What exactly is assistive technology (AT)?
Think of AT as tools that help students accomplish educational tasks. Another way to think about it is tools that provide students with disabilities access to the general education curriculum. The legal definition says: “Assistive technology 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 children with disabilities.” (Federal Register, August 19, 1991, p. 41272) As you can see, the federal definition is quite broad and there is much discussion in the field on this topic. Everyone agrees that there is a continuum of AT devices from no-tech to high- tech. Pencil grips and special lined paper are considered AT by definition, as are calculators. AlphaSmarts and computer software that provides support to students with disabilities are also considered AT. These items should be listed as AT on the student’s IEP and could also be listed under
