Assistive Technology in the IEP

Assistive Technology - No Related Services:

Assistive technology district personnel can provide support to teachers and therapists without being checked as a related service on a student’s IEP.  Without related services being marked, AT personnel can provide equipment, provide occasional training, attend IEP meetings with parental permission, and assist teams in considering tools for students. 

AT tools can be supplied by various IEP team members. The AT office has a variety of equipment available through the Assistive Technology Equipment Checkout. Devices can be checked out to try with a student to determine whether it improves the student’s educational performance.  Please note, AT personnel will need to be contacted if equipment is needed.

Special Factors (I-5):

Although assistive technology can be described and included throughout the IEP (e.g., goals and benchmarks, present level of educational performance, etc.), it must be addressed in the Special Factors (I-5) section in response to the statement about the student’s need for assistive technology devices or services.  If the student requires AT, check yes, and list and describe all of the AT devices and services that the student needs or those that are being considered.  Keep in mind that describing the required features of a device is generally more helpful than naming the specific device, because devices are constantly changing.

Remember, a student may use assistive technology tools, but may not need a person from the assistive technology office to support them in using the tools.  AT tool use can be supported by a variety of people (special education teacher, occupational therapist, speech language therapist, etc.).  Any and all tools should be listed in the Special Factors area even if AT related services is not checked. 

The student’s case manager is responsible for notifying the AT office if tools are needed through the AT Equipment Checkout.

Assistive Technology as a Related Service:

Some students require consistent and ongoing support from assistive technology personnel. With related services marked, AT personnel can directly work with the student.  In addition, teams may require assistance when evaluating a student’s need for a computer or a communication device.  This would require that AT be provided as a related service.

AT personnel need to be invited to the student’s IEP if related services is checked.

Adding and Discharging AT as a Related Service:

Assistive technology as a related service can only be added to a student’s IEP via an IEP Team Evaluation.  An AT support person needs to be assigned to a student’s IEP evaluation in order to determine if AT related service is needed. 

The frequency and amount of services can only be determined by the AT personnel with input from other IEP team members.

AT as a related service can only be taken off a student’s IEP via an IEP re-evaluation.

Assistive Technology