Assistive Technology (AT)

Assistive technology (AT) can help children with disabilities participate more independently in their schools. AT can be low tech (ex. pencil grips) or high tech (ex. augmentative communication devices or touch screens). Federal and state law require an IEP Team to consider a child's need for AT. ADAP recently conducted an on-line survey to understand how IEP Teams make decisions about the need for AT, how AT is implemented, and whether parents are satisfied with the AT being provided to their children.  The most sobering result from the survey: for children not using AT, more than 3/4 of the parents reported their IEP Teams never even discussed the need for it.

Resources

Statewide Technology Access and Response for Alabamians with Disabilities (STAR) - STAR's mission is to increase the provision of, access to, and funding for assistive technology for Alabamians of all ages and all disabilities through a variety of comprehensive activities and services available statewide.

Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD) - Supports organizations and programs that work with families of children and youth with disabilities, offering information and services on the subject of assistive and instructional technologies. 

The National Assistive Technology Advocacy Project - Provides nationwide support services to the network of Protection and Advocacy (P&A) and Client Assistance Program attorneys and advocates who are working on AT advocacy issues.

Assistive Technology Training Online Project (ATTO) - Provides information on AT applications that help students with disabilities learn in elementary classrooms.