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Assistive Technology

For people without disabilities, technology makes things easier. For people with disabilities, technology makes things possible. - Mary Pat Radabaugh

What is Assistive Technology?

Overview: Assistive Technology (AT) refers to any device, equipment, or system that helps individuals with disabilities improve, maintain, or enhance their functional capabilities. AT ranges from low-tech tools, such as pencil grips and communication boards, to high-tech devices, like voice recognition software and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. The goal of AT is to promote independence and participation across various environments, including educational, work, and daily living settings. 
 
Definition: According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Assistive Technology includes both devices and services that are essential to supporting students with disabilities. AT devices are tools that enable functional access, communication, mobility, and other vital tasks, while AT services involve the evaluation, customization, and training needed to effectively implement these devices. AT services can be provided to both the student and their support team, such as educators, therapists, and families. 
 
Why AT is Important: AT is an integral part of ensuring equitable access to learning and success for students with disabilities. It enables students to engage meaningfully in curriculum activities, fosters independence and contributes to their overall development. In Pennsylvania, initiatives led by the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) and its Assistive Technology Consultant Network focus on supporting educators, families, and school personnel in delivering high-quality AT services and programs. 
 

Examples of AT in Schools: 

  • Communication Supports: Speech-generating devices, symbol-based AAC apps 
  • Learning Supports: Audiobooks, text-to-speech software, graphic organizers 
  • Mobility Supports: Power wheelchairs, adapted seating 
  • Vision and Hearing Supports: Braille displays, hearing aids 
     

AT for All Students: While AT is primarily designed for students with disabilities, many AT tools can benefit all students by fostering universal access to educational content. The integration of assistive technology aligns with the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), supporting varied learning preferences and ensuring that all learners can succeed. 

PaTTAN Publication: Teachers’ Desk Reference: Assistive Technology

 

 



 
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Resources

APR: Is a Career as an Assistive Technology (AT) Specialist Right for You? APR: Is a Career as an Assistive Technology (AT) Specialist Right for You? In alignment with Pennsylvania’s dedication to Attracting, Preparing, and Retaining practitioners in education, specifically in special education, this publication was developed for those interested in learning more or pursuing a career as an Assistive Technology (AT) Specialist. An AT Specialist is a professional who helps students with disabilities select and use assistive technology to help them maintain or improve their independence and interactions with others. 

Click here to learn more about Pennsylvania's APR initiative. 
Assistive Technology for Students With Disabilities: A Closer Look at Acquisition and Funding Assistive Technology for Students With Disabilities: A Closer Look at Acquisition and Funding This guide provides information that is specific to local educational agencies (LEAs) in Pennsylvania about the elements of effective AT acquisition and funding.
Assistive Technology in the IEP: A Guide for IEP Teams Assistive Technology in the IEP: A Guide for IEP Teams Appropriate assistive technology (AT) devices and services can allow students with disabilities to participate in and benefit from the general education curriculum and to meet Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. The purpose of this brochure is to provide guidance to the special educators, related service providers, and parents as they develop Individual Education Programs (IEP) for students using assistive technology.

Also available in Spanish.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Visual and Environmental Considerations Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Visual and Environmental Considerations The purpose of this framework is to help school teams assess a student's ability to visually access a communication system/display and to address the impact of environmental issues.
Matching Assistive Technology (AT) Features to Low Vision Needs Matching Assistive Technology (AT) Features to Low Vision Needs For students who have low vision, various interventions have the potential to maximize the use of functional vision, which varies from student to student. Specifically, these strategies can maximize clarity, optimize the field of view, maximize color and contrast, optimize lighting, minimize glare, and enhance visual efficiency, visual comfort, and visual confidence. This booklet explains the general process for matching students with appropriate low vision interventions within a functional setting.
Teachers' Desk Reference: Assistive Technology Teachers' Desk Reference: Assistive Technology This issue of Teachers' Desk Reference provides an overview of assistive technology and how it can benefit students both in school and in their everyday lives.

Also available in Spanish.

Click here to order the entire Teachers' Desk Reference series in a convenient bundle.
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Jennifer Edgar PaTTAN - EAST
Jennifer Geibel PaTTAN - WEST
Sue Ann Houser PaTTAN - CENTRAL
Tammy Thompson-Cooke PaTTAN - EAST
Jennifer Craig PaTTAN - WEST
Gregory Gerhart PaTTAN - CENTRAL
Tammy Bertel PaTTAN - EAST
Tim Knight PaTTAN - WEST
Amy Foor PaTTAN - CENTRAL