Families & Students
Empower Your Child with Assistive Technology
For students with disabilities, AT opens up a whole new world of possibilities. In this section, you’ll learn about Connecticut and federal AT laws, IEPs and 504 plans, disability types, and how to make sure your child is provided with appropriate AT devices and services—those that assist them in accessing, progressing, and participating in the general education curriculum.
What Is Assistive Technology (AT)?
AT helps people with disabilities do things that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. It can be as simple as a piece of paper or as complex as eye tracking software.
AT Laws & Your Rights
Federal law entitles students with a disabilities to receive reasonable accommodations to enjoy the same education as every other student. School systems must address and supply AT when required by a 504 plan or IEP or other special education needs.
AT in CT Schools
New to IEPs and 504s? Learn more about who makes decisions about students’ AT needs and how these accommodations are put into place.
Accessible Educational Materials (AEM)
AEM are educational materials that are specially designed to serve the widest range of learners — and sometimes integrate with AT.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Everyone learns differently. UDL provides a flexible curriculum to meet every student’s needs with multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression.
FAQs
What is an assistive technology service?
An AT service is any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. This can include services such as evaluations, purchase, maintenance or adaptation of AT devices, and training.
My child has been recommended an AT device(s) in an IEP. Where can I find resources to help me understand how to use this tool(s)?
Start with your child’s PPT or other school team involved with the recommendation – they should be able to help. If you know the name of the tool, you can also try searching their website for tutorials, videos, and guides about the product.
Who is responsible for paying for my child’s AT device?
If AT is recommended in a student’s IEP or 504 plan, the school district will need to pay for and provide it. This includes any equipment, service, or programs associated with the AT. If AT is not included in your child’s IEP or 504 plan, you may apply for funding through grants, insurance, or other means. Contact your school district for more information.
If the school system purchases AT for my child, is it mine?
AT purchased by the school system belongs to the school. However, if the school finds it necessary to be used at home, the AT can be borrowed for use at home.
My child is moving to a new school. Can we keep the same AT device?
If the device is part of your child’s IEP, yes. However, it may not be the exact same device. It is possible that a new — but comparable — device will be provided at the next school.
What happens if my child’s AT device breaks?
If an AT device (acquired through an IEP) is broken at school, the school system will replace it. However, if a device is broken at home, the student’s family may be responsible for paying for a replacement.
My child is graduating high school soon. What will be done to make sure of his/her future success?
CT statutes allow school districts, regional educational service centers, the Department of Education, and all other state and local governmental education agencies to loan, lease, or transfer an assistive device to the student (or the student’s family). Plus, AT is required to be part of a graduating student’s transition assessments. However, parents’ advocacy on behalf of the graduating student is essential.
Related AT Topics
What Is AT?
Learn the basics about assistive technology and the differences between no-tech, mid-tech, and high-tech AT.
Types of AT
From assistive technology for reading to daily organization, there are many different categories of AT in schools.
Low-cost & Free AT Tools
Enable simple features on your devices and learn where to find free and low-cost AT apps.