Assistive Technology: A Handout for Teachers.

This handout addresses the definition of assistive technology, how to assess assistive technology needs, and practical and ethical issues surrounding assistive technology. A functional assessment is urged to consider the following issues: (1) the special needs of the student; (2) the student's current abilities; (3) materials and equipment currently available that might meet those needs; (4) the physical arrangement and instructional arrangement in the environment; (5) support available in the school setting and home setting that will ensure carry-over between the environments; (6) resources that are available to the people supporting the students; (7) how activities could be modified to accommodate the student's needs; (8) activities the student needs to participate in and technology that would support the student's participation in those activities; (9) options that could be considered to develop a system for the student; (10) how those options can be explored in the student's normal environment; and (11) strategies that can be used to increase the student's level of performance and interaction with the technology. Considerations for preschool children and guidelines for including assistive technology in Individualized Education Programs are also provided. (CR)