What is Assistive Technology (AT)?
“Assistive technology is any kind of technology that can be used to enhance the functional independence of a person with a disability. Often, for people with disabilities, accomplishing daily tasks such as talking with friends, going to school and work, or participating in recreational activities is a challenge. Assistive Technology (AT) devices are tools to help to overcome those challenges and enable people living with disabilities to enhance their quality of life and lead more independent lives.
Assistive technology can be anything from a simple (low-tech) device such as a magnifying glass, to a complex (high-tech) device, such as a computerized communication system. It can be big — an automated van lift for a wheelchair — or small — a grip attached to a pen or fork by Velcro. Assistive technology can also be a substitute — such as an augmentative communication device that provides vocal output for a child who cannot communicate with her voice.”
–From the Family Center for Technology and Disability (FCTD)
Assistive Technology Resources:
The Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD)
FCTD Guides to Assistive Technology and Transition Planning
FCTD Fact Sheets – Information about AT and the law, AT and IEP’s and more.
FCTD Resources – A catalog of over 1200 resources on the FCTD website. Be sure to use the Search Tools on the right-hand side of this page to find exactly what you are looking for.
What are Accessible Instructional Materials (AIMs)?
“Accessible instructional materials, or AIM, are materials that are designed or converted in a way that makes them usable across the widest range of student variability regardless of format (print, digital, graphic, audio, video). IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) specifically focuses on accessible formats of print instructional materials. In relation to IDEA the term AIM refers to print instructional materials that have been transformed into the specialized formats of braille, large print, audio, or digital text.”
–From the National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials
What does the law say about Accessible Instructional Materials?
National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS)
Accessible Instructional Materials Resources
Assistive Technology (AT) Resources in Spanish
From the Center on Technology and Disability
Introducción a la Tecnología de Asistencia
Infórmese sobre la tecnología de asistencia y cómo puede ayudar a superar los desafíos y permitir que las personas con discapacidades mejoren su calidad de vida y lleven una vida más independiente.
Glosario de Tecnología de Asistencia
Aprende sobre los tipos de tecnologías de asistencia que están disponibles y cómo se pueden usar.
Tecnologia de Asistencia y el IEP
Los padres son los abogados más eficaces de los niños. Es crucial que estén preparados e informados cuando reuniéndose con al equipo de IEP. Aprenda sobre las opciones.
Tecnología de asistencia: Vista de un profesor
En este video de 15 minutos, que se puede ver en segmentos, los maestros de estudiantes con una variedad de necesidades de aprendizaje discuten las formas en que la tecnología de asistencia puede ayudar. Los maestros brindan ejemplos de herramientas de baja a alta tecnología que se integran fácilmente en un entorno de clase.