​Purpose of Assistive Technology

Assistive technology (AT) increases independence, participation, and achievement in education, employment, and daily life. For students who are blind or visually impaired, AT may help with:
  • Accessing print and electronic materials
  • Completing academic tasks
  • Participating in daily routines
  • Enhancing mobility and communication
  • Improving overall quality of life

AT Tools for Vision-Specific Needs

AT devices are grouped by functional need. Below are categories with common examples:
  • Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Adapted utensils and cups, dressing aids, toilet seats, grooming tools, and adapted cooking tools.
  • Assistive Listening Devices: Hearing aids, personal FM systems, noise-canceling headphones, captioning, signalers, TTY/TDD
  • Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC): Communication boards, speech devices, eye gaze boards, symbol-based software, voice output communication aids. 
  • Computer Access & Input: Screen readers, screen magnification software, adaptive keyboards, keyguards, trackballs, touch screens, voice recognition software, switch access.
  • Environmental Control: Switch-activated appliances, remote control switch access, and task lighting
  • Learning & Study Aids: Highlighted texts, visual schedules, electronic organizers, timers, and concept mapping software. 
  • Mobility Aids: White canes, electronic travel aids, walkers, wheelchairs, telescopic or sensor-based aids
  • Recreation & Leisure: Adapted toys and games, beeping balls, arm supports, accessible video games, and software
  • Seating & Positioning: Specialized chairs, supports, and frames, adapted desks/tables, book stands, wheelchairs with positioning aids
  • Visual Aids: Screen magnifiers, large print, CCTVs, braille notetakers, embossers, audio books, tactile materials, OCR scanners, reading machines
  • Writing Tools: Slant boards, adapted pencils and paper, word processors, talking word processing, word prediction, braille devices
Important Note: Outdated school equipment may not run current AT software. Administrators should consider alternate funding sources when budgets are tight.

​Core AT Skills to Teach

Students should learn to:
  • Retrieve, set up, and care for their device
  • Troubleshoot minor problems
  • Efficiently use AT to read, write, search, and navigate
  • Apply tools in academic, vocational, and leisure settings

Budget-Friendly Tips

  • Use non-skid shelf liner to prevent trays or tools from slipping.
  • Substitute high-cost items with DIY alternatives (e.g., craft foam for tactile graphs, raised glue lines for writing practice).
  • Access tools through APH quota funds if eligible.

Printable Resources

Looking for VI AT printable resources? Supporting printables for VI AT Instruction can be found on the following AT pages. Subscribers can access these ready-to-use materials designed to support instruction and planning.
"Assistive technology device means 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 the functional capabilities of a child with a disability. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of that device." ​-IDEA, 2004, Part A, Definitions, 300.5

Resource Access

Instructional articles on this site are open access and do not require an account. Free Members may access select free resources and goal banks.
Downloadable printable resources, lesson plans, recorded presentations, and ECC instructional units are available to Premium Subscribers.

Full Article List

Guide: Start Here
Tools (VI Basics)
Plan: Referrals & Eligibility
Referral & Eligibility​ ​Medical Vision Information 
FVLMALow Vision Evaluations
Other Evaluations
Plan: IEP Planning
Plan: Collaboration & Accessibility
​Collaboration Accessible Materials ​Classroom Access Instructional Access Technology Access ​Additional Supports Service Delivery Models  ​
Teach: Compensatory Skills
Compensatory Skills
Concept Development ​Alternative Communication ​Emergent Literacy ​Braille Code
​Beginning Braille ​ Braille Fluency & Comprehension  Writing Braille ​​​Nemeth Code Instruction 
​​​Tactile Graphics ​Print Concepts ​​Abacus  ​​Organization Skills​ ​​Study Skills ​​Time Management
Teach: Sensory Efficiency Skills
​Auditory & Listening Skills ​​Visual Efficiency Skills ​​Optical Device Use ​Tactile Readiness
Teach: Assistive Technology 
AT Overview ​AT Use & Maintenance Braille AT ​iOS Instruction Audio Access​ ​Video Magnifiers ​​​Basic Computer Use Computer Access ​Productivity
Teach: Social Skills
Social Skill Basics​
Non-Verbal Skills​​​​ Verbal Communication Skills Cooperative Skills Identity & Self-Awareness ​Interactions & Relationships Managing Challenges & Safety
Teach: Self Determination
Teach: Independent Living Skills
Personal Care ​Hygiene & Grooming ​Personal Health Mealtime Skills ​​​ Food Preparation
Household Skills Clothing Management ​Money & Budget Shopping & Consumerism Phone Use ​Safety & Emergency Preparedness ​​Services & Community Resources
Teach: Orientation & Mobility
Teach: Recreation & Leisure
Teach: Career & Vocational
Printables
Free Resources​ Premium Resource Library 
Teaching Strategy Printables 
​Premium Program Printables
​Premium FVLMA Printables
​ECC PrintablesCompensatory Skills Printables
Sensory Efficiency Printables
Assistive Technology Printables
Social Skills Printables
Self Determination Printables
Independent Living Printables
Recreation & Leisure Printables
Career & Vocational Printables
Evelyn Jane Stories 
Learn: Teaching Strategies & Planning
Learn: ​ECC Units
Beginning of the Year Units ​​Fall UnitsWinter Units ​​Winter Units ​​Spring UnitsAnytime Units
Learn: ​Interactive Activities
Learn: Recorded Presentations
Learn: Complete Set Bonus ​