Assistive Technology
Introduction
We envision a society where people with disabilities, regardless of type or severity, have equal access to services and are able to live, learn, work, and play independently in a barrier free community.
What We Do
We can assist individuals with disabilities in getting, using, or the care of assistive technology devices or assistive technology services through case management, legal representation and self-advocacy training.
What is AT?
Assistive technology includes any technology that could help you be more successful in school or work, live more independently, improve your health, drive, or otherwise address needs related to your disability. Examples include adapted eating utensils, picture communication boards, radios with special switch devices, screen readers, wheelchairs, electric van lifts, software programs and communication devices.
Assistive Technology and Work
Assistive technology or AT can be very helpful to people with disabilities in their work. Videophones, screen-reading software, and augmentative communication devices are just a few examples of AT that can help at work. Funding to help purchase AT can come from a number of sources:
Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations needed by their employees with disabilities in order to do their jobs. Employers can provide needed AT as a reasonable accommodation. For more information see the Job Accommodation Network.
SCVRD receives federal and state funding to help people with disabilities to work. One of the services SCVRD can provide is AT. In addition to providing AT devices, SCVRD employs rehabilitation engineers who can evaluate the needs individuals with disabilities to help determine what AT might help them in their work. For more information see SCVRD webpage on technology.
Like SCVRD, SCCB receives federal and state funding to help people who are blind to work. SCCB also provides AT. SCCB employs experts in AT for people who are blind who can do evaluations to determine AT needs. For more information see the SCCB webpage on technology.
AT can also be funded by Medicaid, Medicare or private insurance if it is medically necessary. Fortunately, AT that is needed for work is often also medically necessary.
DRSC can help if you are having trouble getting the AT you need in order to work. We do not provide funding to purchase AT. We do provide information and support to you in your efforts to get the AT you need. We can also advocate on your behalf to try to get those who should be helping you to do more. For more information, please see our ASL (American Sign Language) video on our AT services. Please contact us if you need our help or you would like to learn more!
Assistive Technology in Special Education
An AT device is any item used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a student with a disability. AT includes any technology that could help you be more successful in school or work, live more independently, improve your health, drive, or otherwise address needs related to your disability. Examples include adapted eating utensils, picture communication boards, radios with special switch devices, screen readers, wheelchairs, electric van lifts, software programs and communication devices.
An AT service is any service that assists in choosing, getting, or using an assistive technology device. This includes evaluations, modifications, and maintenance and repair of AT devices. It also includes training for a student, family and school personnel in the use of such devices.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that AT devices and services be provided to a student with a disability, if needed for his/her educational program. As part of the Individualized Education Program (IEP), consideration must be given to whether a student needs some kind of AT device in order to receive a free and appropriate education. Special education, including AT devices and services, must be funded by the school district, not the student or his/her family, unless the family chooses to do so. Generally, a school district is not responsible for providing personally prescribed devices, such as hearing aids or eyeglasses. For more information regarding assistive technology in special education, please follow the link to our factsheet.