Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology Assessment: More Than the Device
By: Andrew R. Beigel (2000)
Assessing an individual for assistive technology (AT) use is an important part of the reauthorization of IDEA (1997) and an essential support in the path to greater independence and integration into society. Unfortunately, AT devices are frequently abandoned for many reasons. Sometimes AT selection is based on a mismatch between the individual's desires and/or needs. Sometimes the individual outgrows the capabilities of the device. To foster optimal AT use, this article presents guidelines that educators can follow to put the individual user of AT at the center of the assessment process.
Remember the child in your class who always wanted to answer questions, who wanted to add to class discussions? That bright-eyed child who wanted so much to share and learn everything in your class? Learning Disabilities and Assistive Technologies
Disability Rights Center (DRC)
December 2003
DRC attorney Wendy Paget represented a student and his parents at a due process hearing in an important assistive technology case. The student is a sophomore in high school with a learning disability. He has always received good grades, but is eligible for special education services to assist him in increasing his ability to read and write so they are commensurate with his high intelligence. Last spring the Manchester School District agreed to evaluate the student to assess whether assistive technology (AT) would be helpful to assist him in reaching the goals outlined in his individualized educational plan (IEP). The educational team decided he did need AT for that purpose and the school purchased several pieces of software for his use at school and home. However, the school provided minimal training in using the software. The issue for the hearing was whether the training he received was sufficient so that he could use the AT to help meet his IEP goals.
The hearing officer found that the minimal training was NOT sufficient to help him meet his IEP goals. Specifically, the hearing officer found, “the School District’s failure to provide the adequate instruction to Student in the use of this equipment constitutes a denial of FAPE [free appropriate public education].” This case is the first in New Hampshire where a failure to provide assistive technology training has been found to be a denial of a free appropriate public education.
Due Process - DECISION OF THE HEARING OFFICER
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
IDPH-FY-04-08-19 / Manchester School District
Assistive Technology Laws
(The Family Center on Technology and Disability- FCTD)
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 (IDEA), students with learning disabilities have the right to be provided with appropriate assistive devices to help them succeed in school. This Info Brief provides information to help parents find and obtain alternative sources of funding for classroom- or home-based assistive technology when funds are not available through a child’s school. Read more....
The DRM WebWatcher: Assistive Technology
A Disability Resources Monthly guide to the best online resources about assistive technology.
Ability Hub - Assistive Technology Solutions
Assistive Technology for people with a disability who find operating a computer difficult, maybe even impossible. This web site will direct you to adaptive equipment and alternative methods available for accessing computers
The Alliance for Technology Access
The Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) is the national network of community-based Resource Centers, Developers, Vendors, and Associates dedicated to providing information and support services to children and adults with disabilities, and increasing their use of standard, assistive, and information technologies.
ATTO: Assistive Technology Tutorials
These tutorials demonstrate how to use specific hardware devices and software programs for students with disabilities in a step-by-step fashion.
Assistive Technology and the IEP
(The Family Center on Technology and Disability- FCTD)
Excerpt:
As their child’s strongest advocate, it is important that families insist that assistive technology devices and services be included in the written IEP. School districts are responsible for providing assistive technology devices and services if it is determined by an IEP team that the child needs them to benefit from his or her educational program. Lack of availability or cost cannot be used as an excuse for denying AT devices or services. In addition, a child is allowed to take a device home if it is needed to enable him or her to benefit from his educational program as determined by the IEP team. Training of teachers’ aides and the student may also be listed in the IEP as AT services.
The term “assistive technology” may never appear on the IEP forms used by your child’s school. Instead the form may use terms such as “accommodations, supports, program modifications or supplementary aids and services.” No matter what form is used by the IEP team in your child’s school, the law requires that the assistive technology needs of the child must be considered. Full Article
Universal Design for Learning
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for designing curricula that enable all individuals to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning. UDL provides rich supports for learning and reduces barriers to the curriculum while maintaining high achievement standards for all. (Center for Applied Special Technology- CAST)
What is the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS)?
(Center for Applied Special Technology- CAST)
(Center for Applied Special Technology- CAST)
Federal Register - Final Regulations: August 14, 2006
(Center for Applied Special Technology- CAST)
Excerpts of Analysis of Comments and Changes pertaining to NIMAS
E-ssential Guide: Assistive Technology(AT)
This guide explains how assistive technology (AT) can help kids with learning disabilities, and it walks you through the process of selecting technology tools that will be most beneficial for your child. These articles have been developed in collaboration with Marshall Raskind, Ph.D., an expert on the topic of assistive technology.
Evaluations, Consultations and Training Services
EdTech Associates offers Assistive Technology Consulting Services to help parents, individuals and schools select and use the available technologies designed to support students with learning disabilities, dyslexia, and language and learning difficulties.
Assistive Technology Resources -Disabilities Rights Center
Do2Learn website is a great resource for parents and teachers.
