Special Education Services

Assistive Technology
Augmentative& Alternative Communication

Consideration Guide

Assistive technology is used to support or assist the student in achieving specific Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals/objectives or accessing his/her educational program. IEP statements should maintain a focus on the concepts or skills to be learned and/or tasks to be accomplished, rather than the technology used to assist his/her achievement.

The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Amendments of 1997 (IDEA'97) requires that every IEP team considers a student's needs for assistive technology (AT) related to the student's IEP goals. This AT consideration guide was adapted* by the Boise School District as a tool that the IEP team can use to guide them through the process.

Reading

• Changes in text size, spacing, color, background
• Book adaptations for page turning (e.g. page separators, ring binders, etc.)
• Electronic dictionary, electronic books
• Consult the AT-AAC Team for consideration of: pictures with text software, text reader options, and other alternatives.

Writing

• Adaptive grips, adaptive paper (e.g. raised lines, highlighted lines), slant board
• Access to classroom computer, arm supports for computer use, accessibility options for computer
• Consult district OT/PT and/or Boise AT-AAC Team for consideration of: word processing options, computer access options, switches, scanning, and other options.

Math

• Abacus/number line
• Calculator/talking calculator
• Large key calculator/large LCD print out
• On-screen calculator
• Software with cueing for math computation
• Tactile/voice output measuring devices (clock, ruler, scale)
• Consult the Boise AT-AAC Team for consideration of other math options.

Communication

• Communication board/book with pictures, objects, letters, or words
• Consult the Boise AT-AAC Team for consideration of: eye gaze board/frame, voice output devices, speech synthesis devices or software, and other options.

Recreation & Leisure

• Adaptive toys, games, sporting equipment
• Universal cuff (to hold crayons, markers, paint brush, etc.), arm support, etc.
• Modified or alternative utensils & tools (rollers, stampers, scissors, dice, etc.)
• Drawing/graphics software, music software, computer games, etc.
• Consult the district OT/PT and/or Boise AT-AAC Team for consideration of other recreation & leisure options.

Learning/Studying

• Print/picture schedule
• Organizing aids (tabs, color coding, folders)
• Highlighted text (markers, highlight tape)
• Software for organizing content (e.g. Inspiration)
• Recorded materials, lectures, etc.
• Consult the Boise AT-AAC Team for consideration of: voice output reminders, software for simulations or concept development; computer access options, or other alternatives.

Vision

• Eye glasses, magnifier
• Large print books & materials
• Consult the district Teacher of Visually Impaired and/or Boise AT-AAC Team for consideration of: TV & video options, computer access options, computer-aided learning options, Braille reading & writing options, and other alternatives.

Hearing

• Written information & directions
• Closed Captioning
• Consult the district Audiologist and/or Boise AT-AAC Team for consideration of: signaling devices & alert signals, phone access, video captioning, amplification & FM systems, hearing aids, loop system, and other options.

Positioning & Seating

• Adjust desk/chair height; blocks for feet
• Consult district OT/PT and/or Boise AT-AAC Team for consideration of other positioning & seating options.

Daily Living, Mobility and Environmental Control

• Consult district OT/PT and/or Boise AT-AAC Team for consideration of options for eating & drinking devices, adaptive dressing equipment, mobility aids, and environmental controls.

* Adapted from the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative

Special Education Services
8169 W. Victory Rd. Boise, ID 83709
854-4142 Fax 854-4018