Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology

The Fairbanks School District AT (Assistive Technology) program seeks to equip IEP and 504 teams in considering and implementing appropriate assistive technologies for students with special needs.

WHO DO I CONTACT?

• Assistive Technology issues and questions that you may have regarding software, apps, and devices.

• AT Specialists you can contact if you need further assistance.

WHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY?

According to the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-407), 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 functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. In IDEA 1997 and 2004 this definition remained unchanged. IDEA 2004 added an exception that states “The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted or the replacement of such device” (Public Law 108-446, 602 (1) (B)). Assistive technology service is any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. These definitions were incorporated into the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1990 and remain today. In addition IDEA 2004 continued the requirement that “…each public agency shall ensure that assistive technology devices and assistive technology services are made available to a child with a disability if required…” (300.105 (a)). 

 MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT AT as a TEAM

The AT Decision Making Guide is an important form to help a team choose an AT trial that will work for a student and establish the data to warrant the needed technology and services. This may be done locally or with AT consultation. Always when discussing AT for a student we use the SETT framework (developed by Joy Zabala): Student, Environment, Task, Tools.

 DOCUMENT AT in the IEP

Below is a letter that describes how assistive technology should be documented in an IEP. Request an AT consultation (google form above) for students you think may need AT in their IEP if the process is new to you.

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