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1342.12 Companion
July 12, 2017
Page 147
(including individuals providing educational rehabilitative services), employers, or other individuals
who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions
of an individual with a disability.
AT Considerations
IDEA 2004 an
d DoDM 1342.12mandate that IEP Teams consider several “special factors” for every
student receiving special education services. IEP Teams must “consider whether the child needs AT
devices and services” when developing a student’s IEP. The AT consideration is a purposeful process
that involves collaborative decision making, reviewing existing information about a student, potentially
collecting additional information about a student, deciding whether or not a student needs AT. The
responsibility for AT consideration falls upon the entire IEP Team and is not relegated to a single
individual. School IEP Teams engage in meaningful, ongoing and reoccurring AT consideration.
Possible AT Consideration Outcomes
The student accomplishes required tasks within the instructional or access areas using standard
classroom and modifications and accommodations that are currently in place. AT is not
required.
The student accomplishes the required tasks within instructional or access areas with AT that
has been determined educationally necessary and is currently in place. AT is required.
Document required AT devices and services in the IEP. Monitor the use of the assistive
technology and make changes as needed.
The student cannot accomplish the required tasks within the relevant instructional or access
areas with modifications, accommodations, and/or AT that are currently in place.
When potential AT solutions are known to the IEP Team, trial use of the identified AT solution is
documented in the IEP minutes and implemented. Do not include an AT product by name but by key
features. If when potential AT solutions are not identifiable to the IEP Team, the team conducts
research, requests assistance from knowledgeable personnel within the school or district or refers the
student for an assistive technology evaluation. Trial use of the AT may be recommended at the end of
the informal consultation or formal evaluation. Parent permission is required for formal evaluation.
Critical Elements of a Successful AT Consideration
AT devices and services are considered for all students with disabilities regardless of the type
and severity of disability.
During the development of the individualized educational program, the IEP Team consistently
uses a collaborative decision-making process that supports consideration of each student’s
possible need for assistive technology devices and services.
IEP Team members have the collective knowledge and skills needed to make informed assistive
technology decisions or seek assistance when needed.
Decisions regarding the need for assistive technology devices and services are based on the
student’s IEP goals and objectives, access to curricular and extracurricular activities, and
progress in the general education curriculum.
The IEP Team gathers and analyzes data about the student, customary environments,
educational goals, and tasks when considering a student’s need for assistive technology devices
and services.
When assistive technology is needed, the IEP Team explores a range of assistive technology
devices, services, and other supports that address identified needs.