SPEE 223: What is Assistive Technology?

Vocabulary flashcards based on SPEE 223 lecture notes covering assistive technology definitions, legal mandates under IDEA, AAC tech levels, and core functional domains.

Assistive Technology Device (IDEA Definition)

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 individuals with disabilities.

Assistive Technology Services

Services under IDEA that directly assist an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an AT device, including functional evaluations, customization, acquiring equipment, coordinating therapies, and multidisciplinary training.

FAPE Mandate for AT

The requirement under IDEA to ensure a Free Appropriate Public Education at public expense, requiring IEP teams to consider AT needs whenever an IEP is created or updated to support access in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).

Unaided AAC Modalities

Communication methods requiring no external tools, relying entirely on natural body functions such as vocalizations, gestures, manual signs (e.g., ASL), facial expressions, and eye gaze.

Aided AAC Modalities

Communication methods that require external tools, ranging from tangible objects, visual symbols, and paper boards to computerized speech-generating devices (SGDs).

Low-Tech Assistive Technology

Simple, non-electronic physical tools that contain no batteries or electronic circuits and are inexpensive (e.g., pencil grips, slant boards, tactile object schedules, manual switches).

Mid-Tech Assistive Technology

Battery-operated devices containing basic, static electronic elements (e.g., audiobooks, digital voice recorders, and static-display speech-generating devices like the GoTalk).

High-Tech Assistive Technology

Complex, computerized systems featuring dynamic, highly customizable digital screens and advanced circuits (e.g., iPads with speech apps, screen readers, and eye-gaze systems).

General Technology vs. Assistive Technology

General technology consists of commercial tools designed generically to make life easier for everyone, whereas Assistive Technology is intentionally selected to bypass or compensate for specific IEP barriers and make participation possible for students with disabilities.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

A framework (CAST, 2011) that leverages digital flexibility to design multiple means of representation, engagement, and action/expression for all learners in the general education classroom, distinct from individualized IEP accommodations.

Aids for Daily Living

Specialized tools and materials that increase independence during school routines and care tasks, such as adaptive utensils with foam grips, stabilizing suction bowls, and customized bathroom seating.

Environmental Control Units (ECUs)

Systems (such as PowerLink) connected to simple switches that allow individuals with disabilities to operate electrical appliances and tools in their workspace.

Collaborative Decision-Making Factors (SETT)

The multi-factored evaluation process recommended for multidisciplinary AT teams: Student (strengths and challenges), Environment (settings), Tasks (curricular demands), and Tools (devices and supports).

Ten Core Domains of Student Function

The ten key operational areas supported by AT accommodations: See, Hear, Communicate, Play, Remember, Read, Write, Study, Work with Numbers, and Use a Computer.

Eye Gaze Systems

An AAC modality and device setup that uses eye-tracking technology to allow students to communicate and control screens through eye movements.

GoTalk 20+

A mid-tech, battery-operated speech-generating device manufactured by Attainment Company, Inc. featuring static visual overlay grids and recorded voice output.

Accent 800

A dedicated, high-tech speech-generating device featuring dynamic display symbol grids and synthesized voice output.

Switch Access Device

A single-button or sensor interface designed to allow individuals with physical motor limitations to activate electronic equipment or speech devices.

Paper Communication Board

A low-tech aided AAC visual tool displaying printed symbol pages, picture drawings, and written words organized by communicative themes.

Tactile Objects Communication Board

A low-tech AAC tool utilizing mounted 3D objects, raised physical shapes, and textured materials to represent words, actions, and places for students with visual or sensory processing needs.