Assistive Technology Quick Reference - Hardin County Schools
Why do we use the assistive technology screener form? To identify areas that could be
or are currently being addressed by assistive technology. Areas of concern for the student should be
checked and modifications used to address the concern should be written (examples of modifications
include: assistive technology, specially designed instruction, and adaptations – please list specifics). If
you have areas of concerns regarding the need for assistive technology refer to the flowchart on the
back of this quick reference guide.
What is assistive technology? As defined by the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, the term
refers to “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or
customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with
disabilities.”
Assistive technology can be simplistic or complex and does not have to include what we typically think of
as technology. Examples are listed at the bottom of this page.
When should assistive technology be included on the IEP? The ARC should consider the
following questions according to Kentucky Assistive Technology Guidelines:
1. Will the child or youth be required to receive an education in a more restrictive environment if
the assistive technology is not provided?
2. Will personnel assigned to any objective be unable to implement strategies and activities leading
to mastery of the objective(s) without assistive technology?
3. Does the assistive technology directly affect the acquisition of skills or information identified as
a goal or outcome of public education for all children?
4. Is assistive technology required to allow the child or youth access to a public school program?
If the ARC answers “yes” to any question, then there is a need for assistive technology.
Where on the IEP is assistive technology included? Assistive technology items should not
be listed by brand name on the IEP. For instance, “Boardmaker” would not be put on the IEP; instead,
“picture supports for communication” could be listed. There are four common spots that assistive
technology can be included in the IEP.
1. In the considerations section, a question appears regarding if the student requires assistive
technology.
2. Embedded in the objectives. For instance, Student will use a pencil grip to maintain and
appropriate grasp for writing.
3. Specially Designed Instruction
4. Testing modifications.
Examples: Additional examples are listed on the Hardin County Schools Special Education website.
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Communication: picture board, simple voice output device, complex voice output device
Academics: text readers, picture symbols for reading, electronic books, calculators,
math line, templates for writing, word prediction software, graph paper, organizers,
recorded materials, highlighting, adapted keyboard/ mouse, graphic organizers.
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Other: picture schedules, magnifiers, amplification, walkers, wheelchairs, adapted
utensils, sensory supports, braille materials, adapted toys, social stories.
Websites:
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Kentucky Assistive Technology Service Network: http://www.katsnet.org/
Kentucky Assistive Technology Resource Centers: http://www.katsnet.org/atrc.html
Guide to assistive technology funding in Kentucky: http://www.katsnet.org/fundingbook.html
Closing the Gap (resource site): www.closingthegap.com
LD Online: www.Ldonline.com
Family Center on Technology and Disability: www.fctd.info
Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative: www.wati.org