AT: Reasonable Accommodation for Students with Disabilities

I’ve discussed many different types of AT in previous posts and those can certainly be helpful for college students with disabilities.  However, there are some that may be better suited for a college student.  There are specific ways computer technology can assist with writing, organizing, and reading.  Certain types of AT can also enhance communication and there are many different options to accessing a computer for students who cannot type on a regular keyboard.

These pieces of AT may be helpful to college students but only if they meet the following criteria:

• The AT tool must be easy to use and easy to customize.
• The technology tool must be age appropriate.
• The AT selected must be the student’s own choice.
• The technology tool must carefully match the specific task that needs to be accomplished and the environment in which it will take place.
• The AT tool must be installed in a place that the student can access easily.
• Training and ongoing technical support must be provided to students and staff.