Understanding Assistive Technology

May 2021

If your child has deaf-blindness and you are wondering whether assistive technology would be beneficial for their development and independence, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. There are so many different kinds of technology and systems available, and many are expensive. We hope these resources will be a starting point for learning about assistive technology, including the types of devices that are available, special education requirements, legal issues, and other important things to know when making decisions about technology for your child.

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Resources

Assistive Technology for Special Education Students (Disability Rights - Washington)
A webpage that describes different types of assistive technology and special education requirements. Although the resources are specific to Washington, the information is relevant to all states.
Checklist: What to Consider When Looking at Assistive Technology (Understood)
A helpful list of questions to guide decisions on which devices will be most helpful for your child.
Who Pays for Assistive Technology? Parents or Schools? (Understood)
An overview of legal requirements for schools to provide and fund assistive technology.
iCanConnect - Program Description
A description of the iCanConnect program, which provides free devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, computers, screen readers, braille displays) and training to individuals who meet federal disability and income guidelines.
iCanConnect News
A section of the iCanConnect website with numerous stories about how the program has helped children and adults with deaf-blindness.

See also, NCDB's info topic on Assistive Technology