age the range of technology has grown tremendously. The following list includes those categories that have applications in the educational environment. This is not a complete list of all assistive technology.
- Aids for Daily Living are adaptive devices designed to assist people with various disabilities in everyday activities such as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming, cooking, reading/writing and leisure activities.
- Adaptive Switches are designed to provide people with physical disabilities an alternate means of operating battery-powered toys, lights, small appliances and computers.
- Alternate Computer Input and Output includes devices such as alternate keyboards and mouse controllers, adaptive switch input, voice recognition software, auditory or Braille output and many other products.
- Alternate and Augmentative Communication (AAC) products range from low tech picture communication symbols to high tech electronic speech output devices designed for people who posses limited or no oral speech ability.
- Special Needs Software includes products designed specifically for alternate computer input such as switch accessible software and also products designed to help students compensate for learning difficulties, especially in the areas of reading, writing and math.
Why Do We Need Assistive Technology in the Schools?
Students Have a Right to a Barrier-free Education
Some students depend on accommodations in the school setting in order to have the opportunity to participate in an appropriate educational program. For example, a student who uses a wheelchair needs a ramp in order to enter a building or classroom that is otherwise inaccessible because of stairs. A blind student requires alternatives to printed text. Adapted access to the computer is necessary for students who are physically unable to write or use a standard keyboard. Where accommodations appear necessary, school districts are required to provide appropriate measures at no cost to the student. This is the law.
The Law Identifies Assistive Technology as a Reasonable Accommodation
Under the IDEA legislation, consideration must be given to the assistive technology needs of any student identified to receive special education services. Specifically, if accommodations are necessary for a student to progress toward his/her IEP goals and objectives, then those accommodations (including assistive technology) should be identified in the IEP.
There are other federal laws that address the obligation of school districts to provide assistive technology. Among these are the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, both of which protect individuals with disabilities against discrimination in the delivery of public services. This includes public education and requires school districts to provide whatever modifications are necessary to ensure that every student, regardless of disability, has equal access to a free and appropriate education. The provision of assistive technology may be required to fulfill this obligation.
Where Can We Go For Help with AT Issues?
School District Assistive Technology Specialist or Team
Your school district may have an assistive technology (AT) specialist. Oftentimes, this is not an official job title but a self-chosen commitment on the part of a teacher or therapist with some training or experience in technology. This person may be responsible for consultation with other staff, selecting appropriate technology, and ongoing technical support. The range of services this person provides depends on their training, experience with the technology and the number of hours, if any, that the school district allocates for this purpose.
Regional or Statewide AT Resource Centers
All states (and also U.S. commonwealths and major territories) have some form of assistive technology resource center. In some states there are regional centers, each serving a geographic portion of the state whereas, in other states, there is only one statewide office. In addition, some state education departments have an office dedicated to providing AT services to the school system. Click on a link below to visit an AT resource website in your region.
- ALABAMA
- Statewide Technology Access and Response Project (STAR) System for Alabamians with Disabilities
- www.mindspring.com/~alstar
- ALASKA
- Assistive Technologies of Alaska
- www.corcom.com/
- AMERICAN SAMOA
- American Samoa Assistive Technology Service Projects
684-699-1529
- E-mail: voc.rehab@601.com
- ARIZONA
- Arizona Technology Access Program (AZTAP)
- www.nau.edu/~ihd/aztap
- ARKANSAS
- Arkansas Increasing Capabilities Access Network (ICAN)
- www.arkansas-ican.org
- CALIFORNIA
- California Assistive Technology System
- www.catsca.com
- COLORADO
