What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology is defined in a federal law for students with disabilities called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
IDEA, PART A. SEC. 602. DEFINITIONS
(1) ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICE. - The term
"assistive technology device" means 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 a child with a disability.
(2) ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICE. - The term
"assistive technology service" means any service that
directly assists a child with a disability in the
selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive
technology device.
Assistive technology is provided for a student to support the student's ability to have access to the general education curriculum in the least restrictive environment possible.
The assistive technology needs of a student are related to functional needs in the areas of motor skills, vision, hearing, and speech.
