Assistive Technology

Contacts:
Josh Barton, 984.236.2583 - Statewide

Welcome to the NCDPI Assistive Technology Website. You can find additional assistive technology resources on the NCDPI Assistive Technology (AT) Resources Hub. If you would like to be notified of updates to this site, as well as other information on activities related to assistive technology, please join our mailing list found at the NCDPI GovDelivery sign up page

MISSION :: The Assistive Technology Program offers consultation to local education agencies about assistive technology devices and services to support quality educational programming for exceptional children.

Our Assistive Technology Team collaborates with the NC Assistive Technology Program, they offer ongoing webinars for accessibility. Please visit NCDHHS: Accessibility for All to learn more. 

Tab/Accordion Items

From the U.S. Department of Education Assistance to States for the Education of Children With Disabilities and the Early Intervention program for Infants and Toddlers With Disabilities; Final Regulations (regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), March 12, 1999.


Devices

(300.5) Assistive technology device
As used in this part, Assistive technology device means 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 the functional capabilities of a child with a disability."


Services

(300.6) Assistive technology service
As used in this part, Assistive technology service means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.

The term includes – 

  1. The evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child's customary environment;
     
  2. Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by children with disabilities;
     
  3. Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices;
     
  4. Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;
     
  5. Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability or, if appropriate, that child's family; and
     
  6. Training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education or rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of that child."

From the U.S. Department of Education Assistance to States for the Education of Children With Disabilities and the Early Intervention program for Infants and Toddlers With Disabilities; Final Regulations (regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), March 12, 1999.


Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

Regarding the provision of free appropriate public education (FAPE)
300.308 Assistive Technology.

  1. Each public agency shall ensure that assistive technology devices or assistive technology services, or both, as those terms are defined in 300.5-300.6, are made available to a child with a disability if required as a part of the child's – 
    1. Special education under 300.26;
    2. Related services under 300.24; or
    3. Supplementary aids and services under 300.28 and 300.550(b)(2).
       
  2. On a case-by-case basis, the use of school-purchased assistive technology devices in a child's home or in other settings is required if the child's IEP team determines that the child needs access to those devices in order to receive FAPE.


Individualized Education Program (IEP)

Regarding the development of the Individualized Education Program (IEP)
300.346 Development, review and revision of IEP.

  1. Consideration of special factors.
    The IEP team also shall – 
    1. Consider whether the child requires assistive technology devices and services.

Similar regulations are found in North Carolina Procedures Governing Programs and Services for Children with Disabilities. In addition to consideration of assistive technology, North Carolina Procedures states the following:

Statement in IEP. If the IEP Team determines that a child needs a particular device or service, including an intervention, accommodation, or other program modification in order for the child to receive a free appropriate public education, the IEP team must include a statement to that effect in the IEP. Section .1507.B.(3)