Assistive Technology
What is Assistive Technology?
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“An assistive technology device means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that increases, maintains, or improves the functional capabilities of a child with a disability. The term does not include a surgically implanted medical device, or the replacement of such device” (Sec. 300.5 of IDEA Laws and Regulations).
“For people without disabilities, technology makes things easier. For people with disabilities, technology makes things possible” (IBM Training Manual, 1991).
Everybody uses assistive technology daily: GPS, spell check, calendars, reminders, audiobooks, alarms, etc. The goal of the Assistive Technology (AT) Team is to provide the tools students need to access better the curriculum, environment, language, social connections, and the world around them. In addition, Assistive technology offers students an equal opportunity to be active members of their community.
Assistive technology may include alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) tools and devices, reading tools, writing tools, environmental tools, mobility tools, and computer access tools.
Assistive Technology Resources
- ELC Assistive Technology Flow Chart and Accommodation Info
- ELC Assistive Technology Referral Form
- Core Words Initiative Resources
- Low Tech Visual Resources
- Boardmaker Online Cheat Sheet and Tutorial
- iOS Accessibility Features Cheat Sheet and Tutorials
- Notability App Cheat Sheet
- Popplet App Cheat Sheet
- Ghotit Real Writer App Cheat Sheet
- Inspiration App Cheat Sheet
- GoTalk Now App Cheat Sheet
- ClaroPDF App Cheat Sheet
- DocsPlus App Cheat Sheet
- Google Hangouts Cheat Sheet