Assistive Technology Resources Home Page
This site is a landing page for information and resources on Assistive Technology in North Carolina.
Tools and resources from outside sources shared on this site are not to be perceived as an endorsement by the Office of Exceptional Children, but are potential tools/resources for teams to consider.
Contact Information
Josh Barton
Consultant for Assistive Technology
NCDPI Assistive Technology Team:
Crystal Patrick - Consultant for Visual Impairments - crystal.patrick@dpi.nc.gov
Perry Flynn - Consultant for Speech Language - pflynn@uncg.edu
Bridgette LeCompte - Consultant for Occupational Therapy - bridgette.lecompete@dpi.nc.gov
Laurie Ray - Consultant for Physical Therapy and Medicaid - laurie.ray@dpi.nc.gov - School-Based PT Resources Links to an external site.
Su Stone - Program Monitoring Consultant - su.stone@dpi.nc.gov
Lisa Blanton - Consultant for Fiscal Monitoring Consultant - lisa.blanton@dpi.nc.gov
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology (AT) is a broad term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices, systems, and/or services. AT is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities. AT helps people who have difficulty speaking, typing, writing, remembering, pointing, seeing, hearing, learning, walking, and many other things. Individuals with disabilities require assistive technology according to their unique needs.
Assistive Technology can be:
- no-tech: raised line paper, colored paper, sticky notes, scribes
- low-tech: communication boards made of cardboard or laminated paper, buzzers, visual timers, spell checker.
- mid-tech: talking calculators, adapted keyboards, adapted mice, static display communication device
- high-tech: computers with accessibility features and speech output communication devices, e-readers, touchscreen devices, dictation software
- hardware: prosthetics, mounting systems, and positioning devices.
- hardware for computer accessibility : special switches, keyboards, and pointing devices.
- computer software: screen readers and communication programs.
- inclusive or specialized learning materials and curriculum aids.
- specialized curricular software.
- other examples may include, electronic devices, wheelchairs, walkers, braces, educational software, power lifts, pencil holders, eye-gaze and head trackers, and much more.
For more specifics on Assistive technology in North Carolina please contact Josh Barton.
Here is a video from the Minnesota STAR Program that you may find helpful to better understand what assistive technology could be.
