Assistive Technology

Lisa Hembree

(What is assistive technology, 2013)

Explanation of Assistive Technology Assistive Technology 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.

Assistive Technology Service

As defined in IDEA, an assistive technology service is:

Any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, and use of an assistive technology device. The term includes -

The evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child’s customary environment;

Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by children with disabilities;

Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, retaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices;

Coordinating and use other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;

Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability or, if appropriate, that child’s family; and

Training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals or rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of children with disabilities.

(Georgia department of education, n.d.)

Assistive Technology Laws Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act29 U.S.C. § 794d Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires that all electronic and information technologies developed and used by any Federal government agency must be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes websites, video and audio tapes, electronic books, televised programs, and other such media. Individuals with disabilities may still have to use special hardware and/or software to access the resources. Section 508 does not apply to the private sector or to organizations that receive Federal funds.

Assistive Technology Act of 1998 Public Law 105-394 [29 USC 2201] The Assistive Technology Act, also known as the “Tech Act” provides funds to states to support three types of programs:

the establishment of assistive technology (AT) demonstration centers, information centers, equipment loan facilities, referral services, and other consumer-oriented programs;

protection and advocacy services to help people with disabilities and their families, as they attempt to access the services for which they are eligible;

Federal/state programs to provide low interest loans and other alternative financing options to help people with disabilities purchase needed assistive technology.

(Assistive technology: federal law and regulations, 2012)

Assistive Technology for Individuals who are Hearing Impaired

Amplification Devices

Alerting Devices

Hearing Aids

Cochlear Implants

iPad

Communication Devices (K. Buchanan, personal communication, October 30, 2014)

Assistive Technology for Individuals who are Visually Impaired Screen reader

CCTV

Braille Books

Tape Recorder

Magnifier

Braille Note

Long Cane

Tactile Manipulatives

Assistive Technology for Individuals who are Learning Disabled

iPad

Audio books

Calculator

Tape recorder

Graphic Organizers

Alternative Keyboards

Assistive Technology for Individuals who are Physically Disabled Picture Symbols

Eye Gaze Computers

Sip n Puff Systems

Alternative Keyboard

Head Rest

Wheelchairs

Stander

Adaptive Daily Living Devices

(J. Holman, personal communication, October 31, 2014)

References

Assistive technology: federal law and regulations. (2012). National disababilty rights network. Retrieved from http://www.ndrn.org/issues/assistive-technology/292-assistive-technology-federal-law-and-regulations.html

Definition of assistive technology. (n.d.). Georgia department of education. Retrieved from http://www.gpat.org/Georgia-Project-for-Assistive-Technology/Pages/Assistive-Technology-Definition.aspx

What is assistive technology. (2013). Techaccess of RI. Retrieved from http://www.techaccess-ri.org/what-is-assistive-technology/