Assistive technology is a device or service that is determined by an IEP team to be necessary to provide a student with educationally relevant and necessary access to a Free Appropriate Education in a Least Restrictive Environment.
Functional Definition:
Assistive technology is a system of tools and strategies which enables a person with a disability to function to his maximum potential educationally, vocationally, socially, in daily living activities and community integration.
Assistive Technology Devices: any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off of the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability.
Assistive Technology Services: any services that directly assist the student with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. These services may include evaluation; purchase or lease of an assistive technology device; selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing or replacing assistive technology devices; coordinating other therapies, interventions or services with assistive technology devices; or training and technical assistance for staff.
Necessary: what the student needs to access the curriculum and goals related to his IEP and/or accessing an inclusive setting.
Educationally relevant: the technology increases independence, inclusive setting opportunities, functional skills, academic and behavioral success or improves, remediates or compensates for deficient educational performance.
