What is Assistive Technology?
In special education, “assistive technology” refers to any devices or services: • That your child needs to benefit from his special education or related services; or • That enable your child to get his education in the least-restrictive environment. 34 C.F.R. 300.308. The 1990 amendments to IDEA added the term “assistive technology” and its definition. The IDEA definition says: 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(1). The term assistive technology service means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. The term includes: • The evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child’s customary environm
Assistive technology, also called “adapted equipment/technology,” is any item, piece of equipment, or system commonly used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of people with disabilities. Examples include adapted eating utensils, picture communication boards, radios with special switch devices, screen readers, wheelchairs, electric van lifts, software programs and communication devices.
Assistive Technology is any item, piece of equipment, product or system, whether acquired commercially, off the shelf, modified or customized that helps make life easier for a person who has a disability. Assistive technology devices may range in complexity from a strip of velcro purchased over the counter to a customized voice-activated computer.
Assistive Technology is 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. Disability Services has software and devices available for students to use. The software is available in several computer labs across campus. Some of devices are available to check out to qualified students. Check with Disability Services regarding specific Assistive Technology you like to use. Visit the assistive technology page.
