According to the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 an assistive
technology device is "an 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." (http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/area/issues/methods/technlgy/te7assist.htm)
Assistive
Technology devices are used to help individuals with disabilities
perform daily activities. AT Devices are used in the home
as well as in classrooms. These
devices include hearing aids, wheelchairs, Braille materials, large
print books and alternative keyboards. There are numerous different
technologies available for individuals to use. It is crucial that
parents, teachers, and professionals work together to find a tool that will allow the individual to be successful.