Assistive Technology
Federal Law mandates the IEP Team consider assistive technology needs at least yearly for students receiving special education services.
Definition of Assistive Technology
34 C.F.R. § 300.5 Assistive technology device
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 the functional capabilities of a child with a disability. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of that device. (Authority 20 U.S.C. 140(1))
Definition of Assistive technology services
34 C.F.R. § 300.6 Assistive technology service
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.
Summary of what assistive technology services include
- evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability
- purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by children with disabilities.
- selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices
- coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with AT devices
- training or technical assistance for a child and if appropriate the child’s family
- training or technical assistance for professionals
River Bend Education District Assistive Technology Consultant
- Bambi Exum (bexum@riverbend.k12.mn.us)
Parent Resources
Minnesota STAR Program: https://mn.gov/admin/star/
Star’s Mission is to help all Minnesotans with disabilities gain access to and acquire the assistive technology they need to live, learn, work, and play.
PACER Simon Technology Center: https://www.pacer.org/stc/
The Simon Technology Center (STC) is dedicated to making the benefits of technology more accessible to children and adults with disabilities. Through a collaborated effort involving parents, professionals, and consumers, the STC can provide numerous services for your family, as well as resources and informative answers to your questions. Since 1987, the Simon Technology Center has helped many children and adults, with a variety of disabilities, use assistive technology to enhance learning, work and independence.
