Federal Policy to Practice

Good policy and good practice go hand in hand. That's exactly what two documents from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) offer the field. Both the Guidance on Myths and Facts Surrounding Assistive Technology (AT) Devices and Services and the National Educational Technology Plan (NETP) outline expectations, grounded in best practice, for how to promote more inclusive learning experiences for all students, particularly children and youth with disabilities.

AT Guidance

The Guidance on Myths and Facts Surrounding AT was released in partnership between OSERS and OET in ED and focuses on transforming learning experiences by reducing or removing barriers. Often times, these barriers arise in the field due misconceptions that lead to a lack of consideration and the underutilization of AT. This guidance offers the field an opportunity to overcome these misunderstandings and move forward on a more inclusive and equitable path.

Resources:

• Play the Myths and Facts Matching Game
• Read The Guidance on Myths and Facts on AT Devices and Services
• Assistive Technology and IDEA: New Resources for Schools, Practitioners and Parents (video)
• AT Checklists for families/youth from CIPR