Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning
Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology is 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 functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Any modification or adaptation that enables a student to more fully participate in daily educational activities may be considered as assistive technology (AT). This adaptation may be as simple as a pencil grip, or as complex as an adapted computer system.
A school district is responsible for determining the special education services necessary for each child with disabilities to receive a free and appropriate public education. This includes the provision for assistive technology devices and services.
Click here to learn more about Assistive Technology
State Support Team Region 11 offers technical assistance and professional development on the use of assistive technology that will assist students with disabilities in accessing the general curriculum. SSTR11 staff members are available to consult regarding the appropriateness and effectiveness of various assistive technology devices and applications.
SSTR11 staff is available for capacity building to school personnel and parents to provide consultation and technical assistance relating to assistive technology.
SSTR11 staff can assist in providing a framework for problem identification, solution generation/selection, and formulating an action plan for students with assistive technology needs.
Additional Assistive Technology Services include:
• Short-term loan of assistive technology software, switches and devices to school personnel
and families in Central Ohio.
• Assistive technology professional development opportunities throughout the school year.
Click these links to view device collections
Regional AT Device Collection
OCALI Loans – Assistive Technology
Universal Design for Learning
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) refers to the definition of Universal Design that was used in the Assistive Technology Act of 1998.
"The term 'universal design' means a concept or philosophy for designing and delivering products and services that are usable by people with the widest range of functional capabilities, which include products and services that are directly accessible (without requiring assistive technologies) and products and services that are made usable with assistive technologies." (Section 3 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998)
Within IDEA 2004, the law states that "state educational agencies (or local agencies in the case of district assessments) shall to the extent feasible use universal design principles in developing and administering any statewide assessment." (IDEA, Section 614)
With an increased emphasis on the universal design of products and services, some students with disabilities may be able to access and use educational materials without the addition of special assistive technologies.
Guiding Principles of UDL
"Barriers to learning are not, in fact, inherent in the capacities of learners, but instead arise in learners' interactions with inflexible educational goals, materials, methods, and assessments."
(Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age)
The basic premise within Universal Design for Learning is that flexibility in curriculum must be available to accommodate the diverse differences in student learners. Thus, the UDL framework encompasses three overarching principles that aim to minimize barriers and maximize learning.
A universally designed curriculum includes:
• multiple means of presentation to allow various ways of acquiring information and knowledge,
• multiple means of expression to allow alternatives for demonstrating knowledge, and
• multiple means of engagement to challenge appropriately, to motivate, and to allow learners to
express and participate in their interests.
Click here for a more in-depth look at UDL
For more information about any of these services contact:
Greg Wilson, M.A., CCC/A 
Coordinator/Communication Specialist/Audiologist
State Support Team Region 11
614.753.4695