The NYC Department of Education, Center for Assistive Technology (CAT) at the Office of Related Services, Division of Students with Disabilities conducts assistive technology (AT) evaluations and trainings for students with disabilities (school age and preschool) in our Children First Network (CFN) Clusters, Charter Schools and Approved Non-public Schools (NPS). The Center for Assistive Technology also provides support and guidance regarding assistive technology to public school staff, teachers, students, parents and administrators.
Assistive Technology is defined as both a device and a service.
Assistive Technology Devices are defined by IDEA as:
"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 a child with a disability." (34CFR § 300.5)
Assistive Technology Service is defined by IDEA as:
"any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive technology device."
Assistive technology can be anything from a simple (light-tech) device such as a pencil grip, to a complex (high-tech) device, such as a computerized speech generating device.
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