Navigating Assistive Technology for Special Education: A Comprehensive Guide

Assistive Technology (AT) for Special Education: An Overview

Assistive technology, often referred to as AT, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the educational experience of students with disabilities. This article provides a comprehensive understanding of assistive technology and its relevance in special education and answers common questions related to its implementation in educational settings.

Defining Assistive Technology

Assistive technology comprises devices and services designed to empower individuals with disabilities, enabling them to enhance, maintain, or improve their functional capabilities. These technologies can range from simple to highly advanced and are tailored to address the specific needs of students with disabilities. Here are examples of assistive technology devices:

• Wheelchairs or wheelchair ramps
• Voice-activated computers
• Telecommunication devices
• Electronic note-takers and cassette recorders
• Auditory FM trainers and closed-circuit TVs
• Large-print books
• Word prediction, voice recognition, synthesis, and word processing software
• Switches and controls for equipment access
• Tactile materials for visually impaired students, such as Braille resources and adaptive paper
• Pencil grips
• Hearing aids

It’s important to note that surgically implanted medical devices are not considered assistive technology devices.

Understanding Assistive Technology Services

Assistive technology services encompass direct assistance provided to students with disabilities in selecting, acquiring, or using assistive technology devices. These services are instrumental in ensuring students can effectively utilize the technology to support their educational goals. Examples of assistive technology services include:

• Evaluating a student’s needs, including functional assessments in their customary environment
• Acquiring, purchasing, leasing, or obtaining assistive technology devices
• Designing, fitting, adapting, repairing, and replacing assistive technology devices
• Providing training and technical assistance to students, their families, or professionals involved in the student’s major life functions

Special Education Requirements and Terms

To comprehend the role of assistive technology in special education, it’s essential to understand the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This federal law mandates that public schools provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all children, including those with disabilities. Special education and related services are integral components of FAPE.

• Special education refers to “specially designed instruction” tailored to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities.
• Related services encompass transportation and supportive services that enable children with disabilities to benefit from special education. These services can include speech-language pathology, audiology, psychological services, and physical and occupational therapy.

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

IDEA emphasizes educating students with disabilities in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). This means that children with disabilities should be educated alongside their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent possible. Supplementary aids and services are essential to achieve this goal. These aids and services are supportive resources provided within regular education settings, ensuring that students with disabilities can participate fully.

Incorporating Assistive Technology in IEPs

Assistive technology is a critical consideration in Individual Education Programs (IEPs). IEP teams should assess whether a student requires assistive technology to benefit from educational instruction or achieve IEP goals. Assistive technology can be included in an IEP in two ways:

1. Special Education or Related Service: If an assistive technology device or service is deemed necessary for a student’s special education or as a related service, it must be provided. For instance, a voice-activated computer with training for students and teachers could be provided as special education. Speech-language services related to using a voice-activated computer would be an example of an assistive technology service provided as a related service.
2. Supplementary Aid and Service: Assistive technology can also be included as a supplementary aid and service to ensure students remain in the LRE. In this case, assistive technology indirectly supports FAPE by maintaining the least restrictive environment. An example would be providing a wheelchair to facilitate classroom access and physical therapy to assist with its use.

Regardless of the category, the IEP should explicitly state the assistive technology devices and services required to help the student progress toward annual goals, participate in the general curriculum, and engage with disabled and non-disabled peers.

Accessing Assistive Technology at Home

Students who need assistive technology to complete assignments at home should be allowed to take the required devices or services home. The decision should be made on a case-by-case basis by the IEP team, which includes parents and the student.

Funding for Assistive Technology

Funding for assistive technology can come from various sources, including:

• The school district
• Private insurance (with parental consent)
• Medicaid or other public benefits (with parental consent)
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation services

Agreements between the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and non-educational public agencies ensure that students receive necessary special education services, including assistive technology devices and services. If another agency fails to provide or fund these services, the school district may temporarily provide them and seek reimbursement.

Disagreements and Resolution

Parents, teachers, and school officials have recourse options in disagreements about assistive technology needs, including reevaluation, independent evaluation, citizen complaints to OSPI, or due process hearings.

In conclusion, assistive technology plays a crucial role in supporting the educational journey of students with disabilities. Understanding its significance, adhering to special education requirements, and actively involving all stakeholders in the decision-making process ensures that students receive the tailored support they need to thrive in the educational system.