Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology (AT): any: (1) item; (2) piece of equipment; or (3) product system; whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a student with a disability. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted or the replacement of such device. Article 7 511 IAC 7-36-7
The team of PATINS Specialists can assist Indiana public PreK-12 staff members in the AT decision making process. Based upon the student's areas of need, please contact the corresponding specialist. If you are unsure who to contact, please reach out for assistance, and we will be in touch!
A wide variety of AT can be borrowed for trial purposes including data collection from the PATINS AT Lending Library at no cost to you. Training and/or technical assistance can be requested to accompany any of the items available for loan. These items are shipped directly to your school. Items are loaned for a six-week evaluation period. If you do not see an item that you would like to borrow in our catalog, please let us know .
Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC): For students needing tools for communication where speech is not effective or efficient, our AAC Consultation Process can assist teams in finding appropriate tools and interventions. For a no-cost PATINS AAC Consultation, please fill out this referral for each student. Please allow 5 school days for a PATINS Specialist to contact you about the next steps. This 2-minute video is a brief overview of our process.
New!
In January 2024, the Offices of Educational Technology and of Special Education Programs shared the guidance below supporting the need for students with disabilities to have access to assistive technology (AT) devices and services in order to engage meaningfully in the curriculum.- Dear Colleague Letter on the Provision of Assistive Technology Devices and Services for Children with Disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (PDF)
- Myths and Facts Surrounding Assistive Technology Devices and Services
Implementing AT
It is important to consider the SETT (Student - Environment - Task - Tools) Framework when investigating AT for improving a student's functional capabilities and for achieving equitable access to the curriculum. The SETT Framework is intended to promote collaborative decision-making in all phases of assistive technology service design and delivery from consideration through implementation and evaluation of effectiveness.The team of PATINS Specialists can assist Indiana public PreK-12 staff members in the AT decision making process. Based upon the student's areas of need, please contact the corresponding specialist. If you are unsure who to contact, please reach out for assistance, and we will be in touch!
A wide variety of AT can be borrowed for trial purposes including data collection from the PATINS AT Lending Library at no cost to you. Training and/or technical assistance can be requested to accompany any of the items available for loan. These items are shipped directly to your school. Items are loaned for a six-week evaluation period. If you do not see an item that you would like to borrow in our catalog, please let us know .
Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC): For students needing tools for communication where speech is not effective or efficient, our AAC Consultation Process can assist teams in finding appropriate tools and interventions. For a no-cost PATINS AAC Consultation, please fill out this referral for each student. Please allow 5 school days for a PATINS Specialist to contact you about the next steps. This 2-minute video is a brief overview of our process.