Assistive Technology (AT)
The ARD committee must: consider the AT needs of all students with special needs; determine if there is adequate information to plan an IEP or if there is a need for further evaluation; make the provision of the device a component of the child's IEP; and, implement the AT device within the school setting. 

AT Device
Assistive technology devices are identified in the IDEA 2004 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 the functional capabilities of children with disabilities.

The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted or the replacement of such a device. (Authority 20 U.S.C. 1401(1))

Although the IDEA uses the term “device”, it is important to recognize that assistive technology devices required by students with disabilities include hardware and software as well as stand-alone devices. Almost any tool can be considered an assistive technology device except for those assistive technology devices that are surgically implanted and excluded from the definition of an assistive technology device as defined in IDEA.

AT Service
An assistive technology service is: 

Any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Such terms include:

• the evaluation of the assistive technology needs of an individual with a disability

• purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing the AT devices to individuals with disabilities

• selecting, designing, fitting, adapting, maintaining, repairing, or replacing AT devices

• use of necessary therapies, interventions, or services with AT devices

• training or technical assistance for an individual with disabilities

• training or technical assistance for professionals working with a child with disabilities

Contact Information:
Courtney Hardy
(281) 452-8006
Email Courtney Hardy

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