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Assistive Technology is any item piece of equipment, or product, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized which is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. 2. Three laws concerning assistive technology and students with special needs are: a. The Rehabilitation Act which is section 504 states that Schools must provide reasonable accommodations for disabled students to allow them full access to all programs, services, and activities. Section 508 requires that all federal agencies electronic and information technology services be accessible to persons with disabilities. b. In 1988, Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act (Tech Act of 1988), was the first law that defined Assistive Technology and provides federal funding for the development of Assistive Technology training and delivery systems for disabled persons of all ages. c. Assistive Technology Act of 2004 redirects funding from states to individuals by providing direct aid to persons with disabilities and focuses on the delivery of Assistive Technology. 3. The different categories of Assistive Technology and examples of each: a. Cognitive and Learning Aids provides access to educational material and instruction in school and other learning environments. Example: Matching b. Communication is products and equipment related to speech, writing and other methods of communication. Example: writing and typing aids c. Computer Hardware/ Access is hardware and software products that enable persons with disabilities to access, interact with, and use computers. Example: Touch Screens d. Daily Living Aids are self-help devices that assist persons with disabilities in daily living activities such as dressing, personal hygiene, bathing, home maintenance, cooking, eating, etc. Example: timers e. Environmental Aids are systems that allow access to and control of various environmental devices such as appliances, electronic aids, security systems, etc. f. Hearing and listening aids are devices that assist deaf and hearing impaired individuals. Example: sign language material g. Mobility and positioning Aids are adaptive seating and positioning devices that aid persons with physical disabilities. Examples: mounting systems and technology adaptions h. Recreation, Leisure and sensory aids are products that assist persons with disabilities as they participate in sports, leisure and games. Examples: games i. Switches provide access to switch-adapted devices for persons with physical impairment that affect their fine motor skills

Vision and reading aids assist people with visual impairments. Example: electronic book readers 4. To find out if my student needs Assistive Technology, I would follow the SETT Process. This process focuses on the student, environment, tasks, and tools needed for the student to make reasonable progress towards educational goals. I will get assistance from the students 504 or IEP document, IEP team, Exceptional childrens staff member/ department, assistive technology specialist, special needs libraries and lending libraries, etc. 5. After reading the case studies, I found Wandas case study to be interesting. I was surprised to read that the school was not providing more assistance to Wanda besides the weekly therapy. I think she would benefit from an Assistive Technology in the category of communication such as a writing and typing aid. I learned that although one may have a disability, with the right Assistive Technology, they can succeed just like if not better than anyone else just as Wanda did.

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