AT Policies

Federal Education Policies

Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA):

IDEA 300.5 Assistive technology device Links to an external site. means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device.

IDEA 300.6 Assistive technology service Links to an external site. Assistive technology service means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. The term includes— (a) Links to an external site. The evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child’s customary environment; (b) Links to an external site. Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by children with disabilities; (c) Links to an external site. Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices; (d) Links to an external site. Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs; (e) Links to an external site. Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability or, if appropriate, that child’s family; and (f) Links to an external site. Training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education or rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of that child.

Federal Civil Rights Acts:

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504): No otherwise qualified handicapped individual shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Under section 504 qualifying students can receive accommodations including assistive technology.

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

NC Policy on Assistive Technology: NCDPI EC Policy Manual Links to an external site.

NC 1500-2.2 Assistive Technology Device Assistive technology device means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of that device. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1401(1); 34 CFR 300.5)

NC 1500-2.3 Assistive Technology Service Assistive technology service means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. The term includes-- (a) The evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child's customary environment. (b) Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices for use by children with disabilities. (c) Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices. (d) Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs. (e) Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability or, if appropriate, that child's family; and (f) Training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education or rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of that child. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1401(2); 34 CFR 300.6)