What Is AT?
What Is Assistive Technology (AT)?
Assistive technology covers a broad range of tools that help people with disabilities to function. This can include everything from pen grips to wheelchairs to voice amplification systems to a vibrating alarm clock. AT can help people do things like walk, speak, read, write, or keep themselves organized. The ultimate goals of using AT are independence, autonomy, and making progress toward meeting a student’s IEP goals and objectives.
AT Services
AT services that support finding, receiving, and using AT devices include:
- Support in selecting, acquiring, and/or providing technical assistance of AT
- Evaluations and/or consultations
- Purchasing, lending, leasing, trialing, and demonstrating AT
- Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, replacing, and/or repairing AT devices
- Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions or services with AT devices
- Training or technical assistance for student or student’s family
- Training or technical assistance for professionals, employees, or others who are involved with the student
Taken directly from IDEA 34 Sec. 300.6
Types of AT Used in Schools
Could include education-related AT devices and services include the following categories:
- Writing/Written Composition
- Spelling
- Reading
- Math
- Study/Organizational Skills
- Hearing/Listening
- Oral Communication/Language
- Activities of Daily Living
- Recreation and Leisure
- Pre-vocational and Vocational
From Low to High: The AT Continuum
The word “technology” in assistive technology can be misleading. When you think of AT, you might think of tablets, computers, or tools you need to plug in, charge, or program — something that has all the latest and greatest bells and whistles. But that’s only part of what makes up AT.
No-tech and light-/mid-tech AT is just as important — if not more so. Many school teams are already using no/light tech and they don’t even realize it. Training for no- to low/light-tech AT is usually minimal, while mid- and high-tech AT typically requires more training and technical assistance.
The chart below outlines the 3 most common terms used to describe the levels of technology with examples.
Low/Light Tech
- Does not use power, a battery, or electronics to operate
- Typically made of paper, plastic, metal, and/or glass
Examples
- Slant boards
- Laminated visuals
- Pencil grips
- Paper calendar
- Graphic organzers
- Visual schedule
- To-do lists
Mid Tech
- Uses a simple battery or plug
- Typically requires no or very little maintenance and/or programming
Examples
- Digital timers and clocks
- Wired headphones
- Headset microphone
- Adapted keyboards
- Switches
- Calculators
High Tech
- Uses complex electronics
- Usually has a dynamic screen or display
- Requires power, charging, and/or a heavy-duty battery to operate
Examples
- Screen readers
- Communication apps
- Word prediction
- Dictation and voice typing
- Spell check
- Voice assistants
AT After Graduation
Every type of assistive technology available to students is also available in the real world for adults. Unfortunately, many students leave schools with IEPs and other records that don’t fully support transition into post-secondary settings.
AT is required to be part of a graduating student’s transition assessments. If a student needs and uses AT, then it must be mentioned in the Summary of Performance (SoP) and post-secondary outcome goals related to education and training, employment, and independent living. However, parents’ advocacy on behalf of the graduating student is essential.
In preparation, students should be trained in how to problem-solve, identify, and obtain assistive technologies during their K-12 years. Whenever possible, they should also be mentored to become self-advocates and communicate to others what supports they need in order to be successful adults.
Related AT Topics
Why AT Is Important
For students with a disability, assistive technology can be the key that unlocks the door to their future, not only in the classroom but as they transition into adulthood as well.
Your Rights and AT
If your child has a disability, it’s important to understand the rights they have as a student, including their right to access assistive technology.
AT In CT Schools
If your child has received a new IEP or 504 plan, learn more about how these plans can help your child access AT tools and services.