Introduction

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) states that assistive technology (AT) must be considered for every child having an individualized education program (IEP). Under IDEA, AT can be special education (specially designed instruction), a related service, or supplementary aides and services so it can appear in the IEP in a variety of ways. While AT is applicable to persons of all ages and in all environments, in education the key questions to ask are, "What is it that the student needs to do in the educational program that he/she isn't able to do because of the disability?" and secondly, "Are there any AT devices or services that might be enable the child to meet the goal?" The questions are easy. Getting to the answers is more challenging.

Assistive technology (AT) is defined 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 a student with a disability". Devices can range from as simple as a pencil grip or fat crayon to a complex communication device.

An AT service is any service that directly assists a student with a disability with the assessment selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Services include training for teachers, paraprofessionals, the students, and others who might need to use the device in the student's environment including the parents where appropriate.

Consider Assistive Technology

  • Consideration is meant to be accomplished within the context of the IEP meeting.
  • AT consideration is meant to be short, accomplished in approximately 20 minutes or less
  • At least one member of the IEP team should be knowledgeable about AT

If the IEP team cannot reach consensus or if the team decides that they lack the expertise to have a thoughtful discussion about AT, an AT consultation should be triggered. The Idaho Assistive Technology Project (IATP) can provide AT consultations at no charge to schools and families.

AT School Based Services

Ask us a question about AT. We will research your query and propose solutions, along with ways you can obtain demonstrations of any needed equipment or software. Learn about the AT consultation process and how to borrow or obtain assistive technology below.

Consultations are a great way to explore possible AT solutions for your student. Get an AT Consultation for your student.

Consultations entail:
    1. Data Gathering: During the AT consultation, we collect information from the intake form you provide (above) and observations made during brief assistive technology trials. The ideas generated for the student will be summarized in written form for the IEP Team, who are the student experts, to use in their consideration process for assistive technology.

    2. Consultations: We work directly with LEA staff and students to provide technical assistance (TA) and device trials. The LEA should collaborate with families separately to gather information about the students, which they can then share with us and provide insights from the consultation.

    3. Next Steps: After considering all available information, if your team decides to trial and gather data on specific assistive technology (AT) for your student, please contact us for further services such as device loans or additional support.

    4. Clarification: Our consultation service does not constitute an Assistive Technology Evaluation/Assessment. It is simply part of the data provided to the IEP team for their AT consideration process. We are not part of the IEP team.

Explore our extensive inventory. We offer thousands of pieces of equipment available for free 30-day trials in your classroom.

Free computers for students with IEPs. We offer free desktop/laptops/chrome-books for students with IEPs and for placement in resource rooms. These devices are permanent and yours to keep.

Trainings

Tools for Life - Secondary Transition and Technology Fair: Visit the dedicated Tools for Life Conference Website to learn about the next event for your transitioning high-school students. The event moves to different areas of the state each year, so don’t miss the chance to bring students to this exciting 2-day conference where they can learn about resources to aid in their transition planning.

Stay informed: Receive emails about future training opportunities.

Request an AT Training: Submit a Help Desk ticket to request an AT training for your school.

Training Guides:

    1. AAC for Parents
    Access five short trainings for parents on a variety of AAC related topics including shared reading, communication boards, and communication resources.

    2. Phonological Awareness
    This training analyzes current research and best practice in phonological awareness and Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Participants will leave with a more in-depth understanding of how to support children with complex communication needs while developing their emergent literacy skills. The presentation will also examine the ways to build a phonological awareness program utilizing various AAC systems or tools.

    3. Cracking the AAC Code Learning Modules
    Learn all about AAC by viewing the Cracking the AAC Code modules. These modules can also be taken for PD credit through the University of Idaho. The modules lay a foundation for understanding AAC including identifying types of AAC and who might benefit from them. The AAC Evaluation process including team members, tests and measures and developing goals are also included. Case studies of 3 different children who use AAC are included.
    Module 1: Intro to AAC
    Module 2: Low Tech AAC
    Module 3: High Tech AAC
    Module 4: Communication Partners
    Module 5: Literacy, UDL, and AAC

    4. AAC Learning modules for para-professionals are available!
    Watch one (or both) depending on your skill level.
    AAC Basics
    Implementing AAC (Advanced)

    5. Turning the Page: Shared Reading Using AAC
    This training analyzes current research and best practice in shared reading and Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

    6. Implementation Strategies
    This training teaches you about building communication and learning through AAC in the classroom.

    7. Communication Apps
    This training details info on finding and using apps for AAC.

    8. Implementing Tangible Symbols for Everyday Communication

AT for Reading and Writing

AT for Employment
Watch AT in the Workplace to learn about assistive technology available to assist people with disabilities in the workplace.

AT for Math
Watch AT is in the Math Webinar to learn about the AT continuum and examples of low/no tech, mid tech and high tech tools for math.

AT for Positioning and Mobility
View this webinar to learn how to set positioning and mobility goals with your child or student, evaluate and match assistive technology to their needs, and lean about commonly used positioning and mobility assistive technology.

AT for Older/Transitioning Students
Age-Appropriate Materials Webinar discusses age-appropriate materials for secondary students with significant disabilities.

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Contact Us

Janice Carson

Director and AEM State Lead
Idaho Assistive Technology Project
University of Idaho Center on Disabilities and Human Development
1187 Alturas Drive, Moscow, ID 83843
800-432-8324
janicec@uidaho.edu

Dan Dyer

Education Coordinator
Idaho Assistive Technology
Resource Center - Coeur d'Alene
1031 N. Academic Way, Room 130D, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
208-292-1406
dyer@uidaho.edu

Idaho SESTA Logo

Idaho Assistive Technology Project
Center on Disabilities and Human Development
1187 Alturas Dr.
Moscow, ID 83843