AT+Consideration

=To consider AT or not to consider AT? That is the question!=

Beginning with the IDEA 1997 Amendments and reaffirmed by IDEIA 2004, IEP Teams have the legal responsibility to consider assistive technology for any student who is eligible for special education services. This means that assistive technology must be considered for all students receiving special education services. However, there are some practical guidelines that IEP teams can follow.

Consideration Guidelines

 * Consideration for assistive technology should occur any time there is a discrepancy between the expected performance levels and the actual performance levels.
 * The issue of whether or not to conduct a in depth process of AT consideration depends on
 * Whether or not AT has been previously used by the student
 * The extent to which trial runs of AT have been conducted with the student
 * The nature of the student's needs
 * The experience level of the IEP team
 * AT should be balanced against instructional interventions.
 * AT should be considered and documented in the IEP regardless of the degree of availability.