This chapter begins with a description of the different types of technology that are typically seen in educational settings. Assistive technology devices and services are differentiated. The history and legal requirements for assistive technology are reviewed. Assistive technology decision making can be accomplished through different frameworks that are available to IEP teams. If assistive technology is written into the IEP, the school must provide the technology; however other resources also provide assistive technology for students. Assistive technology can be categorized in terms of how technologically advanced it is. Devices and tools for reading, writing, math, social studies, science, life skills, organization and management skills, and for young children are discussed. Issues associated with assistive technology and future trends with assistive technology are also discussed. 

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss what makes a technology an assistive technology for students with disabilities.
• Understand the legal and legislative aspects of assistive technology.
• Explain how assistive technology can benefit students with disabilities.
• Describe the difference between low-tech, mid-tech, and high-tech assistive technology.
• Describe the different purposes of assistive technology.
• Identify assistive technology devices that support students with disabilities across content-area instruction.

Lecture Outline:

1. Technology in Education
   
   1. Educational Technology
      
      1. The study and practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing technological processes and resources.
      2. In practice often involves repurposing technologies developed for other applications.
      3. 6 types
         1. Technology of teaching
         2. Medical technology
         3. Productivity technology
         4. Information technology
         5. Instructional technology
         6. Assistive technology
2. Assistive Technology
   
   1. Devices and services
      
      1. Devices
         1. Items, equipment or product systems used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of an individual with a disability.
      2. Services
         1. Assist individuals in selecting, acquiring, or using an assistive technology device
   2. History and Legislation
      
      1. From Braille, to magnification devices, to talking calculators to the use of microcomputer-based devices
      2. Important legislation
         1. IDEA
            
            1. Not just for students with more severe disabilities, but for all students with disabilities.
            2. Provided at no cost except for implanted devices such as cochlear implants.
         2. Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act
3. Assistive Technology Decision Making
   
   1. Student, Environments, Tasks, and Tools (SETT)
   2. Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI)
   3. University of Kentucky Assistive Technology (UKAT) Toolkit
   4. National Assistive Technology Research Institute (NATRI), Assistive Technology Planner
   5. Try out assistive technology device or tool before purchasing through state lending libraries
4. Assistive Technology and the IEP
   
   1. Related service, accommodation, goal, objective
   2. If written in the IEP it is the school’s financial responsibility but the school is not required to pay for all assistive technologies
      
      1. Often provided by sources other than the schools
5. Assistive Technology Categorization
   
   1. No-tech
   2. Low-tech
   3. Mid-tech
   4. High-tech
6. Devices and Tools
   
   1. Reading
   2. Writing
   3. Mathematics
   4. Science and social studies
   5. Life skills
   6. Organization and management skills
   7. Assistive technology and young children
7. Issues with Assistive Technology
   
   1. Possible stigmatization
   2. Need for adequate training or knowledge to implement technology
   3. Cost of assistive technology
8. Assistive Technology Future Trends
   
   1. Assistive technology supports Universal Design of Learning (UDL)
   2. Trend toward mobile, personalized, smaller, and faster
   3. Models for evaluating apps for students