What is Assistive Technology?


Both the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 mandate the consideration for and provision of assistive technology devices and services and provide clear definitions of devices and services.


Legal Definitions (from H.R.1350 SEC. 602.)


(1) ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEVICE

  • (A) IN GENERAL- The term `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 functional capabilities of a child with a disability.

  • (B) EXCEPTION- The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device.


    (2) ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICE- The term `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. Such term includes

  • (A) the evaluation of the needs of such child, 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 such child;

  • (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 such child, or, where appropriate, the family of such child; and

  • (F) training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education and rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of such child.