Prince William County Public Schools

Assistive technology (AT) is defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as "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." This definition includes items that are considered low technology as well as high technology which a student in special education requires in order to receive a free and public education.

Overview of Services

The most effective way to match AT to an individual student is through a "Needs First" approach. The IEP Team identifies what it is that the student cannot do or can only do with great difficulty (the "Need"). They then identify the student's unique strengths and challenges. Once this is done it is easier to match this information with specific AT to address the need. The next step is to have the student try the AT that has been selected. The amount of time needed for this trial period will vary from student to student.

Many times the teaching staff, parents, therapists and student (IEP team) are able to determine how to meet the student's needs through either low technology (examples: modified classroom materials, modified classroom tools, communication book, adapted seating, etc.) or high technology (examples: computer, modified computer equipment, software, portable keyboard, communication device, etc.). Schools may request to borrow equipment for trial use with the student during this process.

If the IEP team needs assistance they can request that someone with expertise in AT to target the identified problem observe the student, make recommendations for consideration by the IEP team, loan equipment for a trial period, and train the teaching staff and student in its use.