Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology is 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 a child with a disability.

Following are some areas where Assistive Technology can be applied:

Assistance with positions for seating so that a student with physical disabilities can participate in multiple activities in a variety of settings

Special devices that provide access to computers or environmental controls. Input devices include such things as: switches, mouse, trackball, touch Window, key latches

Independent use of equipment in the classroom can be achieved through various types of environmental controls, including remote switches and special adaptations of on/off switches and special adaptations of on/off switches.

Communication devices include such things as: symbol systems, communication boards and wallets, speech synthesizers, electronic communication devices

Devices to help with hearing include: hearing aids, personal FM units, closed caption TV

General methods for assisting with vision needs include: increasing contrast, enlarging images, making use of tactile and auditory materials. Devices that assist with vision include: optical or electronic magnifying devices, hand-held or spectacle-mounted magnifiers or telescopes, cassette tape recordings, large print books, Braille materials, lighting modifications

The list of uses for assistive technology is not exhaustive. There are other areas where individuals with disabilities may benefit from using assistive technology.

A referral for an Assistive Technology evaluation is initiated through an ARD committee meeting. A multidisciplinary team, which may include a speech language pathologist, diagnostician, occupational therapist, teacher of visually impaired classroom teacher or other personnel deemed appropriate will be assigned. An assessment/evaluation is completed and forwarded to the campus.