The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act -IDEA (Public Law 105-17) defines assistive technology devices and services in the following manner:
- An assistive technology device is an item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities.
- An assistive technology service is any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, and use of an assistive technology device.
The Mahoning County Educational Service Center provides Assistive Technology (A.T.) consultation and assessment services to support a student, staff member(s), parent(s), or a classroom.
Types of A.T. assistance:
· Consultation regarding purchasing or upgrading AT software/materials/devices in the areas of communication, language arts or math.
· Obtaining a loan/rental of A.T. materials, devices, etc.
· Troubleshooting/Repairing of A.T. materials
· Visually structuring a classroom
· Utilizing the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
· Assessing a student's skills in the areas of communication, computer access, reading, writing or math
· Assessing a student for utilizing low tech A.T. switches to access classroom equipment, computer programs or adapted instructional materials
· Assessing a student for using a low or high tech communication device
· Training on the use of a communication device, software programs and AT materials
· Assist in determining funding options for AT
· Support educators in developing AT strategies to support the participation and success of children with a range of abilities
· Coordinate therapies, interventions, services and programs for AT within the school environment