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What are assistive technologies (AT)?
How are AT devices different from AT services?
How do you currently integrate AT to ensure students who require them, such as students who have an IEP, can acquire, engage, or enjoy the interaction?

Build background: Define AT

It is important to build a common definition of AT so we can integrate AT to support learning for students who require them for access to learning. Specifically:

Assistive technologies (AT) address specific barriers in the environment that interfere with access for learners with disabilities.

Under the federal definition of assistive technology,

AT is designed specifically for individuals with disabilities in order to give them access to the environment, the curriculum, or an experience. AT meets the definition when it is matched and required by a specific student and should be documented in the student's education program, such as an individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan.

AT can be a device or software program and lands on a wide continuum of low-tech to high-tech. AT include:

Low or no-tech tools, such as sticky notes, timers, pencil grips, or communication strategies.
Mid-tech tools, such as single message switches, overlays, or alternative keyboard options.
High-tech options, such as complex electronics may require more extensive training and maintenance. Examples of high-tech AT devices and software include text-to-speech, screen reader software, speech recognition, switches, and braille devices.

AT services support school personnel, students, and their families in selecting, acquiring, and using AT devices.

Here is the legal definition of AT from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990 (IDEA) P.L. 101-1476:

(a) (25) The term "assistive technology device" means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of children with disabilities.

(a) (26) The term "assistive technology service" means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.

20 U.S.C. 1401 Definitions

In this video from PACER Simon Technology Center, you’ll build an understanding of AT, including what they are and why they matter.

Watch: AT Simply Said (duration 2:23)

Download the transcript (doc) | Access this video on YouTube

Takeaways:

AT helps an individual with a disability do something they could not otherwise do. AT reduces barriers in the everyday environment.
You can find AT programs and services in any state. There are federally funded centers across the United States that provide training, technical assistance, and device loan programs.

AT and accessible technology

Note the distinction between accessible technologies and assistive technologies:

Assistive technologies (AT) address specific environmental barriers for learners with disabilities. AT meets the definition when it is matched and required by a specific student, and should be documented in the student's individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan.

Accessible technologies can be both hardware (e.g., laptops, tablets, and smartphones) and software (e.g., word processors, math and reading programs, website authoring, learning management systems, and video players). What makes any technology accessible is that it is designed from the beginning to be usable by individuals with and without disabilities. Accessible technology can be used with or without AT.

In practice, the line between what is accessible and assistive technology can become blurred, especially as more assistive technology is included as built-in accessibility features on the consumer devices many learners and families already own.

More on Accessible Technology

Accessible technology includes:

features that provide learners who need assistive technology (AT) access to the content in digital materials. For example, Tyler has required AT. He uses accessible technology in his preferred AT.
hardware and software with options and features that ensure equal access to digital materials for individuals with disabilities. Accessibility can be built into the hardware or software, but the accessible technology must also work with a student’s required or preferred AT.

Accessible technologies are fundamental to ensure curricula can be adjusted and customized for the range of individual needs and preferences. Here are some features that are often available in the technologies we use daily, increasing their accessibility. These can help ensure all learners have options to access, participate, and engage with the content and materials with substantially equivalent ease of use.

Video player that supports captions
Word processor that supports accessible document structure (e.g., consistent layouts, heading structures, and adjustable controls for text size and color contrast)
Device with speech recognition for controlling and navigating information (e.g., computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart home devices).
Learning management system with visual alternatives to audio-only cues, such as screen flashes or icon displays
Accessible ebook platforms with on-demand dictionaries, study skill features, and bookmarking tools

Deeper insights on AT

Choose from this list of resources that showcase student and practitioner perspectives that can help build on your definition of AT.

Websites

Understood: What is assistive technology?
Learn the basics of AT.
The National AEM Center: Personalizing the Reading Experience
Learn tips to ensure students can use accessible technology to customize the display of information, use read aloud, and reduce distractions while you read.

Videos

How Some People with Disabilities Use Technology (length 6:02)
Learn from students and parents with disabilities and how they interact with and use AT in this video from the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.
Coming to Terms: The Meaning of Accessible
Review a webinar from AEM Center leaders about the importance and meaning of accessible. Focus on minutes 37:55 - 41:20 to learn the difference between accessible and assistive.

Reflect on new insights

How have the perspectives in the resources you explored impacted your definition of AT?

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