Centre for Assistive Technology (C.A.T)
CAT keeps educators and specialists up-to-date with the latest technology
options that can be used to support student’s access to learning.
In the New Zealand context, assistive technology is any technology that enhances performance of
students with special education needs by overcoming specific barriers in three areas: presence,
participation and learning.
The assistive technology service endeavours to ensure that students with special education needs
have the right technology at the right time to remove barriers to learning and to raise achievement.
Centre for Assistive Technology:

Maintains up-to-date knowledge of a wide range of assistive technology options that will
support students with special education needs in New Zealand.

Provides advice, support and information on assistive technology solutions.
Eligibility
School students with special education needs are eligible to be considered for assistive technology
funding if they are supported through any of the current special education initiatives such as:

Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS)

Speech –Language (Communication) initiative

Resource teachers: Learning and Behaviour (RTLB)

National provision for students with moderate sensory impairments and physical disabilities

School High Health Needs Fund (SHHNF)

Special Education Grant (SEG) – applications under SEG need to show that the student
has been receiving ongoing support from the school over a period of time
In addition, the school student must be:

Enrolled in a registered school (compulsory education including independent schools)

Or is formally exempt from school and is being home schooled

Aged between 5 and 19 years (or up to the age of 21 if they have a Section 9 special
education agreement)
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For further information contact:
Centre for Assistive Technology (CAT) Staff
Coll O’Connor (Advisory Officer)
Phone: 04 493 5359
Email: cat.help@minedu.govt.nz
Or contact your District Assistive Technology Coordinator at your local Ministry of Education Office
in your region. www.education.govt.nz
Handy Hints
There are millions of apps to choose from and finding the right one can be tricky. Here are
some apps to help you find apps that CAT recommends.
Need some help finding the right app for your student? Try these addresses.
http://myfirstapp.com/MyFirstapp/Home.html
Matching and sorting (first two activities free then $4)
http://www.preschoolu.com
ABC Magic early learning games. Spelling, matching,
memory (Free)
http://www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com/main/library/
special needs apps.html
http://www.ianbean.co.uk/publications.html
A detailed guide. Broken down into different
categories.
iPad app wheels, slides, handouts and rubrics.
This year’s Favourite App
BookCreator.
https://www.redjumper.net
Price $6.49. Free trial available
For iPad – available via the Apple iTunes Store and also available via the
Google Play Store $3.50
Book Creator is easy to use and has many versatile features that allow students to create a lasting
product that demonstrates their understanding and skill level. It is suitable for students of all ages
and ability. Incorporated with the iPad default programmes, Book Creator gives students access to
predictive text, speech recognition, text to speech, video options, easily and accurately.
Book Creator provides different book shapes and layouts, multiple pages and has access to
extensive picture files enabling teachers and specialists to individualise to the students specific
learning need. It has video (good for incorporating sign language, video modelling / social stories)
and also drawing options with which you can customise background, text and font. You can add
text by typing, using a stylus or your finger.
Students work on BookCreator can be posted to an electronic portfolio, shared at home, and
revisited and revised as students grow with their learning.
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