Assistive Technology

   

❝For people without disabilities, technology makes things easier. For people with disabilities, technology makes things possible.❞ -Mary Pat Radabaugh

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What is Assistive Technology?

Overview: Assistive Technology (AT) refers to any device, equipment, or system that helps individuals with disabilities improve, maintain, or enhance their functional capabilities. AT ranges from low-tech tools, such as pencil grips and communication boards, to high-tech devices, like voice recognition software and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. The goal of AT is to promote independence and participation across various environments, including educational, work, and daily living settings. 
 
Definition: According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Assistive Technology includes both devices and services that are essential to supporting students with disabilities. AT devices are tools that enable functional access, communication, mobility, and other vital tasks, while AT services involve the evaluation, customization, and training needed to effectively implement these devices. AT services can be provided to both the student and their support team, such as educators, therapists, and families. 
 
Why AT is Important: AT is an integral part of ensuring equitable access to learning and success for students with disabilities. It enables students to engage meaningfully in curriculum activities, fosters independence and contributes to their overall development. In Pennsylvania, initiatives led by the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) and its Assistive Technology Consultant Network focus on supporting educators, families, and school personnel in delivering high-quality AT services and programs. 
 

Examples of AT in Schools: 

• Communication Supports: Speech-generating devices, symbol-based AAC apps 
• Learning Supports: Audiobooks, text-to-speech software, graphic organizers 
• Mobility Supports: Power wheelchairs, adapted seating 
• Vision and Hearing Supports: Braille displays, hearing aids 
   

AT for All Students: While AT is primarily designed for students with disabilities, many AT tools can benefit all students by fostering universal access to educational content. The integration of assistive technology aligns with the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), supporting varied learning preferences and ensuring that all learners can succeed. 

PaTTAN Publication: Teachers’ Desk Reference: Assistive Technology ⏵

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APR: Is a Career as an Assistive Technology (AT) Specialist Right for You? The APR: Career Exploration Series offers valuable insights into the various professional roles in special education and can educate students on potential career paths. This fact sheet highlights key aspects of an Assistive Technology (AT) Specialist, such as daily responsibilities and the skills required for success. Visit the APR Repository to learn more about Pennsylvania's APR initiative.

Assistive Technology for Students With Disabilities: A Closer Look at Acquisition and Funding This guide provides information that is specific to local educational agencies (LEAs) in Pennsylvania about the elements of effective AT acquisition and funding.

Assistive Technology in the IEP Appropriate assistive technology (AT) devices and services can allow students with disabilities to fully participate in, and benefit from, the general education curriculum and to meet Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. This brochure provides guidance as teams develop IEPs for students using assistive technology. 

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Visual and Environmental Considerations The purpose of this framework is to help school teams assess a student's ability to visually access a communication system/display and to address the impact of environmental issues.

Matching Assistive Technology (AT) Features to Low Vision Needs For students who have low vision, various interventions have the potential to maximize the use of functional vision, which varies from student to student. Specifically, these strategies can maximize clarity, optimize the field of view, maximize color and contrast, optimize lighting, minimize glare, and enhance visual efficiency, visual comfort, and visual confidence. This booklet explains the general process for matching students with appropriate low vision interventions within a functional setting.

Teachers' Desk Reference: Assistive Technology This issue of Teachers' Desk Reference provides an overview of assistive technology and how it can benefit students both in school and in their everyday lives.

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Jennifer Edgar PaTTAN - EAST

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Tammy Thompson-Cooke PaTTAN - EAST

Gregory Gerhart PaTTAN - CENTRAL

Tammy Bertel PaTTAN - EAST

Tim Knight PaTTAN - WEST

Amy Foor PaTTAN - CENTRAL