Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology is. . . .

Assistive Technology (AT) as defined by the IDEA, is any item, piece of equipment, or product system whether purchased off the shelf commercially, modified or customized that can be used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities. (34 C.F.R., 300.5)

The Department of Education (DOE) for the State of Alaska denotes ten common areas of assistive technology. Not all of these 10 areas are supported by the AT department in ASD. Some of the other ASD departments offer services in their specialized areas. These departments include, The Blind-Vision Impaired Program, the Occupational and Physical Therapy department, the Audiology Department, and the Speech Language Department.

Of the many areas mentioned in the DOE manual, the AT Department supports augmentative communication, computer access, environmental control, and written expression/alternative writing.