What is assistive technology (AT)?
Assistive technology consists of devices and services. AT are items or pieces of equipment that helps a student with a disability increase, improve or maintain his or her functional capabilities.
AT devices can be high tech or low tech. Some examples are a wheelchair or wheelchair ramp, word prediction, voice recognition, braille, flashcards, pencil grips and hearing aids.
The ARD committee will determine whether the assistive technology would allow the student to benefit from educational instruction or to meet IEP goals and objectives.
An AT service is any direct assistance to the student with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an AT device.
AT devices and services can be included in an IEP as 1) special education and related services or 2) as supplementary aids and services.
The school should provide assistive technology in the home if the student requires the AT in order to receive FAPE (free appropriate public education). Parents cannot be charged for normal use, wear and tear; however, state law governs whether parents are liable for loss, theft, or damage.
State law allows schools to transfer AT devices when the student moves from one school to another school within the same school district, from one school district to another district, or from a school district to a state agency that provides services to the student after graduation, or the adult student or student’s parents.
The Texas Assistive Technology Network, a partnership between Region 4 and TEA, provides training and technical assistance related to AT.
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