Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology (AT) is any device, equipment or system that helps bypass, work around or compensate for individuals with learning deficits.
AT promotes greater independence by enabling people with learning deficits to perform tasks that they were previously unable to perform (or had difficulty performing) and by providing technological enhancements to accomplish the tasks.
Educators: Request Assistive Technology
AT Lending Library
The LISD AT Lending Library is committed to providing students, staff and families with materials for trial purposes. The AT lending library has a variety of materials to loan for 6-8 weeks to promote opportunities for students to access their environment.
To check out materials, please complete the Assistive Technology Form and submit to Amanda Ream.
- Clicker 6 Software
- Dragon Naturally Speaking Software
- Go Talk 9+
- iPad
- iPad Cases
- iPad Gripcase
- iPad Mini
- iPad Stands
- iPod
- Nova Chat
- Partner 4/Plus Communicator
- Removable Keyboard, Case & Stand
- Springboards
- Stylus Pens
- Vantage Life
- Wireless Keyboards - Sharkk Bluetooth Keyboard with Backlight, Ultra Slim Bluetooth Keyboard
Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM)
Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) are specialized formats of fully accessible textbooks and other curriculum materials that can be used by and with students who are struggling readers or otherwise unable to access printed text. Fully accessible means:
- All text is digital and can be read with text-to-speech, modified with regard to font size, and navigated by unit, chapter, section, and page number (or other appropriate segments).
- Images include alternative text and long descriptions when appropriate (alternative text is a replacement for an image that serves the same purpose as the image itself. It is read by a screen reader in place of the image).
- Math equations are provided as images with alternative text or in the content file using MathML.
- Content reading order, levels, and headings are determined by publisher tagging.
- Text can be converted into Braille.
Under IDEA 2004, State and Local Education Agencies are required to ensure that specialized formats of textbooks and related core instructional materials are provided to students with print disabilities in a timely manner.
Resources
Region IV AT Consortium
The Region IV Assistive Technology Consortium began in 1993 as The Academy on Assistive Technology and includes representatives from eight Intermediate School Districts (ISD’s) in Southeast Michigan. These districts include Jackson, Lenawee, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland Schools, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne County.
The representatives from each county serve on a committee whose purpose is to collaborate on assistive technology (AT) issues in compliance with the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regulations and all other state and federal mandates.
The mission of the Region IV Assistive Technology (AT) Consortium is to promote and facilitate the capacity to deliver quality AT services through regional and inter-regional collaboration and training.
We recognize that technology can eliminate barriers and enable individuals with disabilities to be participating and contributing members of society.
We believe that all individuals with disabilities are entitled to equal access to the technology needed to ensure opportunities for learning.
We accept responsibility to provide assistive technology services, when appropriate, to directly assist a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.
Contact
Amanda Ream, Speech & Language Pathologist
LISD Special Education Services
2946 Sutton Rd., Adrian, MI 49221
517-263-8931 | amanda.ream@lisd.us
