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