Assistive Technology
What is Assistive Technology:
Assistive technology (AT) includes any equipment that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a student with an exceptionality. It can be high or low tech and is intended to promote greater independence. (EECD definition).
Supports/Programming:
AT is appropriate for a student who has an exceptionality and requires technology to access their curriculum and demonstrate learning. EECD provides AT for eligible students through an application process. The student’s program planning team would determine which technology to trial in order to address targeted learning needs. If a trial is successful, an AT application would be submitted to the District for review which would then be forwarded to EECD for approval. The use of AT would be identified as an accommodation for the student on the Record of Accommodation (Service Delivery Model) or the IEP (Responsive Teaching and Learning Policy).
Resources:
Role:
Assistive Technology assists students in functional areas impacted by an exceptionality. Technology may provide a voice for a student who cannot speak. Closed captioning can provide an alternative means of listening for those who cannot hear. Other devices can adapt the way individuals with physical or motor concerns interact within their daily environment providing options such as voice command or eye gaze communication for them to perform tasks. In addition, various software and extensions can support students who have difficulties with reading and writing. AT promotes equity by providing a student with an exceptionality alternative ways to access curriculum and express learning.