Assistive technology (AT) is defined as "any item, piece of equipment, or 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." Devices can range from as simple as a pencil grip or fat crayon to a complex communication device.

What's New?

* Assistive Technology Webinars:  Go to the Training Calendar to search and view upcoming AT webinar trainings.  

* The Idaho Assistive Technology Project and the Idaho State Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education have updated their guide Assistive Technology in the Schools: A Guide for Idaho Educators. The guide reflects the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004) and includes additional updated resources. It is available here.

 * Do you have students who cannot physically manipulate math materials?  Do you have students struggling with geometry or other math concepts?  In his work with the Idaho Assistive Technology Project providing assistive technology assessments and trainings to schools, Michael Mann, PT, ATP, has helped teams find solutions for these students.  This web-based training, Assistive Technology for Math, is Mike’s effort to share these resources with teachers, students and families. 

In March, the Department of Education released its Stimulus guidelines. Suggested uses for these funds include assistive technology (AT). In an effort to help school districts make sound assistive technology decisions, we have developed Stimulus Guidlines (Adobe PDF) for schools to use as a tool in their decision-making process.

In addition to the attached guidelines, we will be offering a webinar on making AT purchasing decisions that will benefit the most students for a long time to come. The webinar will be offered
Thursday, May 7, 2:00-2:30 PM Pacific Time/3:00-3:30 PM Mountain Time.
To register for the webinar, please contact Nora Jehn, noraj@uidaho.edu, 1-800-432-8324.
This presentation will also be made at the Idaho Association of Special Education Administrators Spring Workshop.

As always, the Idaho Assistive Technology Project, in partnership with the Idaho State Department of Education, provides training on any of the items listed in the attached guidelines (and other AT topics) at no cost to schools.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or need for additional information.

Nora Jehn
Training Coordinator
Phone: 208-885-3630
Email: noraj@uidaho.edu

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