What is Assistive Technology in Special Education?

An assistive technology device is 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 the functional capabilities of children with disabilities. [IDEA 34 C.F.R. Sec. 300.5.]

Who is eligible for services and equipment?

Children who have disabilities that cause them to need specialized educational services to benefit from education are entitled to receive Assistive Technology as part of their special education and related services. This includes:

• Infants and toddlers from birth through 2 years of age who are developmentally delayed or who have visual, hearing, or orthopedic impairments. (See information sheet on Early Intervention/Infants and Toddlers.)
• Any student, ages 3 to 22, with an IEP when there is a determination that the AT is necessary to assist the student in benefiting from their education, and/or when it is necessary for the student to benefit from placement in regular classes.

How do I apply?

Your local education agency (LEA) should have a process in place that evaluates a need for assistive technology. Assistive Technology must be considered on the student's Individual Education Plan (IEP) or on their Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP) if the child is under the age of 3. For children ages birth through 2 years of age, see Early Intervention/Infants and Toddlers. To request Assistive Technology:

• Make a written request to the school asking for an assessment for Assistive Technology that the student needs. Describe the student’s needs in as much detail as possible.
• Once your request is made, the local education agency has 15 days to give you a proposed assessment plan.
• Parents have 15 days to consent to the proposed assessments.
• Once the local education agency receives parental consent, it has 50 days to complete the assessment and develop the IEP.

If a child already has an IEP, planning for Assistive Technology should be determined along with any other special education needs as part of the IEP process. This can include planning for use of the Assistive Technology outside of the school setting (example: home) if its use supports the student's receiving free appropriate public education.

What services and equipment are offered if I become a consumer?

Services and equipment can include:

• Evaluation
• Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise acquiring Assistive Technology devices
• Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, maintaining, repairing, or replacing Assistive Technology devices
• Coordinating other therapies, interventions, and services with Assistive Technology devices
• Training or technical assistance for a child with disabilities or the family of a child with disabilities
• Training or technical assistance for professionals who are involved with the child with disabilities

Here are some examples of Assistive Technology that has been provided as part of Special Education services:

This is not a complete or inclusive list.

• Auditory training equipment.
• Computer equipment, including software and access devices
• Communication systems
• Hearing aids
• Calculators
• Tape recorders
• Devices for loading/unloading students from a bus

What are my rights for appeal?

Disagreements should be discussed by the IEP team and they should attempt to resolve them informally. If either the family or the school district disagrees with the proposed IEP, they can file for due process with the state Special Education Hearing Office:

Special Education Hearing Office
Institute for Administrative Justice
McGeorge School of Law
3200 Fifth Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95817

Last Updated January 26, 2007

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