Assistive technology has a long history dating back to 1400 BC and has been used throughout history to help people with disabilities. It can be defined as any item or equipment that helps increase, maintain, or improve the functional abilities of those with disabilities. Schools are increasingly using assistive technology like iPads, talking calculators, and spelling software to help students with learning disabilities stay engaged. Assistive technology can be either low-tech, everyday items or higher-tech equipment, and schools must provide and pay for assistive technology for students according to IEPs and Section 504 of the law. Insurance, non-profits, and Medicare may also help cover costs of assistive technology for senior citizens.

1. Assistive Technology
By Jett Even

2. Definition of
Assistive
Technology
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 functional
capabilities of a child or person
with a disability.

3. History
of Assistive Technology

4. History of AT
• AT began a very long time ago, the first time is was documented
was 1400 B.C by the Greek Physician, Hippocrates who wrote
his first work on epilepsy being a brain disorder in a time when it
was considered only a curse by the gods.
• in 218 B.C a Roman general named Marcus Sergius lost his right
arm in battle and was made an iron hand specifically for him to
hold his shield and continue in battle.
• 1616, G Bonifacio published written work titled, Of the Art of
Signs. Writing about sign language.
• AT has been being used since the beginning of time. Even when
it seemed like there was zero technology at all.

5. Schools using AT
• Schools and institutions of
higher learning are using AT at a
higher rate
• Electronic worksheets and iPads
for kids with learning disabilities
like dyslexia and ADD to keep
them engages and
understanding the material.
• Talking calculators are being
used, spelling software that
talks, video recording all to help
kids who are challenged with
reading and writing.

6. Low-Tech AT
• Low-Tech assistive
technology are devices or
equipment that don't
require much training,
may be less expensive
and do not have complex
or mechanical features.
• Low-Tech can be
everyday items you may
never knew was
considered AT, such as,
highlighters.

7. High-Tech AT
• High-Tech AT includes higher level of
technology and typically more expensive
equipment.
• Smart Board or an iPad in a classroom are
considered high-tech AT along with the
examples above.

8. Who Pays for AT in Schools?
• The schools must pay for the assistive technology
according to two laws:
1. Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
2. Section 504
• Schools must also provide students and teachers with any
and all training that comes with the AT and how to properly
use it.

9. Who Pays for
AT for senior
citizens?
• Some insurance plans will
pay for some types of AT
equipment.
• Non Profit organizations.
• Medicare part B will cover
up to 80 percent of the cost
of assistive technology if the
items being purchased meet
the criteria.

10. Assistive Technology is helping out people
who need it everyday.