Assistive technology (AT) consists of tools designed to help individuals overcome challenges and make tasks and activities more accessible in school, work, and home environments. For students who have difficulties with hearing, vision, math, reading, processing information, managing time, and many other areas, AT can unlock their learning potential and facilitate their success.

What is Arizona Technology Access Program - AZ TAP? 

  IEP Advocacy Tip for Parents

Assistive Technology (AT) has transformed the learning experience for many children with learning disabilities. While it can be challenging to advocate for and collaborate with the school to secure appropriate support and instruction in the Individualized Education Plans (IEP), significant progress can be made by taking these three key steps. 

3 Steps 

1. Requesting an Assistive Technology Evaluation  - If the IEP Team determines Assistive Technology and Services are Required for assisting a student with learning in school, parents can request an evaluation for Assistive Technology at no cost to the parent.  

Definition of Assistive Technology (AT)- 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 functional capabilities of a child with a disability. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of that device.” [20 USCS §1401(1)(2)34 C.F.R. 300.5].

An assistive technology service refers to any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. 

This includes the following for a child with a disability:

• The evaluation of the needs of such child, including a functional evaluation of the child in his or her customary environment;

• Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by children with disabilities;

• Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices;

• Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices;

• Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability, or, if appropriate, the child’s family; and

• Training or technical assistance for professionals, employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of that child. 

• [20 USCS §1401(1)(2)34 C.F.R. 300.6].

To Learn more about AT from the Arizona Department of Education, CLICK HERE. 

No AT Provider on Staff- If the School doesn't have an AT Specialist on staff, you can suggest a provider. Parents can contact The Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP) to ask for a provider in Arizona by calling 602-728-9534.

2. Propose AT goals - During an IEP meeting, propose Assistive Technology goals, like using speech-to-text tools for writing or text to speech for text to be read out loud to the student, and include them in the IEP to measure progress in using these tools. Without written goals, students may struggle to effectively learn to use Assistive Technology effectively to support their learning needs. The ESS team (special education teachers) can work with the students to increase understanding and independence with the AT tools. 

3. Propose AT Training for staff & parents- Assistive Technology (AT) training is essential to help parents and staff understand how a student specifically uses laptops, electronic devices, and AT tools. Adults can struggle with how to use computers or understand how technology can help students who have challenges with handwriting, reading, or processing information. An Assistive Technology Specialist, who is a trained professional, can offer this training. Schools may have such a specialist on staff or can hire an outside provider  to visit the school for training.

Assistive Technology (AT) Specialist Providers in AZ

If the school district does not have an AT Specialist or an ESS provider skilled in conducting AT assessments, they can hire an external provider to perform the evaluation and provide training. It can be beneficial to work with a non-attorney educational advocate or a special education attorney to help obtain this type of evaluation or support if it is appropriate to assist the student to access learning in school. 

Dr. David Grant- AT Specialist

Phone: (520) 204-6165  

Email: arizonaat@me.com

 AZ Tap

AZTap is a great support. If you go to their contact page and reach out to them, they provide training, support and resources to staff and parents. 

Website: https://aztap.org 

Phone: (602) 728-9534  

AT Resources for Parents, IEP Teams & Teachers