Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology relates to the tools required to maintain, improve, or increase functional capabilities to bridge the gap between student’s performance and the demands of the curriculum. Assistive Technology devices and services are defined in the IDEA as:

Although consideration of assistive technology does not mandate assessment, assistive technology devices and services are most often deemed necessary and provided in LAUSD after an assessment has been conducted by the staff at the student’s local school site, staff from the District’s assistive technology team, or both groups in collaboration. The multi-disciplinary team of professionals who work in the field of assistive technology within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is comprised of highly qualified general and special education teachers with specialized training and experience in the field of assistive technology (AT assessors), occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, audiologists, deaf and hard of hearing teachers, and teachers of the visually impaired who work at the school site.

 

If assistive technology equipment is recommended, the local school site has primary responsibility to provide such equipment, with support from the assistive technology team as necessary, including short term equipment loans through the Assistive Technology Lending Library.

Our Assistive Technology Assessors are credentialed special education and general education teachers with specialized training and experience with assistive technology.  All Assessors hold a certificate in Assistive Technology and many have over 10 years of experience in the field. They are well versed in both general education core curriculum and the alternate curriculum, and keep up to date on the latest assistive technology trends, equipment and software.

 

As part of a multi-disciplinary assessment team, AT Assessors evaluate individual students to determine their functional level and need for assistive technology and/or specialized equipment and services. Assessors identify devices and applications appropriate to student’s assessed needs to facilitate access to their instructional program. They assist in selection, setup and maintenance of equipment, and provide training and consultation to students, school staff and parents regarding the use of that equipment.

 

Assistive Technology Assessors serve as a resource for school site and local district staff, conducting professional development for LAUSD staff focused on the integration of technology to address Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and provide student access to the curriculum. They also play an active role in maintaining the inventory of Assistive Technology resources available through the seven local LAUSD Assistive Technology Lending Libraries.