ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
CONSIDERATIONS
The items listed are in order from lower to
higher technology
(i.e. Applying suggestion #1 requires the
least amount of technology).
Don't Forget, There are many
other tools; this list is just to
help you get started!
Motor Aspects of Writing
1. Variety of pencils and pens
2. Pencil/pen with adaptive grip
3. Adapted paper (e.g. raised line or highlighted line)
4. Slant board
5. Prewritten words/phrases
6. Templates
7. Portable word processor
8. Computer with word processing
9. Voice recognition software
10.
Talking calculator
Computer Access
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Keyboard with accessibility options
Word prediction, abbrev./expansion to reduce keystrokes
Keyguard
Arm support
Track ball/joystick with on-screen keyboard
Alternate keyboard
Pointing Options/Head mice
Switch with Morse code
Switch with scanning
10.
Voice recognition software
Composing Written Material
1. Word cards/book/wall
2. Pocket dictionary/thesaurus
3. Writing templates
4. Electronic/talking spell checker/dictionary
5. Word processing with spell checker
6. Talking word processing
7. Abbreviation/expansion
8. Word processing with writing supports
9. Multimedia software
10.
Voice recognition software
Communication
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Communication board with pictures/words/objects
Eye gaze frame
Simple voice output device
Voice output device with icon sequencing
Voice output device with dynamic display
Voice output device with speech synthesis
Reading
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Predictable books
Changes in text size, spacing, color, background
Book adapted for page turning
Use of pictures/symbols with text
Talking electronic device to speak challenging words
Single word scanners
Scanner with Optical Character Recognition and talking word
processor
8. Electronic Books
Learning/Studying
1.
2.
3.
4.
Print or picture schedule
Aids to find materials (e.g. color coded folders)
Highlight text
Recorded material
5. Voice output reminders for assignments, tasks
6. Electronic organizers
7. Pagers/electronic reminders
8. Single word scanners
9. Hand-held scanners
10.
Software for concept development
11.
Software for organization of ideas
12.
Hand-held computers
Math
1. Abacus/ Math Line
2. Enlarged math worksheets
3. Alternatives for answering, explaining or give examples
4. Math "Smart Chart"
5. Money calculator/Coinulator
6. Tactile/voice output measuring devices
7. Talking watches/clocks
8. Calculator with or without print out
9. Calculator with large keys and/or display
10.
Talking calculator
11.
Calculator with special features
12.
On-screen/scanning calculator
13.
Alternative keyboard
14.
Math software
15.
Software for manipulation of objects
16.
Voice recognition software
Recreation
1. Toys adapted with Velcro™, magnets, handles, etc.
2. Toys adapted for single switch operation
3. Adaptive sporting equipment
4. Universal cuff to hold crayons, etc.
5. Modified utensils
6. Arm support for drawing/painting
7. Electronic aids to operate TV, VCR, etc.
8. Art software
9. Games on the computer
10.
Other software
Mobility
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Walker
Grab bars and rails
Manual wheelchair including sports chair
Powered mobility toy
Powered scooter
Powered wheelchair
Adapted vehicle for driving
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Non-slip materials
Universal cuff/strap to hold items in hand
Color coded items for easier locating
Adaptive eating utensils
Adaptive drinking devices
Adaptive dressing equipment
Adaptive devices for hygiene
Adaptive bathing devices
Adaptive equipment for cooking
Control of the Environment
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Light switch extension
Interface and switch to activate battery operated devices
Interface and switch to turn on electrical appliances
Radio/ultra sound to remotely control appliances
Electronic aide to daily living controlled through augmentative
device
Position and Seating
1.
2.
3.
4.
Non-slip surface on chair
Bolster, rolled towel, blocks for feet
Adapted/alternate chair, sidelyer, stander
Custom fitted wheelchair or insert
Vision
1.
2.
3.
4.
Eye glasses
Magnifier
Large print books
CCTV (closed circuit television)
5. Screen magnifier (mounted over screen)
6. Screen magnification software
7. Screen color contrast
8. Screen reader, text reader
9. Braille materials
10.
Braille translation software
11.
Braille printer
12.
Enlarged or Braille/tactile labels for keyboard
13.
Alternate keyboard with enlarged keys
14.