- Colorado Assistive Technology Project
- www.uchsc.edu/catp
- CONNECTICUT
- Connecticut Tech Act Project
- www.ucc.uconn.edu/~techact/
- DELAWARE
- Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative
- www.asel.udel.edu/dati/
- DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
- D.C. Partnership for Assistive Technology
202-645-5711
- FLORIDA
- Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST)
- www.faast.org
- GEORGIA
- Georgia Tools for Life
- www.gatfl.org
- GUAM
- Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT)
- uog2.uog.edu/uap/gsat.html
- HAWAII
- Hawaii Assistive Technology Training and Services (HATTS) Project
- www.atrc.org
- IDAHO
- Idaho Assistive Technology Project
- www.ets.uidaho.edu/idatech
- ILLINOIS
- Illinois Assistive Technology Project
- www.iltech.org
- INDIANA
- ATTAIN: Accessing Technology Through Awareness in Indiana Project
- 317-921-8766 (Marion County only); 800-743-3333 (TDD); 800-528-8246 (IN only)
- FAX: 317-921-8774
- E-mail: cfulford@vunet.vinu.edu
- IOWA
- Iowa Program for Assistive Technology
- www.uiowa.edu/infotech
- KANSAS
- Assistive Technology for Kansans
- www.atk.lsi.ukans.edu
- KENTUCKY
- Kentucky Assistive Technology Services Network (KATS)
- www.katsnet.org
- LOUISIANA
- LATAN: Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network
- www.latan.org
- MAINE
- Maine Consumer Information and Technology Training Exchange
- www.mecite.doe.k12.me.us/
- MARIANA ISLANDS
- Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Assistive Technology Project
- 670-322-3014
- E-mail: dd.council@saipan.com
- MARYLAND
- Maryland Technology Assistance Program
- www.mdtap.org
- MASSACHUSETTS
- Massachusetts Assistive Technology Partnership (MATP)
- www.matp.org
- MICHIGAN
- Michigan Tech 2000
- www.copower.org
- MINNESOTA
- Minnesota STAR Program
- www.admin.state.mn.us/assistivetechnology
- MISSISSIPPI
- Mississippi Project Start
- 601-987-4872; 800-852-8328 (MS only)
- FAX: 601-364-2349
- E-mail: spower@netdoor.com
- MISSOURI
- Missouri Assistive Technology Project
- www.dolir.state.mo.us/mapt/
- MONTANA
- MonTech: Technology-Related Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities
- www.ruralinstitute.umt.edu
- NORTH CAROLINA
- North Carolina Assistive Technology Project
- www.mindspring.com/~ncatp
- NORTH DAKOTA
- North Dakota Interagency Program for Assistive Technology (IPAT)
- www.ndipat.org
- NEBRASKA
- Nebraska Assistive Technology Project
- http://www.nde.state.ne.us/ATP/TECHome.html
- NEW HAMPSHIRE
- New Hampshire Technology Partnership Project
- www.iod.unh.edu/projects/assist.htm
- NEW JERSEY
- New Jersey Technology Assistive Resource Program
- www.wnjpin.state.nj.us
- NEW MEXICO
- New Mexico Technology Assistance Program
- FAX: 505-827-3746
- E-mail: nmdvrtap@aol.com
- NEW YORK
- New York State TRAID Project
- www.state.ny.us/disabledadvocate
- OHIO
- Ohio TRAIN: Technology Related Assistance Information Network
- train.ovt.osc.edu
- OKLAHOMA
- Oklahoma ABLE Tech
- www.okstate.edu/wellness/at-home.htm
- OREGON
- Oregon Technology Access for Life Needs Project (TALN)
- www.taln.ncn.com
- PENNSYLVANIA
- Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology
- www.temple.edu/temple/
- PUERTO RICO
- Puerto Rico Assistive Technology Project
- 809-758-2525 x4413; 800-981-6033 (PR only); 800-496-6035 (from US mainland)
- E-mail: PRATP@rcmad.upr.clu.edu
- RHODE ISLAND
- Rhode Island Assistive Technology Access Partnership
- www.ors.state.ri.us
- SOUTH CAROLINA
- South Carolina Assistive Technology Project
- www.public.usit.net/jjendron
- SOUTH DAKOTA
- South Dakota Assistive Technology Project (DakotaLink)
- www.tie.net/
- TENNESSEE
- Tennessee Technology Access Project
- www.state.tn.us/mental
- TEXAS
- Texas Assistive Technology Partnership
- www.edb.utexas.edu/coe/depts/sped/tatp/tatp.html
- UTAH
- Utah Assistive Technology Program
- www.uatp.usu.edu
- VERMONT
- Vermont Assistive Technology Project
- www.uvm.edu/~uapvt/programs/iteam/at/
- VIRGIN ISLANDS
- U.S. Virgin Islands Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (TRAID)
- 340-693-1323
- E-mail: yhabtey@uvi.edu
- VIRGINIA
- Virginia Assistive Technology System
- www.vats.org
- WASHINGTON
- Special Education Technology Center
- www.cwu.edu/~setc/
- WEST VIRGINIA
- www.uacdd.wvu.edu/
- WISCONSIN
- WisTech (Wisconsin Assistive Technology Program)
- 608-243-5674
- FAX: 608-243-5681
- E-mail: kiddesB@mail.state.wi.us
- WYOMING
- Wyoming's New Options in Technology (WYNOT)
- www.uwyo.edu/hs/wind/wynot/wynet.htm
National and International AT Resource Centers
Following is a list of great AT resource centers with websites offering AT product databases, links to related resources, publication lists, schedules of worldwide conference opportunities and more.
