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Fact Sheet 11 - AT in the Classroom

Download printable version of Fact Sheet 11 (PDF)

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By federal law, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, P.L. 101-476 amended in 1997), every student with a disability is entitled to "a free and appropriate education" in the "least restrictive environment." In addition, special education and related services must meet the individual needs of each identified student and must address inclusion of Assistive Technology. (See Fact Sheet 4 - Assistive Technology and the IEP)

Applications of assistive technology in the classroom open a new world of possibilities in educating a student with a disability. By adapting the environment, a student is able to take full advantage of the educational environment in ways that were never before imagined. Teaching can be tailored to compensate for the different learning needs of most children inside the regular classroom. Some children will require focused instruction in one-on-one or small-group settings. But other children who need help to keep up with their peers -- especially those with more severe disabilities -- can benefit from machines designed to help them learn.

To help with integrating assistive technology into the classroom, listed below are website that link to statewide and national Resources which provide information about using assistive technology within the school environment.

Statewide Resources

The following list of KY resource links may offer assistance and guidance in obtaining the assistive technology that is needed.

• Kentucky Assistive Technology Service Network
• Kentucky Assistive Technology Service Network Fact Sheet #4 - Assistive Technology and the IEP
• Kentucky Assistive Technology Service Network Assistive Technology Resource Centers
• Kentucky Department of Education
• KY Division of Exceptional Children
• Kentucky Department of Education Assistive Technology Guidelines and Matrix
• Kentucky Protection and Advocacy
• Kentucky Special Parent Involvement Network (KY Spin) Library
• Learning Disabilities Association of Kentucky, Inc
• Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence
• University of Kentucky Assistive Technology Project

National Resources

If you are a parent, or a teacher in a special-education program or in a "regular" classroom, you probably encounter special kids facing special challenges. The following resource links listed below provide information about national on-line resources that can help you better understand -- and help -- students with special needs.

• Academy for Educational Development
• An Educator's Guide to Evaluating the Use of Technology in Schools and Classrooms
• Assistivetech.net
• Center for Applied Special Technology
• Closing the Gap
• Council for Exceptional Children
• Education World - Special Education Resources
• ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities Gifted Education
• Family Village School - Assistive technology and Students with Disabilities
• National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
• Parent Pals Special Education Resources
• Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic
• Technology and Telecommunications for Teachers
• Writeslaw

KATS Network Coordinating Center
Charles McDowell Center
8412 Westport Road
Louisville, KY 40242
Local: (502) 429-4484
Toll Free: (800) 327-5287
Fax: (502) 429-7114

Copyright © 2008-2010 KATS Network
The contents of this website were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration (Grant #H224A090017), Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as Amended
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