|
Special Education Home
Child Search
Alternative
Programs
Gifted / Talented
Programs
Early Childhood Classes
Inclusion
Speech Therapy
Assistive Technology
Vision or Hearing Impairments
Technology
FORMS
Special Education Forms
Speech Therapy Forms
SBLC Forms
Assistive
Technology Forms
504 Forms
| |
| |
      |
| What is an Assistive Technology (AT)
Device? |
Virtually anything that makes
a task easier to complete qualifies as AT. Wheelchairs are AT;
textbooks on CD are AT and talking computers can be AT; and pencil
grips are
AT. The LEGAL definition of AT is:
Assistive technology devices 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 individuals with
disabilities. (20 U.S.C. §1401 [25] )
Every day, people use technology to
function more fully in their lives...High-tech equipment, like personal
computers and automobiles. And low-tech tools, like pencils and doorknobs.
Most people rarely think about the technology designed for their daily use.
But for 35 million Americans with disabilities, the technology that could
offer greater control over their lives is not always at their fingertips.
It's not always found in the corner hardware store or the Sears catalog.
|
      |
| What is an Assistive Technology Service? |
AT services include evaluation,
funding, design, customization, adaptation, maintenance, repair,
training or technical assistance would be classified as assistive technology
services. The LEGAL definition is:
Any service that directly assists an
individual in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive technology
device is an Assistive Technology Service. (20 U.S.C. §1401 [26] )
|
Examples of AT services include:
- Getting help finding out about what
devices are available (technical assistance)
- Getting help finding where to obtain
AT services (technical assistance)
- Getting help paying for devices
(funding)
- Getting devices repaired
- Getting help determining which
devices can help individuals and their families (evaluation)
|
|
to Assistive Technology Homepage |
|