Braille keyboard and note taker
Hearing
1. Pen and paper
2. Computer/portable word processor
3. TY/TDD with or without relay
4. Signaling device
5. Closed Captioning
6. Real Time captioning
7. Computer aided note taking
8. Flash alert signal on computer
9. Phone amplifier
10.
Personal amplification system/Hearing aid
11.
FM or Loop system
12.
Infrared system
Terminology and IDEA
References
Consideration of Special Factors in
Development of IEP
34 CFR ß300.46(a)(2)(v) The IEP Team also shall...
(v)Consider whether the child requires assistive
technology devices and services. (Authority: 20 U.S.C
ß1414 (d)(3)(B)(v))
Assistive Technology
(a) Each public agency shall ensure that assistive
technology devices or assistive technology services, or
both, as those terms are defined in ßß300.5 -300.6, are
made available to a child with a disability if required as
a part of a child's
a. Special Education under ß300.26
b. Related services under ß300.24; or
c. Supplementary aids and services under ßß300.24
and 300.550(b)(2)
(b)On a case-by-case basis, the use of school-purchased
assistive technology devices in a child's home or in other
settings
Assistive Technology Device
"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 the functional
capabilities of a child with a disability. 34 CFR ß300.5
(Authority: 20 U.S.C ß1401 (1))
Assistive Technology Service
"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 a. The evaluation of the needs of a child with a
disability including a functional evaluation of the
child in the child's customary environment;
b. Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the
acquisition of assistive technology devices by
children with disabilities;
c. Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing,
adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or
replacing assistive technology devices;
d. Coordinating and using other therapies,
interventions, or services with assistive technology
devices, such as those associated with existing
education and rehabilitation plans and programs;
e. Training or technical assistance for a child with a
disability or, if appropriate, that child's family; and
f. Training or technical assistance for professionals
(including individuals providing education or
rehabilitation services), employers, or other
individuals who provide services to, employ, or are
otherwise substantially involved in the major life
functions of that child.
34 CFR ß300.6 (Authority: 20 U.S.C ß1401 (2))
Assistive Technology Resources
Books
Bowser, G. & Reed, P. (1998). Education Tech Points: A
Framework for Assistive Technology Planning.
Winchester, OR: CATO; P.O. Box 431, Winchester, OR
97495; www.edtechpoints.org
Golden, D. (1998). Assistive Technology in Special
Education: Policy and Practice. Council of Administrators
of Special Education, Fort Valley State University, 1005
State University Drive, Fort Valley, GA 31030
Reed, P. (Ed.). (2000). Assessing Students' Need for
Assistive Technology. Oshkosh, WI:WATI; www.wati.org
Reed, P. & Bowser, G. (2000). Assistive Technology
Pointers for Parents. Winchester, OR: CATO;
www.edtechpoints.org
Journals/Newsletters
Closing the Gap, Closing the Gap, P.O. Box 68,
Henderson, MN 65044; www.closingthegap.com
Journal of Special Education Technology, Free with TAM
Membership (a division of CEC); jset.unlv.edu
Special Education Technology Practice, Knowledge by
Design, 5907 N. Kent Ave., Whitefish Bay, WI 532174615; www.setp.net
Internet Sites
www.closingthegap.com - Searchable database of AT
plus articles from their newsletter.
www.fctd.info - Family Center on Technology and
Disability. Extensive AT Resource reviews, user-friendly
resource library and more.
www.LDonline.com - Section on AT. To get to it, go to
LD In Depth and then Technology.
www.tamcec.org - The web site of the Technology and
Media Division of CEC.
trace.wisc.edu - Links to adaptive freeware and
shareware for computer access.
www.wati.org - Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative
has WATI assessment forms, updates, lending library,
information, best practice tips, and more.
This Document was reviewed by the U.S. Office of Special
Education (OSEP), the OSEP Project Officer and the ILIAD Project
Director for consistency with the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act Amendments of 1997. The contents of this
document do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the
Department of Education, nor does mention of other
organizations imply endorsement by those organizations or the
U.S. Government
Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of
Special Education Programs (Cooperative Agreement
#H326A800005)
Developed by the Technology and Media Division (TAM) of
the Council for Exceptional Children and the Wisconsin
Assistive Technology Initiative