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Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology (AT) Resources for North Carolina Educators, Related Service Providers & Parents
Assistive Technology (AT) plays a vital role in enabling students with disabilities to access the curriculum, participate fully in school, and achieve their academic and functional goals. Here are essential resources for all stakeholders—teachers, related service providers, and families—to learn about and access AT services in North Carolina.
For All Stakeholders: Understanding AT & General Support
North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP): While part of the NC Department of Health and Human Services, NCATP is a crucial statewide program supporting AT for people of all ages and abilities, including school-aged children.
What NCATP Offers (Overview):
Device Demonstration: Hands-on experience with various AT devices.
Device Loan Program ("Try Before You Buy"): Borrow devices (typically for two weeks, longer for young children) for trial at home, school, or in the community.
Training and Technical Assistance: AT consultants and specialists provide information on the benefits of AT, device options, funding, and device usage.
Device Reutilization/Exchange: Programs for finding or donating used AT equipment.
NCATP Staff and Centers: Locate regional centers and contact information for localized support. https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/eipd/north-carolina-assistive-technology-program/ncatp-staff-and-centers
AT Funding Resources: Information on potential funding sources.
Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC): North Carolina's Parent Training & Information Center (PTI), a federally funded non-profit, provides comprehensive support for families and can guide educators on working with parents.
ECAC Website: For Parents and Families: https://www.ecac-parentcenter.org/parents-and-families/
ECAC's Resources Overview: https://www.ecac-parentcenter.org/resources-overview/
Assistive Technology in Schools (Disability Rights NC): A highly relevant resource explaining AT within the school context, useful for understanding student rights and IEP team responsibilities.
https://disabilityrightsnc.org/resources/assistive-technology-in-schools/
For Parents: Understanding Your Child's AT Needs & Rights
Parent Rights and Responsibilities in Special Education (Procedural Safeguards): This document outlines parental rights under IDEA, including those related to AT.
Link to NC Notice of Procedural Safeguards (English)
Link to NC Notice of Procedural Safeguards (Spanish)
A Parent's Guide to Special Education in North Carolina: Offers a comprehensive overview of the special education process, which includes AT consideration.
Communication Tools and Templates (ECAC): Resources to help parents communicate effectively with school staff regarding AT or other special education needs.
Link to ECAC's Communication Tools and Templates
NC Infant-Toddler Program (ITP): For children birth to three with special needs, this program can be a first point of contact for early AT intervention.
NC Infant-Toddler Program (beearly.nc.gov)
For Teachers & Related Service Providers: Implementing AT in the Classroom
NCDPI Office of Exceptional Children (OEC) - Sensory Support and Assistive Technology (SSAT) Section: This section within OEC focuses on supporting AT services in public school units (PSUs) and offers professional development.
Main Page for SSAT: https://www.dpi.nc.gov/event-organizer/sensory-support-and-assistive-technology-assistive-technology
Note: This page often features upcoming and archived webinars on topics such as:
Introduction to Assistive Technology (laws, UDL vs. AT, examples)
Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology (QIAT) - Consideration of AT Needs, Assessment of AT Needs, AT in the IEP.
DIY Assistive Technology: 3D Printing AT Solutions
Assistive Technology Networking Sessions
NCDPI OEC Technical Assistance and Professional Development: General professional learning opportunities from OEC, which often include AT-specific training or integrate AT into broader topics.
Look for their Professional Learning Calendar and Asynchronous Courses in NCEES.
NCDPI OEC Programs and Services - Assistive Technology: Provides general information and confirms the OEC's role in offering consultation to PSUs on AT.
IRIS Center Modules (Vanderbilt Peabody College): A nationally recognized resource offering free online modules, including those on Assistive Technology, highly relevant for educators and service providers.
Assistive Technology: An Overview: https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/at/
These modules cover: AT definitions, the IEP team's role, assessing student needs, selecting and implementing AT, and funding.
Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology (QIAT): While not NC-specific, QIAT provides a framework used by NCDPI for effective AT services. Understanding these indicators is crucial for professionals.
https://qiat.org/ (Explore their indicators for consideration, assessment, IEP, implementation, etc.)
National Center on Accessible Educational Materials (AEM Center): Provides resources for educators on creating and providing accessible educational materials, which often involve AT.
For All: We encourage all members of our school community—parents, teachers, and related service providers—to explore these resources. By working together and utilizing available assistive technology, we can unlock every student's potential and foster an inclusive, accessible learning environment.