The appropriate implementation and use of assistive technologies has the ability to increase abilities and provide greater accessibility to educational opportunities for eligible students with disabilities. Assistive technology devices and services can be used to extend physical, social and communication skills and provide the means for academic inclusion. Many students with disabilities have successfully used assistive technologies to minimize barriers to gain access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).
Services
The Assistive Technology Resource Center (ATRC) is a valuable resource which provides eligible students with disabilities access to a variety of assistive technology devices and services that may not be available at the school level. The ATRC provides the following services:
- Consultations: Meetings to provide strategies for assistive technology use, resource provision, and recommendations on whether assistive technology is needed and what supports may benefit specific students.
- Coaching: In-person or virtual assistance with implementation strategies for AT & AAC devices in the classroom.
- Assessments: An assessment conducted to help select the appropriate equipment and/or acquire knowledge of the appropriate strategies to give the student access to the curriculum and/or for communication.
- Equipment Provision: Upon the recommendation of the AT or AAC Evaluator, and the agreement of the IEP/504 Plan team, the ATRC will provide trial and/or loaner equipment for qualifying CPS students (if appropriate assistive technology is not available at the school level). All equipment, issued to individual students by the ATRC, is considered on loan to the student until they: a) no longer require the equipment to succeed academically, b) no longer are eligible for IEP/504 services, or c) leave the CPS school system.
- Training: A trainer provides instructions on how to use the assistive technologies to access the curriculum and/or communicate. Training resources such as webinars and websites are available online.
- Ongoing Support: The ATRC is available to support school-based teams upon request. School staff should reach out to ATRC team members for ongoing training and assistance as needed.
- Technical Support: We offer support for device repairs and/or replacement for all ATRC recommended and/or loaned equipment.
Learn More
If you have general questions about the Assistive Technology Resource Center, fill out the AT Service Request Form to have a ATRC team member to reach out to you.
