Education and Early Childhood Development: Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology refers to equipment, devices and approaches which allows, improves and/or maintains the functional capabilities of individuals to perform tasks. Assistive technology can increase the ability of students with special educational needs to learn and to socially participate and interact with peers.

Communication and other assistive technology devices and programs, training, and technical support is provided to schools for students with special educational needs through Child and Student Services.

Decisions related to assistive technology for students are made collaboratively by parents, school personnel, school-based students services teams, and board/department personnel. Speech/language pathologists, medical personnel, audiologists, and occupational therapists may also be involved in the assessment and decision- making process. Where it is suspected that a student can benefit from the use of any assistive technology device, a process should be initiated that involves referral to the school-based student services team prior to the involvement of board-based personnel and other professionals.

Assistive Technology can be simple or complex depending on the level of sophistication that is required to meet the needs of students. Some students rely on technology in order to live and be healthy, while others will benefit from the support to learn and play.

Low technology devices provide the means to control environment, such as, switches to turn on lights, activate a toy, or teach cause and effect and turn taking. Other technology devices enable a student to communicate, access computer programs that improve learning or participate independently in daily activities.

Students with suspected Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) could benefit from a Personal Assistive Listening Device (PALD). Students identified by an audiologist as having a severe form of CAPD may be eligible for financial assistance through the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Child and Student Services Division.

For more information contact:
Peter Meggs
Special Education Coordinator
Child and Student Services Division
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Phone: 438 - 4850
e-mail: pcmeggs@edu.pe.ca

This information has been taken from website "Education and Early Childhood Development"
URL: ?number=1028702&lang=E
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