What is assistive technology?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) states that assistive technology is “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 a person with a disability.”
What is an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?
An IEP is a written document that is developed for each eligible preschool and school-age student with a disability in accordance with IDEA.
The purpose of the IEP is twofold:
√ it documents a student’s eligibility for special education services; and
√ it memorializes the school system’s plan for providing a free appropriate public education that will meet the student’s unique needs, in the least restrictive environment.
Who is eligible?
An IEP team needs to consider whether or not a child needs assistive technology. To consider that need, at least one person on the IEP team should have knowledge of assistive technology.
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If you are considering assistive technology because… |
IEP mandated assistive technology is not appropriate
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Student may need assistive technology
IEP team can consider needs independently or complete referral for further assistance |
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The student needs to be motivated |
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The student wants to access the internet or likes computers |
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The student cannot communicate via typical voice and alternatives methods have not been effective |
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The student can not access the curriculum via typical modes comparable to his peers and alternative methods have not been effective |
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The student has reading deficit that is addressed programmatically |
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Students’ handwriting is illegible due to lack of practice and or instruction in penmanship |
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If someone on the team is knowledgeable of assistive technology, what does the school do?
If the IEP team determines that the student requires assistive technology and someone on the IEP team is knowledgeable of what is required, then that person evaluates and provides written documentation. The team can then move forward with the process as directed by their Integrated Service Center/Committee on Special Education (ISC/CSE) for adding the assistive technology recommendation to the IEP. A referral to the Center for Assistive Technology is not required.
The IEP team is not knowledgeable about assistive technology or is unaware as to what will help the student access the curriculum. What is the next step?
If the IEP team cannot determine the assistive technology needs of the student and the assistive technology is needed for a purpose other than to motivate the student or provide programmatic instruction, then the IEP team should complete the referral form.
Center for Assistive Technology Contact Information
Judy Manning, Supervisor
Phone: 212-374-2154
Email: jmannin2@schools.nyc.gov
Karina Brantley, Administrator Assistant
Phone: 212-374-2156
Email: KBrantl2@schools.nyc.gov