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• Categories of Assistive Technology •
• Computers for People with Disabilities •
What is Assistive
Technology?
"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 individuals with disabilities. AT
service is directly assisting an individual with a
disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an
assistive technology device."
Source:
The
US
technology-related assistance for individuals with disabilities
act of 1988, Section 3.1. Public Law 100-407, August 9, 1988
(renewed in 1998 in the Clinton Assistive Technology Act) -
http://section508.gov/docs/AT1998.html#3
AT Cycle
Bridging skills with goals is what Assistive Technology and
related services provide. There also needs to be an on-going
cycle of evaluating and recommending, maintenance of the
technology, reviews of emerging needs, and upgrading of the
equipment when necessary.
The Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1990 included AT
services in its definition, as well as AT itself.
| Assistive technologies enable people to communicate,
receive instruction, learn, play, move about, achieve,
and be independent (Blackstone, 1990). These
technologies have been used to enhance the abilities of
people as part of early intervention services, in
educational and recreational programs, for employment,
rehabilitation, and for independent living (Solarz,
1990)
According to the Technology-related Assistance for
Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 (Tech Act), an
Assistive technology device is "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 the
functional capabilities of individuals with
disabilities." Assistive technology services are defined
in the Act as "any services that directly assist an
individual with a disability in the selection,
acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device" (P.L.
100-407, Sec.3 1988). According to the Act, these
services include;
- evaluation of needs, providing for the
acquisition of assistive technology devices by
individuals with disabilities;
- selecting, designing, fitting, customizing,
adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or
replacing, such assistive devices;
- coordinating and using other therapies,
interventions, or services with assistive
technology;
- training or providing technical assistance for
an individual with disabilities; and,
- training or providing technical assistance for
professionals, employers, or other individuals who
provide services to or are otherwise substantially
involved in the major life functions of individuals
with disabilities.
References
Blackstone, S. (1990). Assistive
technology in the classroom: issues and guidelines.
Augmentative Communication News, 3(6).
Public Law 100-407. Technology-Related
Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of
1988.
Solarz A.L. (1990) Rehabilitation
psychologists: A place in the policy process?
American Psychologist, 45(6), 776-770.
(Note: this description has been taken
directly from grant proposal prepared by the Institute
on Disabilities, the University Affiliated Program at
Temple University.) |
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National
Instructional Materials Access Center
Alternative text formats
required
under IDEA 2004
AAC Intervention.com
Tips and tutorials for Augmentative/Alternative Communication
Intervention Products & Presentations |
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