Planning for Implementing Assistive Technology

Abstract

Assistive Technology (AT) is an instructional tool that may benefit many students. Practitioners, especially classroom teachers, are aware of the benefits of AT but many have limited experience and knowledge resulting in poor assessment, planning, and implementing of assistive technology to positively impact student learning. The content in this chapter provides readers with the following information: (a) assistive technology defined and discussed through the lens of historical legislation, (b) assistive technology devices, (c) augmentative and alternative communication, (d) assistive technology assessment, (e) person centered planning as a framework for AT utilization, and concludes with (f) instructional programming based on AT assessment results.