Innovative Accessibility Solutions

Assistive technology plays a crucial role in ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equitable access to education and are empowered to reach their full potential. It enables individuals with disabilities to participate actively in academic activities, engage with their peers, and demonstrate their knowledge and abilities.

This could be as simple as providing speech-to-text software to students that struggle with writing or as complex as a student with cerebral palsy using an eye gaze to access a school’s learning management system for assignments.  As such technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, it is essential for our education system to stay informed and up-to-date on the best practices surrounding assistive technology.

child using Assistive Technology Reader Learning

Your Guide to Assistive Technology in Louisiana

This AT guidebook was developed by a collaborative team of experts across Louisiana to improve the quality of assistive technology services required by IDEA. It includes Louisiana’s new AT Consideration Guide that provides all major areas of AT need and concern along with potential AT devices/tools.

Sections

Examples

Below are detailed examples illustrating how various agencies have been successfully completing the form. These examples are intended to provide guidance, demonstrate best practices, and showcase the different approaches agencies have taken to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Additionally, the Louisiana AT Guidebook covers all national standards of the Quality Indicators of Assistive Technology which include:

  • Consideration Process: Federally mandated discussion involving potential AT for every student with an IEP.

  • Assessment: The process using observations and data to select the best possible AT tool.

  • Implementation: All services that require a device to be used successfully.

  • Transition: A special type of AT consideration when a student is 16 years of age and the team must decide if AT could potential help in their life post education.

  • Documentation: The entire AT process as it should be documented in the IEP and connected to IEP goals.

  • Professional Development: Training criteria to ensure professional grow in the understanding of AT.

  • Administrative Support: Establishing A policy and procedures agency wide to ensure professionals and students have the tools and guidance required for AT to be successful.