From Focus on Exceptional Children
by Edyburn, Dave L., PhD.

[BSNPTA note: Because this article was written in May 2000, some of the links are no longer valid - but it is still a good article.]

The use of technology in special education technology has evolved considerably in the 1990s. Therefore, it is somewhat surprising that literature searches using the descriptors "assistive technology" and "mild disabilities" yield few articles (Behrmann, 1994; Bryant, Bryant, & Raskind, 1988, Raskind, Higgins, Slaff, & Shaw, 1998), bood chapter (Okolo, 2000), and conference papers (Edyburn, 1996), given the prevalance of assistive technology and the fact that mild disabilities are high-incidence. Despite the explosion of products and developments in the marketplace, the profession to date, has been slow to recognize the need to integrate state-of-the-art technology into special education programs and services for students with mild disabilities.

From Exceptional Parent Magazine
by Dave L. Edyburn, PhD


The use of technology in special education has evolved considerably in recent years. However, information about assistive technology for students with mild disabilities, such as learning disabilities, mental retardation and emotional/behavioral disorders, continues to be relatively difficult to locate.

This brochure on Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities- Information for Parents and Educators is a good intro level brochure that describes what Assistive Technology is, how it fits into the IEP, how it is funded etc. In addition, there are several pages of frequently asked questions that are useful. This might be a good handout for a small meeting.

From www.schwablearning.org

Assistive technology (AT) is available to help individuals with many types of disabilities - from cognitive problems to physical impairment. This article will focus specifically on AT for individuals with learning disabilities (LD).

The use of technology to enhance learning is an effective approach for many children. Additionally, students with LD often experience greater success when they are allowed to use their abilities (strengths) to work around their disabilities (challenges). Assistive technology tools combine the best of both of these practices.

"For people without disabilities, technology makes things easier. For people with disabilities, technology makes things possible."
International Business Machines (IBM) 1991 training manual

This article will introduce parents to the role of AT in helping their children with LD. It will also offer guidelines on how to be a wise consumer of technology products for your child. The better informed you are about AT, and the more you involve your child in the process of choosing the AT tools she will use, the greater the chances are that she will experience success in school, recreation, and eventually, at work.

From www.disabilityisnatural.com
by Kathie Snow

While traveling around the country doing presentations, I’ve been amazed (and dismayed) to learn how many children and adults with disabilities don’t have the tools they need for success (assistive technology devices). For a variety of reasons, professionals, parents, therapists, and others who have great influence over the lives of children and adults with disabilities say things like, "Well, Johnny isn’t able to use [a power wheelchair, communication device, or whatever]".

Under what circumstances is a public agency required to permit a child with a disability to use a school-purchased assistive technology device in the child's home or in another setting?