Frequently Asked Questions about Assistive Technology in Primary and Secondary Schools

Q: What is Assistive Technology?

Q: What are Assistive Technology (AT) devices?

Q: What are Assistive Technology (AT) services?

Q: What is an Assistive Technology (AT) evaluation?

Q: How do I know if my child needs an AT evaluation?

Q: Who pays for an AT evaluation?

Q: What are my options if the school refuses to conduct or pay for an AT evaluation?

Q: What does mediation involve?

Q: How do I go about requesting a Due Process Hearing?

Q: What role can parents/guardians play in the decision-making process about a child's AT use at school?

Q: Are personal devices like eyeglasses or hearing aids also considered AT?

Q: What should an IEP say about the AT device or service?

Q: My son is almost 16 years old and we will soon be attending an IEP meeting to determine what transition services are needed. Can we request that my son use his AT device at his community-based employment setting?

Q: What are my options if I disagree with the IEP team recommendations for AT?

Q: My child's AT device works great at school, but will the school allow us to take it home?

Q: If the school's AT device is damaged at home, who pays to repair it?

Q: If our family owns an AT device, is the school liable if it is damaged at school?

Q: The school district placed my child in a private school because they could not provide the needed services at our local public school. The school district currently pays for our son's tuition. Are they also responsible for paying for the AT?

Q: We voluntarily choose to send our child to private school and we currently pay for our child's tuition. What services or reimbursements can we receive for our child's AT and special education needs?

Q: Our child is home-schooled. Does the school district have nay responsibility to provide AT devices or services at our home?

Q: Can a school district charge parents for assistive technology?

Q: Can the school district require parents to obtain outside funding for AT devices, either through Medicaid or private insurers?