Frequently Asked Questions about Assistive Technology




What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technology (AT) is any tool that helps a person with a disability function more effectively in the performance of activities at home, school, work or play. For some students with physical, sensory or communication disabilities, AT is the lifeline that provides them with another means to perform school-related tasks and participate in the school environment. Depending on the needs of the individual, an AT device can enable mobility in the school environment, equal access to information, the ability to communicate, and participation in the learning environment with a classroom. It enables them to develop the skills and knowledge needed for education after high school and living more independently in the community.

Who uses Assistive Technology?

Students are potential users of AT when they have disabilities that interfere with their communication, learning, social relationships, mobility, and active participation.

How does AT help students?

Students are helped by AT because they are enabled to actively participate in the classroom learning environment. AT can provide alternate access to text through software that reads the words and numbers on a computer screen. It can provide an alternate means of writing through use of a keyboard, an augmentative communication device or voice recognition software. Assistive technology can also allow a student to get extended practice and extra opportunities to apply knowledge in new activities. They are also enabled to demonstrate that they have been successful in learning through devices that enable writing and speaking.

How does AT get into a students IEP?

An IEP (an Individualized Education Plan) is the document created by the school team, parents (and even the student if they are able!) that identifies the student's educational goals and directs the educational program to help the student accomplish those goals. Each special education student has an IEP. The current special education law known as IDEA'97 states that an "Annual consideration of assistive technology devices and services is required for all children identified as having an exceptional need. The Colorado SWAAAC Teams help evaluate assistive technology needs and participate in the process of getting the use of the AT device written into the student's IEP.

What tests are used to assess a student’s need for AT?

There is no specific test for evaluating the need for AT. The assessment is tailored to the unique needs of each student. It is based on the need for additional support in the educational setting and this is usually determined in an IEP or IFSP meeting.

How does a person learn more about Assistive Technology?

The WWW is a wonderful resource for this purpose. Using searches on specific topics on websites like Google and resources like those found on this website will lead you to information about products, conferences, training programs and degree programs focused on AT. The web is also a rich resource for information on evaluating and assessing the need for AT devices and services. Every state has a Tech Act Project supported by Federal dollars for the purpose of increasing public awareness about and access to AT devices and services.

In Colorado that project is located in Denver at Assistive Technology Partners. See the site for information on the regional conference on AT, open lab times and many other opportunities for learning.

Ask a question.

If you think of a needed question or would like to contribute more questions and answers to this page, please contact Shelly Elfner at shelly.elfner@ucdenver.edu, with your suggestions.

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