Assistive Technology

Join the State-Wide AT Community of Practice; Wisconsin’s Assistive Technology (WIAT) Listserv Join-wiat@lists.dpi.wi.gov
Wisconsin’s Assistive Technology (WIAT) listserv facilitates interactive electronic communication to provide a mechanism for public school teachers and other service providers to receive technical assistance, share experiences, network with each other, ask questions, and find resources related to assistive technology state-wide.

What the Law Says Regarding Assistive Technology

The team that develops an individualized education program (IEP) for a child must consider whether the child requires assistive technology devices and services. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004 defines these requirements for assistive technology.

Other information on assistive technology may also be provided in conjunction with a specific area of special education or related services. See the list on the side bar.

Definitions Used in Assistive Technology

This list provides an overview of some of the terminology that is often used in the application and discussion of assistive technology.

Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI) AT Tools and Forms

The Department of Public Instruction has provided leadership and funding for a statewide systems change grant project known as the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI) through an IDEA discretionary grant. The primary goal of this initiative has been to assist Wisconsin school districts with building their capacity to provide assistive technology devices and services to children and youth with disabilities. Numerous resources were developed under this project. These materials are available free of charge. Descriptions of the material along with the files are available.

Statewide AT Lending Library

You can check out equipment from the state-wide lending library to try it out before you buy. The lending library can be accessed at the WATI web site located at http://www.wati.org/.