According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), assistive technology is defined 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 functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.”

 

The main reason for providing assistive technology to a student is to enable a student to meet the instructional goals that are set for them. Unfortunately, when thinking of assistive technology what instantly comes to mind for many people is the image of an expensive high-tech device. However, the Massachusetts Department of Education Assistive Technology Guide for Massachusetts Schools suggests; “When exploring assistive technology devices for a student, it is important to consider the full range of devices that are available, beginning with low-tech devices and considering high tech-devices only after the lower-tech options have been tried. Although some people assume that the most expensive, high-tech device is the best solution for a student, this is not necessarily true. In fact, a low-tech device is sometimes more effective, since it is frequently easier to use. “

 

Often people forget that something as simple as a pencil grip that is designed to allow a student to place their fingers in the proper position to hold a pencil is a form of assistive technology. To see what assistive technology can mean for the people who depend on it, check out the following video at teachertube.com.

http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=88a4a2ca3e8fea2c03ae