Assistive technology helps people who have difficulty speaking, typing, writing, remembering, pointing, seeing, hearing, learning, walking, and many other things. Different disabilities require different assistive technologies.
How do you choose the right assistive technology?
Most often, the choice is a decision you make with a team of professionals and consultants trained to match particular assistive technologies to specific needs. An AT team may include family doctors, regular and special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, rehabilitation engineers, occupational therapists, and other specialists including consulting representatives from companies that manufacture assistive technology.
Visit TEA's Inclusion Network for more assistive technology resources
Check out The Texas Four Step Model for Considering AT in the IEP Process
Find out more about how various professionals can help you at the websites of their professional organizations:
TTAP, Texas Technology Access Program
AOTA, American Occupational Therapy Association//
ASHA, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
CEC, Council for Exceptional Children
LDA, Learning Disability Association of America
RESNA, Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America
Service organizations and manufacturers offer important information as well. Start with the list of ATIA Alliance Partners.
For Assistive Technology Questions and Technical Support, please contact the following:
Diane Henning, M.A., CCC-SLP
Special Education Evaluation Specialist
(361) 561-8658
Janiel Brannen, M. Ed, COMS
Special Education Specialist Sensory Impairments
(361) 561-8563
