On January 22, 2024, the Office of Educational Technology and the Office of Special Education Programs published guidance in support of children with disabilities who need assistive technology (AT) devices and services for meaningful access and engagement in education. View the AT guidance and accompanying Dear Colleague Letter (available in English and Spanish) on the provision of assistive technology devices and services for children with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The Myths and Facts Surrounding Assistive Technology Devices and Services document is designed to increase understanding of the IDEA’s AT requirements, dispel common misconceptions regarding AT, and provide examples of the use of AT devices and services for children with disabilities and to highlight the different requirements under Part C and Part B of IDEA.
An assistive technology device 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 child with a disability. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of that device.” [20 USCS §1401(1)(2)34 C.F.R. 300.5].
An assistive technology service refers to any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. This includes the following for a child with a disability:
The evaluation of the needs of such child, including a functional evaluation of the child in his or her customary environment;
Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by children with disabilities;
Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices;
Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability, or, if appropriate, the child’s family; and
Training or technical assistance for professionals, employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of that child.
The Assistive Technology team is pleased to present a wide range of professional development opportunities, from 30 minute AT-JOTs to full-day seminars with nationally recognized AT professionals.
The ADE/ESS Assistive Technology (AT) Team is pleased to announce the second presentation in our 2024—2025 AT National Presenter Series: Technology Tools to Support Executive Functioning and Self-Regulation for K-12, with Elisa Wern, M.Ed., OTR/L, ATP.
Reporting Special Education Students Attending Secondary Transition Programs and October 1 Child Counts
On February 13, 2024, Public Education Agencies (PEAs) were notified that new school sites must be created if they meet specific criteria. In the process, it became necessary for PEAs to report students in Secondary Transition programs located in businesses or colleges, including creating new entities for these programs.
