Assistive Technology (AT) are tools that can help students with disabilities complete difficult tasks. AT can help students with reading, writing, speaking, understanding, and using classroom materials. AT is not always a high-tech device, but also includes low-tech and no-tech tools such as paper-based graphic organizers and communication books. Overall, assistive technology are tools that help students access the existing curriculum and learning environment. Assistive technology comes in various categories, including AT for communication, learning, and access. Although vision and hearing are also categories of AT, the vision and audiology teams support these.   

If you have any questions, you can contact DCPS.assistivetech@k12.dc.gov, and someone can help answer your question.  

During each annual IEP meeting, your child’s team will discuss the need for assistive technology tools during the AT consideration process. This discussion will include your child’s strengths and needs, the tasks that are challenging, the tools that are currently in place and if they are helping your child, and the need for potential AT tools. 

If the team decides that your child would benefit from AT tools, the school team may have the AT tools necessary to support your child or they may need help to determine which AT tools may support your child. If help is needed, your school may ask for the support of the AT team. The AT team can help the school team’s decision-making process for the most proper AT tool for your child through AT device loans, consultations, training, or comprehensive evaluations by request. 

For more information on special education programs and services in DCPS, please refer to the DCPS Special Education Family Guide.