Special Education

Assistive Technology (AT) and
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Assistive Technology (AT)

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. 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.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Universal Design is an approach to designing course instruction, materials, and content to benefit people of all learning styles without adaptation or retrofitting. Universal Design provides equal access to learning, not simply equal access to information. Universal Design allows the student to control the method of accessing information while the teacher monitors the learning process and initiates any beneficial methods.

Although this design enables the student to be self-sufficient, the teacher is responsible for imparting knowledge and facilitating the learning process. It should be noted that Universal Design does not remove academic challenges; it removes barriers to access. Simply stated, Universal Design is just good teaching.

• Identify the essential course content.
• Clearly express the essential content and any feedback given to the student.
• Integrate natural supports for learning (i.e. using resources already found in the environment such as study buddy).
• Use a variety of instructional methods when presenting material.
• Allow for multiple methods of demonstrating understanding of essential course content.
• Use technology to increase accessibility.
• Invite students to meet/contact the course instructor with any questions/concerns.

SST 11 Role

SST 11 offers technical assistance and professional development on the use of assistive technology that will assist students with disabilities in accessing the general curriculum. SST 11 staff members are available to consult regarding the appropriateness and effectiveness of various assistive technology devices and applications.

For more information, contact:

Greg Wilson

or visit:
Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence
Assistive Technology Resources
614.421.0321 • 866.886.2254