Parents Guide to Assistive Technology
Training Sessions

Assistive technology for students with learning disabilities has potential for developing effective learning strategies and study skills that can create a foundation for independent learning. Technology is not a cure for all for the learning difficulties that students with learning disabilities experience. However, when used in conjunction with direct instruction, research has shown that it can make a significant difference in a student’s academic outcomes as well as in his or her self-image and attitude towards learning. Most importantly, it can provide a student an opportunity to be successful in learning and in life.

In the revision of IDEA in 1997, several new requirements were included for school districts. One of the new requirements incorporated a list of “special factors” that each IEP team must consider. Assistive technology is one of those special factors.

§ 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 the functional capabilities of a child with a disability. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1401(1))

§ 300.6 Assistive technology service.
As used in this part, Assistive technology service means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. The term includes-

(a) The evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child's customary environment;

(b) Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by children with disabilities;

(c) Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices;

(d) Coordinating and using 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 a disability or, if appropriate, that child's family; and

(f) Training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education or rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of that child. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1401(2))

1. Your local school district is responsible for providing an assistive technology evaluation for your learning disabled child at no cost to you.

2. Parents or members of the school’s IEP team can ask for an independent evaluation to determine the need for assistive technology.

3. Once the IEP team decides that an assistive technology device (including hardware and software) will be used, the IEP team needs to consider the support services a student will need in order to use the assistive technology. These assistive technology services need to be included in the IEP and may include information about who will provide the service and how often services will be provided.

4. Assistive technology support services can include the training of your child, members of your family and the school personnel on how to use the assistive technology.

5. The IEP needs to document where, when and for what purpose the assistive technology will be used. Documentation of assistive technology to be provided can be included in: annual goals and objectives, modifications, supplementary aids and services needed to maintain the student in the LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) setting and related services for educational benefit.

Kathleen H. McClaskey, M.Ed. is president of EdTech Associates, a company that provides Assistive Technology Consultation, Evaluation and Training service for students with learning disabilities, special education teams and school district. She can be reached at 603.424.4534 or on the web at www.edtech-associates.com. Kathleen will be offering a series of workshops on technology for students with learning disabilities for parents throughout New Hampshire in Spring 2004. The schedule and locations of the workshops can be found on the Parent Information Center website at www.picnh.org.

www.edtech-associates.com:
EdTech Associates offers Assistive Technology Evaluation, Consultation and Training Services for students with learning disabilities, for schools and special education teams and for postsecondary and adults with learning disabilities.

www.wrightslaw.com/statute.htm:
A comprehensive site on IDEA statute and regulations.

www.NHedlaw.com:
A site that provides up to date resources and links on Special Education law and professionals in the NH and Maine area.

www.ldonline.org:
An excellent set of resources and articles on assistive technology and learning disabilities.

www.schwablearning.org:
An excellent resource of articles and information for parents of students with learning differences including a Parent’s Guide to Helping Kids with Learning Differences.

www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/education/at.html:
A resource of articles and websites on assistive technology for students with learning disabilities.

www.fctd.info:
The Family Center for Technology and Disabilities is a resource on assistive technology including an online discussion feature.

www.dyslexia-parent.com:
An extensive resource of information on dyslexia for parents.

www.focusonlearning.org:
From the Coordinating Campaign for Learning Disabilities (CCLD), a source of helpful links to support parents.

www.ncld.org:
The National Center for Learning Disabilities includes current information on children, teens and adults with learning disabilities and up-to-date information on IDEA and NCLB.

Disclaimer: Parent Information Center and EdTech Associates are not responsible for the contents of any linked site or any link contained in a linked site, or any changes or updates to such sites. Parent Information Center and EdTech Associates are providing this information as a convenience, and the inclusion of any company, organization or publication does not imply endorsement of the site by Parent Information Center or EdTech Associates.