03/31/2026
Have you seen this Dear Collegue letter regarding assistive technology (AT) devices?
🚩 Biggest myth about AT devices…an evaluation is required for students to receive AT devices & services. AT devices are supplementary aids & services.
An AT evaluation can be included as an AT service for a child but is not required under the IDEA.
The specific AT devices & services needed by a child with a disability are determined appropriate by the IEP Team based on the child’s needs. Many AT devices & services can be provided without an AT evaluation.
Text to speech, word prediction software, audio books, visual timers, graphic organizer, etc. are AT devices that generally would not require an evaluation prior to its use.
An AT evaluation may be needed for a child when it comes to determining an appropriate AT device that the child would need to use throughout the school day, such as tablet, screen reader, read-aloud software, or the use of peer readers during different academic periods. IDEA calls this a functional evaluation of the child in the child’s customary environment.
An AT evaluation may be included as part of an initial evaluation or reevaluation, or it may be a standalone evaluation.
To learn more go to
https://sites.ed.gov/idea/idea-files/at-guidance/
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