Overview

The technology used by students with disabilities often includes the supports provided by universal tools. Universal tools range from low-tech to high-tech and can offer suffcient support to some students with disabilities. However, other students will need different tools or specialized tools known as AT. If a student with a disability needs universal tools or more specialized tools to receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), it then becomes AT and needs to be incorporated into the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). For example, a laptop, mobile device, or even a low-tech pencil grip might be considered AT when a student with a disability needs it to receive a FAPE, even if it is available to all students.

Students who need AT may also need accessible educational materials (AEM). Accessible educational materials (AEM) are print- and technology-based educational materials, including printed and electronic textbooks and materials that are designed or enhanced in a way that makes them usable across the widest range of learner variability, regardless of format. Accessible formats provide the same information in another form to address the barriers text based materials can present for some learners. Examples of accessible formats include audio, braille, large print, tactile graphics, and digital text conforming with accessibility standards.

Both AT and AEM may require services such as setup and training to help the student and team learn how to use the devices or formats so the student can be successful in completing the task or goal. These services also need to be documented in the IEP. General AT and AEM Resources are available at the end of this document to assist the team in their understanding of the continuum of technology supports including AT and AEM.