The Virginia Assistive Technology website features Consideration of Assistive Technology in the IEP, a guidance document that contains forms, and resources to assist IEP teams with the decision making process.

 

Research

Consideration of assistive technology devices and services is an important factor in the lives of students with disabilities.  The IDEA(1997) and the IDEIA(2004) state, “ In developing each child’s IEP, the IEP team must … (v) consider whether  the child needs assistive technology devices and services”  (US Department of Education, Part 300/D/300.324). The minimal requirement of checking the box either yes or no on the IEP, which indicates that the IEP team has considered assistive technology for the student, should be preceded by documenting this important decision-making process.

The Virginia Assistive Technology website features Consideration of Assistive Technology in the IEP, a guidance document that contains forms, and resources to assist IEP teams with the decision making process. When a student’s need for assistive technology has been determined, the team is not limited to selecting high technology devices. According to IDEA (1997), assistive technology includes any item that is made, adapted or purchased, and is used to improve the functional life of a student with disabilities. Following are some resources that allow you to use everyday materials to make assistive technology.

Application

(broken link) http://tnt.asu.edu/ideas/velcro-puzzle/adapting-puzzles   This adaptation  for puzzles can assist the student who cannot grasp knobs.

http://www.instructables.com/id/No-Solder-Battery-Interrupter/ Step-by-step instructions on how to create a switch jack without soldering. This battery interrupter will allow switch access for battery operated toys and devices.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-Touch-Pad-Stylus/?ALLSTEPS Low cost materials to use in creating a touch device stylus. This stylus can be used on handheld touch devices.

Resources

(broken link) http://projectparticipate.org/gadgets-gizmos.asp University of Colorado, Denver website called Project Participate

with low cost ideas for AT.

 

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-iPad-Mods/ Easy to follow instructions for making covers and adaptations for the iPad.

 

http://idea.ed.gov  Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004. A website created by the US Department of Education to provide resources and assist in IDEA implementation. Provides searchable versions of IDEA.

References

United States Department of Education. Building the legacy: Idea 2004. (Regulations: Part 300 / D / 300.324). Retrieved from   (broken link) http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/%2Croot%2Cregs%2C300%2CD%2C300%252E324%2C

United States Department of Education.  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997. (P. L. 105-17). 20 U.S.C. Chapter 33.