I’m excited to chat with you about something that can make a huge difference in your back-to-school IEP preparations: assistive technology.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Catherine, I already have a million things on my to-do list!” Trust me, I get it. Back-to-school season for special education families and teachers looks very different from what other families experience. You’ve got your regular list, plus lists on top of lists because of everything involved in the IEP process.

Back-to-School Assistive Technology Opportunities

But here’s the thing: I want to help you look at this back-to-school season as an opportunity to create an entirely different experience this year. Instead of overwhelming you with a bunch of tasks, we’re going to focus on one area that often gets overlooked or misunderstood in IEPs: assistive technology.

Let’s start by getting on the same page about the purpose of IDEA law. It’s not just about providing a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). It’s about meeting a child’s unique needs and preparing them for further education, employment, and independent living. That’s huge, right? And this is where assistive technology can play a major role.

Definition of Assistive Technology

According to IDEA law (remember, I’m not a lawyer – I pulled this directly from the law), 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 a child with a disability.”

This definition is much broader than many people realize. We often think of high-tech devices like full communication boards, but assistive technology can be as simple as Velcro for visual schedules or timers. It covers a wide range of tools that can help our kids succeed.

Now, here’s your one big task for this back-to-school season: I want you to find that assistive technology box on your child’s or student’s IEP. It’s often overlooked, but it’s so important. When this box is checked, it makes the assistive technology an accountable part of the IEP that moves with your child from year to year. This can prevent a lot of struggles when transitioning between school years.

As we think about assistive technology, I want to encourage you to consider holistic solutions that support the end goals of preparing for further education, employment, and independent living. It’s easy to end up juggling multiple devices, each addressing a different need. But sometimes, we can find solutions that tackle multiple areas at once.

Meet AngelSense

Let me give you an example of a device I absolutely love: AngelSense. This assistive technology device is a game-changer when it comes to helping children develop their communication skills and build independence simultaneously.

Imagine your child being able to call a trusted adult with just one push of a button. That’s what AngelSense offers. It’s not an app or a phone – it’s a dedicated device designed to help your child communicate easily and safely. But it does so much more than that.

Because AngelSense allows this easy communication, it can help your child build independence. How many of you are scared to give your child more freedom because you’re worried about their safety or their ability to reach you in an emergency? AngelSense addresses these concerns, allowing your child to explore their world with more confidence.

Now, you might be thinking, “But Catherine, isn’t this more of a home issue than a school issue?” Here’s the thing: it absolutely falls under the umbrella of preparing for further education, employment, and independent living. Increasing a child’s communication and independence is crucial for their future, and that makes it relevant to their education.

AngelSense offers other features that can be incredibly helpful. As trusted adults, we can’t be staring at our phones all day, right? That’s why AngelSense provides safety alerts. You can also review your child’s daily history – where they went on the school campus, what happened during the day. If the bus is late, you’ll know. All of this information helps us support our children’s growing independence and autonomy.

Involve Children In Assistive Technology Choices

When we’re talking about assistive technology, it’s crucial to remember that we need to involve kids in the decision-making process. Too often, adults make these choices without considering the child’s preferences. I’ve seen many cases where assistive technology evaluations are done and devices are chosen, but they’re not what the child prefers. This can really limit the effectiveness of the technology.

This is another reason I love AngelSense. They offer different ways to use their device. Some kids might be excited to keep it in their pocket, knowing they can reach you with a push of a button. Others might prefer to have it hidden in their clothing. There’s even a watch option that can’t be removed without a trusted adult’s help. The key is finding a solution that’s comfortable for your child and fits into their daily routine.

Remember, there can be a learning curve with any new technology. We need to choose devices that our kids can grow into, allowing them to gradually use more features as they become comfortable with the basics.

If you’re intrigued by AngelSense, I encourage you to check out their website at AngelSense.com. They’ve got some great back-to-school promotions going on, including the opportunity to get a free device when you sign up for their service.

What I really appreciate about AngelSense is that they provide customer support for families by families who use AngelSense. They understand the unique challenges we face. Plus, they’re familiar with IEPs and know how to coordinate with schools.

This is so important because one of the biggest challenges with assistive technology is figuring out how it works between home and school. Who’s responsible for what? How do we ensure the child has access to their device while meeting school requirements?

The AngelSense team is fantastic at helping schools understand which features can be turned on or off during the school day, and how to manage trusted adult access. Imagine a teacher being able to connect with students during the day without being physically present, or parents having that connection after school hours.

Your Action Step for Assistive Technology

Here’s your action step for this back-to-school season: Take a look at that assistive technology box on your child’s IEP. Is it checked? Should it be? Consider both the high-tech and low-tech options being used throughout the school day. Look for holistic opportunities that support communication, independence, and safety all at once.

This is how we create positive change in special education – by working together as parents, teachers, administrators, and therapists to do things differently than they’ve been done before. We need to get creative and think outside the box.

Got Questions? Send Me a Message

Feeling confused or worried about the assistive technology section of your child’s IEP? Can’t find the right box? Let’s chat! Send me a message and let me know you read this blog and want to learn more about taking assistive technology to the next level for your child or students.

Remember, look at that assistive technology box on the IEP and consider what you could do differently this school year to support your child or students in this area. It might seem like a small step, but trust me, it can make a world of difference.

Here’s to a great school year ahead, filled with growth, learning, and the right tools to help to change the future!