Chapter 60 Definition
"An Assistive Technology (AT) functional evaluation is an ongoing process of considering AT interventions, which is conducted in the student's customary learning environment by a team of people knowledgeable about the student, and is relevant to the provision of FAPE".
The Individuals with Disabilities Educational Improvement Act (IDEA) requires each individual educational program (IEP) team to consider a student's need for assistive technology (AT). (The QIAT Leadership Team, 2012).
Assistive Technology Laws Affecting School Districts
As stated in 300.308, each school district is required to insure that assistive technology devices and services are provided if needed. 300.308 Assistive Technology
Each public agency shall ensure that assistive technology devices or assistive technology services or both, as those terms are defined in 300.5 - 300.6 are made available to a child with a disability if required as part of the child's
(a) Special ducation under 300.17;
(b) Related services under 300.16; or
(c) Supplementary aids and services under 300.550 (b)(2).
Assistive technology devices and services are also defined.
300.5 Assistive Technology Device
As used in this part, "assistive technology device" means 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 children with disabilities. 300.5 (Authority: 20 U.S.C. Chapter 33, Section 1401 (25))
300.6 Assistive Technology Services
Any services that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Such term includes:
(A) the evaluation of needs including a functional evaluation, in the child's customary environment;
(B) purchasing, leasing or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices;
(C) selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing of assistive technology devices;
(D) coordinating with other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;
(E) training or technical assistance for a child with disabilities, or where appropriate that child's family; and
(F) training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education and rehabilitation services), employers or others who provide services to employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of children with disabilities. [Authority 20 U.S.C., Chapter 33, Section 1401(26)]
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES
Able Data
Your source for assistive technology information http://abledata.com
Georgia Project for Assistive Technology (GPAT)
The Georgia Project for Assistive Technology (GPAT), a unit of the Georgia Department of Education http://www.gpat.org
Oregon Technology Access Program (OTAP)
OTAP services are available to anyone concerned with the needs of Oregon's children with disabilities from birth to age twenty-one. http://www.otap-oregon.org
Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative
State-funded project to help schools improve their assistive technology services. Includes resources, lending library information, and related links. http://wati.org/