Speech or language impairment refers to a communication disorder that impacts a child’s educational performance, such as stuttering, impaired articulation (difficulty speaking clearly), a voice impairment, or a language impairment.
There are many different causes of speech disabilities (also called speech disorders or speech impediments). Certain physical disabilities can weaken the muscles involved in producing speech. Cognitive disabilities can affect speech patterns or the ability to pronounce words.
Some types of speech disabilities include:
- Dysarthria: difficulty speaking due to weakness of the muscles used in speech.
- Stuttering: a speech disorder causing involuntary repetition of words, syllables, or letter sounds. Also called stammering or child-onset fluency disorder.
- Muteness: the absence of speech, either due to inability or unwillingness. Muteness may cause complete silence, or it may involve refusal to speak only some of the time.
- Nonspeaking and minimally speaking individuals may require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.
AT for Speech or Language Impairments
Students with speech or language impairments may need assistive technology (AT) for:
- Writing/written composition
- Spelling
- Reading
- Math
- Study/organization skills
- Hearing/listening
- Oral language/communication
- Recreation/leisure
- Pre-vocational/vocational
Learn more about assistive technology solutions here.
Resources
Communication
Assistive Technology Solutions
CSDE Eligibility Worksheet for Speech or Language Impairment
Connecticut Guidelines for Speech and Language Programs
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.
