What is assistive technology in special education?
Assistive technology in special education refers to any devices or services that are necessary for a child to benefit from special education or related services or to enable the child to be educated in the least restrictive environment. (34 C.F.R. 300.308). The IDEA uses the definition of assistive technology from the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities Act (Tech Act) of 1988, which was added to the IDEA in the 1990 amendments to the law. “The term 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 functional capabilities of children with disabilities.” (20 U.S.C. 1401(a)(25)). “The term assistive technology service means any service that directly assists a child with disabilities in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. The term includes: The evaluation of the needs of a child wit
