• Assistive Technology (AT)
    According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Educators are required to consider assistive technology for all children with Individual Education Plans (IEPs), (§34 C.F.R 300.346.2.(v)), and to provide assistive technology for students who require it for Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) (§34 C.F.R. 300.6 (b)).

    Low-tech Examples

    • pencil grips
    • specialty paper
    • highlighting pens and tape
    • planners
    • Adapt textbooks to meet needs of students by highlighting information in the book
    • Permit oral examinations, taped responses or provide a reader or scribe
    • Allow student to use math calculators, use talking calculators, word processors, dictionaries and spell checkers during examinations
    • Give student option to write exam in quiet room if needed
    • Provide extra time for student to complete test
    • Vary test format (e.g. Multiple choice or short answers)
    • NCR or non-carbon paper for making a copy of notes
    • If student has difficulty copying from the board eliminate board copying
      • Provide a photocopy of assignment
      • Provide copy of homework assignment
      • Have designated spot on board where assignments are noted well before the end of school day
      • Ask a fast writer to be student's homework assignment secretary

    Mid to Hi-tech Examples

    • tape recorders
    • talking calculators
    • portable keyboards
    • electronic spell checkers and dictionaries
    • reading systems that use a computer, scanner, and software to read scanned book pages out loud
    • speech recognition software that allows a computer to operate by speaking to it
    • mind mapping / outlining software