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= Welcome to our Assistive Technology Resource Portal! =

== This Assistive Technology Resource Portal was started in Spring 2013 by students enrolled in the Towson University Special Education Course, Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities. The purpose of this guide is to share resources with other teachers, related service providers, and parents. The wiki contributors are encouraged to "carry" these tips and update throughout their career as an educator. ==

What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology (AT) is an umbrella term that covers many different tools and services. For example, adapted pencil grips can be assistive technology for a special education student in general education classes. Additionally, high-tech options such as digital magnification systems can be assistive technology for a visually impaired student. An assistive technology specialist may provide assistive technology services, but so can many other service providers including special education teachers, teachers of the visually impaired, teachers of the deaf/hard of hearing, augmentative communication specialists, and occupational therapists. IDEA defines **assistive technology devices** 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 a child with a disability.
 * [[image:http://extend.schoolwires.com/ClipartGallery/images/19100652.jpg align="right" caption="girl using the computer "]] ||
 * girl using the computer ||

IDEA also defines ** assistive technology services ** as: any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Such term includes-- [|(A)]the evaluation of the needs of such child, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child's customary environment; [|(B)]purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by such child; [|(C)]selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices; [|(D)]coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs; [|(E)]training or technical assistance for such child, or, where appropriate, the family of such child; and [|(F)]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.

Examples of assistive technology include:


 * Low-tech: pencil grips, colored overlays, word banks, and math formula reference sheet
 * Mid-tech: portable word processors (like an Alphasmart), audiobooks, handheld spell checkers, and talking calculators
 * High-tech: scan and read software, touchscreen computer, dynamic speech output device, word prediction software, a computer, and voice recognition software.