Assistive Technology Services

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997, the team that develops an individual education program (IEP) for a child must consider whether the child requires assistive technology devices and services. IDEA defines assistive technology in the following ways:

"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."

"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 -

1. The evaluation of the needs of such child, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child's customary environment;
2. Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by such child;
3. Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing of assistive technology devices;
4. Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;
5. Training or technical assistance for such child, or where appropriate, the family of such child; and
6. 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."

Other information on assistive technology may also be provided in conjunction with a specific area of special education or related services. See the list on the side bar.

The Department of Public Instruction provides leadership and funding for a statewide systems change grant project known as the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI). The primary goal of this initiative is to assist Wisconsin school districts with building their capacity to provide assistive technology devices and services to children and youth with disabilities. Information on the resources and services offered by the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative can be found at http://www.wati.org.

For questions about this information, contact Sheryl L. Thormann (608) 266-1783

Last updated on 2/22/2008 1:20:30 PM