What is Assistive Technology

Sample Documentation of AT in IEP

PDF Version

When it is determined that a child has an exceptional educational need, an individualized planning team for that child, and the child when appropriate, must determine what an appropriate education is for that child. They must also determine what the least restrictive environment will be for that child. It is then the responsibility of the IEP team to consider whether assistive technology is necessary for the child to receive his/her appropriate education, within the least restrictive environment.

The legal analysis for IDEA and 504 includes four specific questions (Julnes and Brown, 1993):
1. Is the provision of an assistive technology device or service essential for the student to receive FAPE?
Yes_____ No _____ Rationale ________________________________________

2. Is an assistive technology device or service essential for the child to be educated within the least restrictive environment?
Yes _____ No ______ Rationale ____________________________________

3. Are the assistive technology devices and/or services an essential related service?
Yes _____ No ______ Rationale ____________________________________

4. Given assistive technology service and/or devices, will the person with disabilities have access to school programs and activities?
Yes _____ No ______ Rationale ____________________________________

If the answer to any of the above is yes, then the assistive technology device and/or service is legally required, and the responsibility of the school district. The only exception to this, is when the device or service is a related service, which is determined to be medically related or medical, except when necessary for evaluation or diagnosis.

The steps to help in the process are:
- What is it we want the child to be able to do, that he/she isn't able to do because of his/her disability?
- What has been tried to meet the need?
- Is it working?
- Provide evidence to support the answer.
- What has been tried, how long, and how?
- Does the team have the knowledge and resources necessary to continue to try and meet the need?
- Develop a plan as a team with additional assistance as needed.
- Remember that consideration is an ONGOING PROCESS.

"Has Technology Been Considered? A Guide for IEP Teams " A. C Charnbers, Wauwatosa School District, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Published by the Council of Administrators of Special Education and the Technology & Media Division of the Council for Exceptional Children, Reston, Virginia

SPECIAL CONSIDERATONS (check and complete all that apply and fill in ideas for consideration)
_____ a. If behavior impedes learning, consideration of appropriate behavioral strategies:

_____ b. If limited English proficient, consideration of language needs:

_____ c. If blind or visually impaired, consideration of need for Braille instruction:

_____ d. Consideration of child's communication needs:

_____e. Consideration of child's need for assistive technology service or device:

(information provided by Nebraska Department of Education, Office of Special Populations)

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