Assistive Technology (AT)
Overview
Assistive technology (AT) is an umbrella term that encompasses a range of tools, strategies, and services that enables a student with a disability to complete a task they would otherwise have difficulty with or be unable to do. Federal law requires IEP teams to consider assistive technology for every student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to ensure equitable access to instruction, materials, and school activities.
Accessible technology refers to technology that's been designed with the needs of many different users in mind. Often Accessible technology includes similar tools and features as AT. For example, think about closed captions… Providing text with video or audio is a well-established assistive technology support for students with hearing impairments. But the inclusion of video/audio materials can also be beneficial for students learning English, students who are visual learners, and even a student who comes to school with fatigue and just needs a little extra support that day. As a result, Accessible technology has broad implications. Universal Design for Learning tells us that what’s good for a few can be good for many, and for educators, this is a good place to begin when making learning accessible.
When paired with Universal Design for Learning (UDL), AT helps remove barriers while promoting independence, engagement, and meaningful participation for all learners.
This section of the website provides an overview of how AT and UDL work together to support inclusive learning environments, outlines the AT consideration and implementation process, and offers practical tools and worksheets to guide teams in identifying barriers, selecting supports, documenting services, and ensuring continuity across transitions. Visitors will also find guidance on legal requirements and best practices, examples of AT in practice, and information about emerging tools, including artificial intelligence–powered supports, that expand accessibility and foster student independence and inclusion.
More information can also be found at: https://www.openaccess-ca.org/what-is-at
Videos
AT Legal Considerations
This session covers the topic of the legal mandate for IEP teams to consider assistive technology (AT) for all students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The session also covers myths and facts about AT as well as provides best practices and resources developed by Open Access.
AT Powered by AI
This session focuses on Assistive Technology powered by Artificial Intelligence. The learning goals are to understand how AI-powered assistive technologies can expand accessibility and reduce barriers for students, explore three innovative AI tools, specifically Notebook LM, Glint, and Voiceitt, and how their features support learning and participation, and identify practical ways to integrate AI-powered assistive technology to foster student independence, engagement, and inclusion.
AT Tools and Trends
This session covers Assistive Technology: Tools and Trends and provides information on new guidance on Educational Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Printable Tools
AT Consideration Worksheet (Example)
This sample illustrates how to apply the AT consideration process in practice, showing how teams identify barriers, select tools, and plan implementation to increase student independence. More information can also be found at: https://www.openaccess-ca.org/open-access-at-resources
AT Consideration: Worksheet
This worksheet supports collaborative decision-making by documenting student strengths, barriers, priority needs, current supports, and potential assistive technology tools and next steps. More information can also be found at: https://www.openaccess-ca.org/open-access-at-resources
AT Considerations
This comprehensive guide outlines the AT consideration process, including team decision-making steps, implementation planning, trial procedures, and documentation guidance aligned with IDEA requirements and QIAT best practices. More information can also be found at: https://www.openaccess-ca.org/open-access-at-resources
Digital Tools & Supports Guide
Designed to support AT discussions, this guide helps teams identify barriers students may experience and provides practical tool options and built-in accessibility features to support literacy, math, and executive function skills. More information can also be found at: https://www.openaccess-ca.org/open-access-at-resources
Resource Lists
AT Implementation
This resource table provides practical tools to help teams plan, implement, document, and sustain effective assistive technology (AT) supports for students. Together, these resources guide teams through key stages of the AT process, from trial planning and evaluation, to clear IEP documentation, to ensuring continuity of supports across school years and transitions. They also promote student independence and self-advocacy by helping students understand and communicate the tools and supports that help them succeed. More information can also be found at: https://www.openaccess-ca.org/open-access-at-resources
Best Practices & Quickguides
This resource table brings together practical quick guides that support teams in understanding student needs and implementing effective supports. It includes tools to guide assistive technology decision-making, plan and implement trials, document supports within the IEP, and strengthen executive function skills that promote independence and learning. Together, these resources help educators build consistent, student-centered supports that improve access, participation, and success across learning environments. More information can also be found at: https://www.openaccess-ca.org/open-access-at-resources
Websites
AT Resource Flipkit
The AT Resource FlipKit was developed to support educators in finding tools and strategies which support access for students. If you are considering trying or implementing a new tool, please check with your district to ensure the specific product or resource meets your district's student privacy requirements. Use the filters on this website to explore specific strategies and tools that can help eliminate barriers to learning which exist within the learning environment.