Louisiana Assistive Technology Initiative
The mission of the Louisiana
Assistive Technology Initiative (LATI) is to provide leadership
and support to local education agencies and families in the
development and implementation of assistive technology services
that will have meaningful application for the educational,
social, recreational, vocational, and developmental experiences
of students with disabilities.
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology (AT) Devices
An assistive technology device
is any item, piece of equipment, or product system, acquired
commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is
used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of
individuals with disabilities. (IDEA, 20
U.S.C. Chapter 33, Sect. 1401)
Assistive Technology encompasses a broad range of devices from very simple
(low tech) to very sophisticated (high tech).
Assistive technology products are designed to provide additional
accessibility to individuals who have physical or cognitive
difficulties, impairments, and disabilities.
Assistive Technology (AT) Services
Any service that directly assists an individual with a
disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive
technology device. (IDEA, 20 U.S.C. Chapter 33, Sect.
1401)
AT Services Include:
¨ evaluation of needs
¨ purchasing, leasing or providing AT devices
¨ selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing AT devices
¨ coordinating with other therapies, interventions, or
services with AT devices
Augmentative/Alternate Communication (AAC)
AAC is a component of Assistive Technology and is any mode of
communication other than speech when used for the following:
Augmentative Communication: Used by those who have some speech but are either unintelligible or
have limited ability to use speech.
Alternate Communication: Used when a person has no speech and
must rely on another method to make all their ideas, wants, or
needs known.
Consideration of AT
Consideration should be given for every student with a
disability who is eligible for an individualized education
program as to whether the student requires assistive technology
devices and/or services to receive an appropriate education.