Assistive+Technology

﻿﻿Assisti﻿ve Technology A legal definition of assistive technology was published in the 1988 Individuals with Disabilities Act (The Tech Act). It was amended in 2004, and according to the law, assistive technology consists of two parts; the device and the services.

The Device: -the item, equipment, or product system which is used to maintain increase, or improve the students' performance and capabilities in the classroomIDEA 2004, 20 USC 1401

They can be made or purchased off the shelf, in order to maintain or increase the student's functionality in the classroom and helps the student access education. Assistive technology includes devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, hardware, software, and peripherals to help individuals with disabilities access information. The types of devices or assistive technology tools are not limited to this list alone.

 The Services:  -service that assists the student with a disability in selecting, acquiring, and using an assistive technology device IDEA 2004, 20 USC 1401

This includes the evaluation of the child, acquiring the device, fitting to the student, coordinating with the students' therapies, and training of the staff and child.

For example, a paraplegic student with limited hand mobility may use a special mouse to operate a computer or a student who is visually impaired may use a read aloud software program. Students who are speech impaired may use a communication device to aid them. Also, student who have low vision may benefit using books with enlarged text.

Today, a great variety of assistive technology items are available. This provides ALL individuals the opportunity to access the curriculum.



www.landmark.edu/institute/**assistive**_**technology**/index.html

wikipedia.org/wiki/**Assistive**_**technology**