Assistive Technology can help your child with disabilities achieve educational outcomes and schools are required to provide it under federal special education law.
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology (AT) is any tool – high tech or low tech – that helps your child with disabilities learn or live more functionally. AT runs the gamut from visual schedules and pencil grips to high tech resources like screen readers and text prediction software.[1]
What rights does my child have to Assistive Technology?
If your child has a disability and qualifies for an IEP, their IEP team must consider whether AT is required for your child to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE). AT may be necessary if it allows your child to meet their IEP goals or even if it is necessary for your child to be involved in or participate in general education or extracurricular activities.[2]
Further, if your child’s IEP determines that AT is necessary to provide a FAPE, then the school must provide the AT, including any training or services related to using the AT effectively, free of charge.[3]
These requirements apply whether your child is in a K-12 setting, they are an infant or toddler receiving services through an IFSP[4] or receiving support through transition services to post-secondary plans.[5]
How can Assistive Technology help my child learn?
There is significant research demonstrating the positive impacts of AT on the learning of children with disabilities. AT can lessen the impacts of their disability and keep them more engaged in their schoolwork, improving their educational outcomes in school and beyond.[6]
How does Assistive Technology fit into a Universal Design for Learning Framework?
Many schools struggle with how to integrate technology into classrooms in meaningful ways. Challenges include access to technology, capacity for teachers and support staff in learning new technology and having the time to develop lessons that allow students to engage with technology actively. The result of the current siloed approaches to technology implementation in the classroom has been a lot of money spent on technology that isn’t fully utilized in classrooms or cannot be adequately maintained, and, in many cases, a furthering of digital divides that further distance our most vulnerable students, like those with disabilities, from educational opportunity.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) operates on the principle that “accessible and inclusive design benefits everyone, including children with disabilities.”[7] UDL is “a research-driven framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning by reducing barriers in instruction and addressing individual differences, learning preferences, abilities, and backgrounds.”[8] At it’s core, UDL supports the education environment by encouraging teachers to present materials in multiple ways, thereby allowing students to engage with learning materials and demonstrate their learning in multiple ways. Such classrooms are more inclusive and responsive to all learners but can be especially effective for children with disabilities.
Where can I learn more?
The United States Department of Education has issued guidance to schools to help them understand their responsibilities regarding AT and students on IEPs,[9] including an easy-to-read myths and facts document.[10] The department’s Office of Educational Technology has also put out a 2024 National Educational Technology Plan that explains Universal Design for Learning and how it can support all students in the classroom.[11]
What should I do if my child with disabilities needs Assistive Technology and it isn’t being provided?
If you believe that your child needs AT to receive a FAPE and it isn’t being considered or included by their IEP Team, the attorneys at the School Law Center can help you determine a path to ensuring your child’s rights are enforced and needs are met. You can reach out to us to request consultation and advice via our web contact form or by phone at (651) 222-6288.
How do I encourage my child’s school to implement Universal Design for Learning?
If you live in Minnesota, the Secretary of State website can help you determine who represents you on the local school board and at the state level. You can let your school board know that you support implementing Universal Design for Learning and the 2024 National Technology plan. You can let your state legislators know that you support Universal Design for Learning and encourage the state to do more to support local school districts implementation of UDL principles.
[1] United States Department of Education, Myths and Facts Surrounding Assistive Technology Devices and Services (Jan 2024), p. 8 (“Myths and Facts”).
[2] “Myths and Facts,” p. 1
[4] “Myths and Facts,” p. 16
[5] “Myths and Facts,” p. 4
[6] “Myths and Facts,” p. 10
[7] United States Department of Education, Dear Colleague Letter on Myths and Facts Surrounding Assistive Technology (Jan 22, 2024), p. 1 (“DCL”).
[8]US Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology, A Call to Action for Closing the Digital Access, Design, and Use Divides: 2024 National Educational Technology Plan (Jan 2024), p. 12 (“2024 Educational Technology Plan”).