Who is responsible for Assistive Technology devices and services?

It is important to note that assistive devices is one of the special factors that should be considered in the development, review, or revision of the IEP for every student. While not every student with an IEP needs AT, the need should be considered by all teams in the IEP process. The Local Education Agency is responsible for providing devices and services as specified on the IEPs

Glossary Description

Adaptive Keyboards
These are alternative keyboards that allow students who experience difficulty with conventional keyboard configurations to use computers. These products are available in different sizes and layouts. They can often be purchased with a key guard to prevent accidental key activation.

Adaptive Pointing Devices
Adapted mice, track balls, and joysticks represent input devices that require two actions: cursor movement and a click. Some products use a separate switch to act as the click to prevent accidental activation. In some products, a pause can be used in place of a click. Additional input devices include the use of a camera to track the user's eye movements or to track a specific target. Touch screens can also replace the mouse for cursor control.

Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)
AACs are any device, system or method that improves the ability of a student with communication impairment to communicate effectively.

Assistive Technology (AT)
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 students with disabilities.

AT Interventions
This refers to the use of assistive technology to provide access to reading, writing, and other instructional areas.

AT or Assistive Technology
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 functional capabilities of students with disabilities.

Computer Access
This means the ability to operate a computer by using a standard keyboard or an adapted input method.

Device
A frequently used term for any assistive technology item

Digitized Speech
This is digitally stored human voices speaking actual words and sentences.

Direct Selection
This is an access method in which the user indicates choices and makes selections by pointing with a body part or a technology tool.

Dynamic Display Scanning
A communication aid or computer display that changes after each selection and branches to additional communication selections.

Environmental Control Unit
These are hardware and software systems that allow meaningful and purposeful interaction with the environment. These devices may include switch-activated toys and remote devices that control lights, small and large appliances, open windows and doors, etc.

High Tech
This refers to alternative and augmentative communication systems that contain computer components and allow for programming, storage, and retrieval of information.

Low Tech
This refers to communication systems that are not based on computer components.

On Screen Keyboards
A virtual or onscreen keyboard can provide text entry access for students with motor impairment. The keyboard displayed on the computer screen can be accessed using a pointing device. Therefore, a standard mouse or any alternative-pointing device can be used to make text selections right on the screen.

Operating System Accessibility
The Microsoft and Apple operating systems have many features to make computer access easier. Accessibility options can be found in the control panel.

Portable Word Processor
These lightweight, inexpensive devices can be easily taken from class-to-class to provide access to word processing without a computer. Text can be downloaded to a computer or printed with a single cable. Some products also include organizational features such as those in personal digital assistants (PDAs).

Scanning
Scanning is an indirect access method used with communication devices or computer access. Choices are highlighted systematically and the student uses a switch to make selections as the highlighter moves from symbol to symbol.

Screen Readers
Academic screen readers were specifically designed for students with reading and writing difficulties, especially dyslexia. Generally, they provide speech synthesis, text entry, spell check, word prediction, highlighting and note taking capabilities. Screen readers may also be used to provide computer access for visual impairment.

Single Switch Access
A switch adapter that allows the student to use one or more switches to activate specially designed software or products.

Synthesized Speech
Speech generated by a computer that sounds similar to the human voice.

Talking Word Processors
Talking Word Processors use text-to-speech technology to provide speech feedback to help students to select words or sentences to be read to them. It allows them to read teacher-prepared material or to check their own compositions.

Vocal Output Communication Aid (VOCA)
A Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCA) is an electronic device that generates spoken language. Dedicated devices are intended for communication purposes only, while others are integrated into laptop computer systems. Additional features may include appointment schedules and reminders, environmental controls, switch access, and rate enhancement programs.

Voice Recognition
Voice recognition allows the use of a student's voice as an input device. Voice recognition may be used to dictate text into the computer or to give commands to the computer (such as opening application programs, pulling down menus, or saving work).

Word Prediction
Word prediction technology is used to assist with text entry. This technology predicts the word to be typed based on word frequency and context. It may also include features such as spell checking as you type, speech synthesis, and hot-keys for frequently used words. Word prediction is particularly useful to enhance the rate of text entry and to ease fatigue. Intelligent word prediction, in conjunction with word processors and other applications that require text entry, can be used for correspondence, reports, schoolwork, business, and personal writing.

Assistive Technology Description

Assistive technology includes, but is not limited to:

• academic and learning aids (support for reading, spelling, writing, math, and organizational and study skills)
• visual aids for visually impaired and Blind (talking dictionary, Braille Writer, CCTV)
• augmentative communication (AAC-object or symbol-based displays, switch access, low-mid-high tech communication devices)
• computer access and instruction (keyboard adaptations, touch screen access, voice input)
• pre-vocational and vocational aids (recreation/leisure, environmental control)