Assistive Technology 507

1. ASSISTIVE
TECHNOLOGY
APT 507
SHONDA ROBINSON

2. What is Assistive Technology?
Any item or piece of equipment or product system
acquired commercially; off the shelf, modified, or
customized, and used to increase, maintain, or
improve functional capability for an individual with
disabilities.

3. HOW DID ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY EVOLVE
1973 – AT had not being formally defined, but was being used to assist students
with disabilities
1988 –the “TECH ACT” of 1988 formally defined AT.
Two Specific areas were defined : Assistive Technology Services & Assistive
Technology Devices

4. CONTINUED
1997
• AT reauthorized •
• Students with disabilities were now to be educated with their peers.
2004
• Individual with Disabilities Improvement Act passed…
• AT defined within law for the first time!
• Definition of AT did not change
• Clarification was made regarding surgically implanted devices and replacement.

5. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE ASSISTIVE
TECHNOLOGY CONTINUUM?
• A tool that categorizes the various AT devices
• No Tech – AT is based on the students needs…not on the
device.
• Light Tech – Simple tools that can assist the student &
make daily activities easier.
• High Tech – Usually electronic and require a power source,

6. LOW TECH

7. HIGH TECH

8. WHO CAN PAY FOR SERVICES
School District –in students IEP
MEDICARE OR MEDICAID and some private Insurances.
Disability organizagations and churches
Non-profit groups (grants)
Local Business

9. IDEA
It is important to remember that IDEA ’97 clearly states that
it is the school’s responsibility to purchase needed AT but
IDEA does not prevent you from seeking additional funding
from outside sources. At no time, can the responsibility for
funding for devices or services be passed on to the
student’s family.

10. Examples of Low Tech Assistive Technology.
www.k12.wa.us/pubdocs/LowTechAssistiveTechnology.pdf
Assistive Technology: Type of High Tech Assistive Technology.
www.ist.hawaii.edu/training/tech/07_types2.php