Assistive Technology Program
Beaudry Building
333 Beaudry Ave. 16th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 241-8055
Fax (213) 241-8433

Carol Casperson, Coordinator

Mission Statement

The mission of the Assistive Technology program is to provide equitable access to learning for students with disabilities through the provision of specialized equipment and services designed to maximize functional independence in all LAUSD classrooms.

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.

a) by school-site personnel knowledgeable about motor, vision, hearing, and communication.
b) in relation to classroom curriculum goals.

* AT is incorporated into a student's IEP as a tool to reach curriculum goals.

* AT equipment is drawn from school-site resources, including low-no tech items as well as devices with electronic components.

* AT consultative services for additional peripherals and software are provided to school- site personnel through District services which relate to hearing, vision, communication, and motor skills and through Assistive Technology Assessors assigned to each Local District.