Assistive Technology: Decision-Making Practices in Public Schools

Overview & Synopsis

The Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 require schools to consider assistive technology for students receiving special education. In order to gain insight to the implementation of the mandates, we surveyed special education directors across the state of Texas regarding assistive technology decision-making and implementation procedures. Findings suggest that a team-approach was utilized for device selection. Furthermore, device user-friendliness and previous experience are two factors that influenced decision-making. Finally, results also indicated that school districts in rural areas reported having fewer assistive technology devices available to them in comparison to suburban and urban school districts.