Family Guide to Assistive Technology (Brookline Books Disabilities)

As wonderful as assistive technology can be, it is not always easy to acquire. It takes expertise and persistence to find the correct devices and ways to pay for them. Furthermore, assistive technology does not become part of a student’s special education plan unless his or her parents are knowledgeable—both about the technology and how to ensure that it becomes an integral part of their child’s program.

This guide is intended to help parents learn more about assistive technology and how it can help their child. Parents have a much better chance of getting what their child needs if they are involved in selecting the technology and planning for its use. This guide helps make sense of the processes for acquiring assistive technology and provides the tools to advocate for a child’s needs. It includes tips for getting started, ideas about where to look for money, and suggestions of what to do when applying for funding. It is also useful to teachers as an introduction to assistive technology issues. Copublished with the Federation for Children with Special Needs, Boston, MA.