ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Maria Daniels

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT) • Assistive technology is an umbrella term that

includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities. The term assistive technology also includes the process of selecting, locating, and using the technology.

• Assistive technology provides people with disabilities the opportunity to complete tasks that they would normally be unable to complete or that they would normally have a hard time completing.

INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES IN EDUCATION ACT (IDEA)

IDEA requires local education agencies to ensure that assistive technology devices and/or services are made available to a student with a disability at no charge to the family of the student. if the IEP team determines that a student needs a particular

assistive technology device at home to meet the goals and objectives that are listed on the IEP, the equipment must be provided for use at home.

An IEP for a student who is at least 14 must have a statement of the transition service needs of the student that focuses on the individual’s courses of study.

An IEP for a student who is at least 16 must have a statement of needed transition services for the student.

If assistive technology and services have been provided as part of the student’s school program, a determination regarding continued need after graduation must be made by the IEP team.

Provisions for interagency support for assistive technology devices and services should be specified as part of the transition.

FREE APPROPRIATE PUBLIC EDUCATION (FAPE)• FAPE mandates that school districts provide

access to general education and specialized educational services.

• FAPE also requires that children with disabilities receive support free of charge as is provided to non-disabled students.

• It provides access to general education services for children with disabilities by encouraging that support and related services be provided to children in the least restrictive environment as much as possible.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) ADA assures full civil rights to

individuals with disabilities; it also assures access to and accommodations in preschools and child care settings.

According to the ADA, child care centers cannot discriminate against parents or children with special needs. Nor can they charge more for a special

needs child than they would for any other child.

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ASSISTANCE AND BILL OF RIGHTS ACT AMENDMENTS OF 1987 (PL 100-146)

• PL 100-146 requires that all funded services be aimed at providing opportunities and assistance for persons with developmental disabilities to allow them to "achieve their maximum potential through increased independence, productivity and integration into the community."

• The amendments require that each state submits an annual report that includes descriptions of the currently unavailable assistive technology services that could be of benefit to persons with developmental disabilities.

Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of

1988 (PL 100-407)

It was signed into law by President Reagan on August 19, 1988.

This law provides funding to develop statewide, consumer-responsive information and training programs that are designed to meet the assistive technology needs of individuals with disabilities.

AT FOR HEARING IMPAIRED STUDENTS FM System: A wireless

system that transmits sound via radio waves. The speaker wears a compact transmitter and microphone while the listener wears a portable receiver. This receiver may have a headphone, neck loop or other accessory attached to it. This system is commonly used indoors or outdoors for group meetings, church settings and classes

AT FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED STUDENTS

A reading machine utilizes a camera or a scanner and turns a printed document into electronic text.

AT FOR LEARNING DISABLED STUDENTS The Livescribe Pen

captures the audio in the classroom. The audio can then be uploaded and shared online. Students can tap on the notes they took during class and hear the audio that was recorded while they were writing. The pen is helpful for ADHD students who may miss the main points during class.

AT FOR PHYSICALLY DISABLED STUDENTS The mouth stick is

a stick that is placed in the mouth. It has a mouthpiece on one end and a rubber tip on the other end; someone with no use of the hands can use the mouth stick for typing.

REFERENCES http://www.ncld.org/parents-child-disabilities/ld-

rights/what-is-fape-what-can-it-mean-my-child

http://www.fctd.info/resources/techlaws.php

http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/9365.html

http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/at/chalcycle.htm