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What is Assistive Technology?

The Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1997 (IDEA '97) includes both assistive technology devices and assistive technology services under the definition of assistive technology.

300.5 Assistive Technology Device

An assistive technology device is defined as "...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 children with disabilities."

If you take a closer look at this definition, it really has two parts. An assistive technology device is:

  • an item or piece of equipment  
  • which  increases or maintains functional capabilities

Almost anything can be considered assistive technology if a person with a disability needs it to increase, maintain or improve the way he or she functions.  Assistive technology devices can assist students in actively participating in their educational program and overcoming the challenges they face as a result of their disabilities. Devices can be used to address a variety of needs including:

  • communicating
  • hearing, listening, and seeing
  • moving
  • completing math tasks
  • playing
  • reading
  • remembering
  • writing

300.6 Assistive Technology Service

Assistive technology services are defined in the law as "Any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.

    A. Evaluation: the evaluation of needs, including a functional evaluation, in the child's customary environment;

    B. Providing Devices: purchasing, leasing or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices;

    C. Selecting, Repairing: selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing of assistive technology devices;

    D. Coordinating: coordinating with other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;

    E. Training and Technical Assistance - Child: training or technical assistance for an individual with disabilities, or where appropriate that child's family;

    F. Training/Technical Assistance - Professionals: training or technical assistance for professionals, employers, or other(s) who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise, substantially involved in the major life functions of children with disabilities."

What is a school's responsibility to provide assistive technology devices and services to students with disabilities?

IDEA also ensures that every IEP team for a child with a disability considers the student's need for assistive technology. This rule is contained in the section of the law that talks about the things that must be included in an IEP. The need for assistive technology is a special factor that must be considered for each student with an IEP.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 (IDEA '97) includes the requirement that assistive technology devices and services be provided to every child with a disability if they are needed by that child.

These two simple statements have had a powerful effect on the lives of many students with disabilities. They have made it very clear that every child with a disability might need assistive technology and that school has a responsibility to provide it when it is needed.

On a case-by-case basis, the use of school-purchased assistive technology devices in a child's home or in other settings is required if the child's IEP team determines that the child needs access to those devices in order to receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).

What guidance does IDEA give us when making decisions about an individual child's need for assistive technology?

IDEA '97 leaves the decisions about how to assess a child's need for assistive technology up to the IEP team. Comments from the Federal Register help to clarify some of the words in IDEA about the requirement to provide assistive technology. The following summaries are provided by the Oregon Technology Access Program.

Provision of AT for a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

The assistive technology devices that are necessary to ensure FAPE must be provided at no cost to the parents, and the parents cannot be charged for normal use, and wear and tear. (34 CFR. Attachment 1)

Parental Liability for Assistive Technology Devices Used at Home

While ownership of the device in these circumstances would remain with the public agency, state law, rather than Part B, generally would govern whether parents are liable for loss, theft, or damage due to negligence or misuse of publicly owned equipment used at home or in other settings in accordance with a child's IEP. (34 CFR Attachment 1)

Documentation in the IEP

(c) Statement in IEP. If, in considering the special factors described in paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section, the IEP team determines that a child needs a particular device or service (including an intervention, accommodation, or other program modification) in order for the child to receive FAPE, the IEP team must include a statement to that effect in the child's IEP. (Sec. 300.346(c)).

Sharing Information

It also is essential that the child's teachers and other service providers who are not members of the IEP team are informed about the contents of the child's IEP, in whatever manner deemed appropriate by the public agency, so that the IEP is properly implemented by all school personnel. (34 CFR Attachment 1)

For information about effective practices in implementing the assistive technology mandate of IDEA, visit www.wati.org.

The material on this page has been adapted with permission of the Oregon Assistive Technology Project. The original document can be viewed at http://www.otap-oregon.org/OtapAssistiveTech.htm.