What is SWAAAC?

In the broadest sense, Assistive Technology (AT) is any tool or device that helps a person with a disability function more effectively or independently at home, school, work or play. It is an important means to compensate for the effects of impairment and allows a person to move ahead to accomplish his or her goals. Assistive technology includes not only a device but the services that enable students to benefit from them. These services can include: training the student and classroom staff in its use, consulting on the positioning or mounting of the device and coordination with other services.

In the school setting, AT is the lifeline that provides students with equal access to information and learning in the classroom and the world. Assistive technology may help students with physical disability, speech impairment, visual or hearing impairment and learning differences. A successful AT intervention combines the efforts and support of the student, his or her parents, the classroom teacher and the supporting educational team.

What is the SWAAAC Mission?

SWAAAC teams provide expert, multi-disciplinary Assistive Technology services to enable students with disabilities full access and participation in all educational opportunities.

What is the SWAAAC Vision?

• Colorado will promote educational equity and excellence for students with disabilities!
• All learners will achieve high standards of performance!
• Families, educators and communities will share information and resources

Do I have a SWAAAC team or an Assistive Technology Team in my school district?

Most school districts have SWAAAC teams to serve their students with disabilities and support them in acquiring an education. Whether these teams are are named SWAAAC Teams or Assistive Technology Teams, they provide the same services to students. Check with your Special Education Department in your school district if you do not see your school district in the list of districts in the SWAAAC Team contact list that is part of this website.

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technology (AT) is any tool that helps people function more effectively at home, school, work or play. For some students with disabilities, AT is the lifeline that provides them with equal access to information and learning in the classroom and the world.

How does AT support Standards Based Education?

Students in Colorado are required to meet educational standards as demonstrated by their performance on the Colorado Assessment Program (CSAP). Documented AT adaptations may be used by students to allow alternate access so they can demonstrate their knowledge on this and other standardized assessments. Look for more information on this topic on this site

Is there an alternative to taking the Colorado State Assessment Test?

The Colorado Department of Education has developed the CSAP-Alternative (CSAP-A) as an instrument to assess the skills of students with significant and multiple disabilities.

Who refers students to get services from the SWAAAC team that serves a school district?

Any person who is a member of an IEP (Individualized Educational Plan) or IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan) team may initiate a referral to the local SWAAAC team. The contact information for these teams is located on this website and is updated as team memberships change.

If you think of a needed question or would like to contribute more questions and answers to this page, please contact SWAAAC team member, Maureen Kasa, with your suggestions.