Assistive Technology
What is assistive technology?
Assistive technology (AT) is any kind of technology that can be used to enhance the functional independence of a person with a disability. Assistive technology helps to level the playing field for individuals with disabilities by providing them a way to fully engage in life’s activities. Assistive technology devices are tools to help overcome challenges and enable people living with disabilities to enhance their quality of life and lead more independent lives.
Michigan Alliance for Families has partnered with Alt+Shift (formerly known as MITS) to produce an Assistive Technology Guide for Parents and Educators. In addition to the information here, we also have a free On Demand webinar available …show more content…
Services―directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.
Besides IDEA, there are other assistive technology laws to help individuals access AT.
How does this fit into the IEP process?
Because assistive technology has so many benefits , the law requires all IEP teams to consider the need for assistive technology. Any needs identified should be reflected in the content of the IEP. Start the process by requesting an assistive technology evaluation (use this sample letter as a template). You can also contact your local AT coordinator.
AT checklist for IEP teams NICHCY Legacy
What should be included in the evaluation?
To determine the assistive technology needs of a child, an AT evaluation should assess the child’s strengths as well as areas of weakness. One format for assessment is the SETT framework. More helpful:
Tech Matrix searchable database of tools and resources to support …show more content…
UDL provides a blueprint for creating instructional goals, methods, materials, and assessments that work for everyone, flexible approaches that can be customized and adjusted for individual needs accessible instructional materials (from NCAEM: For students with sensory, physical, cognitive, or learning differences and their teachers, accessible instructional materials (AIM) may open doors to teaching and learning that ordinary print-based materials have closed. Accessible instructional materials are specialized formats including braille, audio, large print, and digital text.)
Additional Organizations and Initiatives in Michigan
ATXchange – Michigan-based website where people can buy, sell or give away assistive
What is assistive technology?
Assistive technology (AT) is any kind of technology that can be used to enhance the functional independence of a person with a disability. Assistive technology helps to level the playing field for individuals with disabilities by providing them a way to fully engage in life’s activities. Assistive technology devices are tools to help overcome challenges and enable people living with disabilities to enhance their quality of life and lead more independent lives.
Michigan Alliance for Families has partnered with Alt+Shift (formerly known as MITS) to produce an Assistive Technology Guide for Parents and Educators. In addition to the information here, we also have a free On Demand webinar available …show more content…
Services―directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.
Besides IDEA, there are other assistive technology laws to help individuals access AT.
How does this fit into the IEP process?
Because assistive technology has so many benefits , the law requires all IEP teams to consider the need for assistive technology. Any needs identified should be reflected in the content of the IEP. Start the process by requesting an assistive technology evaluation (use this sample letter as a template). You can also contact your local AT coordinator.
AT checklist for IEP teams NICHCY Legacy
What should be included in the evaluation?
To determine the assistive technology needs of a child, an AT evaluation should assess the child’s strengths as well as areas of weakness. One format for assessment is the SETT framework. More helpful:
Tech Matrix searchable database of tools and resources to support …show more content…
UDL provides a blueprint for creating instructional goals, methods, materials, and assessments that work for everyone, flexible approaches that can be customized and adjusted for individual needs accessible instructional materials (from NCAEM: For students with sensory, physical, cognitive, or learning differences and their teachers, accessible instructional materials (AIM) may open doors to teaching and learning that ordinary print-based materials have closed. Accessible instructional materials are specialized formats including braille, audio, large print, and digital text.)
Additional Organizations and Initiatives in Michigan
ATXchange – Michigan-based website where people can buy, sell or give away assistive