2. What is Assistive Technology?
• The Assistive Technology Act of 2004 defines
an assistive technology device in the following
way:
• …any item, piece of equipment, or product
system, whether acquired commercially,
modified, or customized, that is used to
increase, maintain, or improve functional
capabilities of individuals with disabilities. (29
U.S.C. Sec 2202(2))
3. The Assistive Technology Act
• The Assistive Technology Act was first passed by Congress and signed by
the President as the Technology-Related Assistance Act of 1988. It’s often
called the Tech Act for short and has been reauthorized in 1994, 1998, and
2004. The most current version of the Act is authorized through 2010.
• The Tech Act is intended to promote people’s awareness of, and access to,
assistive technology (AT) devices and services. The Act seeks to provide AT
to persons with disabilities, so they can more fully participate in
education, employment, and daily activities on a level playing field with
other members of their communities. The Act covers people with
disabilities of all ages, all disabilities, in all environments (early
intervention, K-12, post-secondary, vocational rehabilitation, community
living, aging services, etc.).
4. Assistive Technology
• What is an IEP?
– An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a
written statement of the educational program
designed to meet a child’s individual needs. Every
child who receives special education services must
have an IEP. (http://nichcy.org/schoolage/iep/overview)
• The IEP has two general purposes:
– to set reasonable learning goals for a child, and
– to state the services that the school district will
provide for the child. (http://nichcy.org/schoolage/iep/overview)
5. Auditory Assistive Technology
• What types of assistive devices are available?
• Health professionals use a variety of names to describe assistive
devices:
• Assistive listening devices (ALDs) help amplify the sounds you want
to hear, especially where there’s a lot of background noise. ALDs
can be used with a hearing aid or cochlear implant to help a wearer
hear certain sounds better.
• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices help
people with communication disorders to express themselves. These
devices can range from a simple picture board to a computer
program that synthesizes speech from text.
• Alerting devices connect to a doorbell, telephone, or alarm that
emits a loud sound or blinking light to let someone with hearing
loss know that an event is taking place.
6. Low Tech
Assistive Technology Tools
• Low tech AT are devices or equipment that don't
require much training, may be less expensive and do
not have complex or mechanical features. For example:
– handheld magnifiers
– large print text
– using paper and pen to communicate
– canes and walkers
– reachers/grabbers
– specialized pen or pencil grips and much more
For more information:
http://www.gatfl.org/assistive.php
7. High Tech
Assistive Technology Tools
• High Tech Assistive Technology refers to the most complex devices or
equipment, that have digital or electronic components, may be
computerized, will likely require training and effort to learn how to use
and cost the most. Examples include:
– power wheelchairs and scooters
– digital hearing aids
– computers with specialized software such as voice recognition or
magnification software
– electronic aids to daily living
– digital hands-free headsets
– voice activated telephones
– communication devices with voices
– Bluetooth integration
– digi-drive technology (operating a vehicle with a joystick)
For more information:
http://www.gatfl.org/assistive.php
8. Resources Available
• Check out Georgia Tools
for Life.
– Resources include
• Publications
• App Database
• Email Updates
• Georgia’s Resources for
YOU!
9. There is an App for That!
Check out some of theses apps for your classroom:
• Flashcards Deluxe
– Flashcards Deluxe is an easy to use, yet powerful flashcard app which you can use to study just about
anything you want.
• inClass
– Organize your schedule, share your notes, video your classes.
• iComm
Picture and voice communication aid for children
Ideal for children with disabilities or pre speech toddlers
Add your photos for maximum engagement
For more apps:
• http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/assistive-technology-education/apps-
students-ld-organization-study
• http://www.ikidapps.com/2010/10/apps-for-children-with-special-needs.html
