Assistive Technology


The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and California special education law require that Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams consider whether students need assistive technology services and devices when developing their IEPs. It is the policy of the Humboldt-Del Norte SELPA (SELPA) that as part of a Free Appropriate Public  Education (FAPE), assistive technology devices and/or services are made available to a student with a disability, if required as part of the student’s special education program  and/or related services, as specified in his/her Individualized Education Program (IEP), at no  charge to the family.

The Humboldt- Del Norte SELPA supports districts and school teams with resources and consultation related to assistive technology. 


Assistive Technology Devices and Services 


Assistive technology devices and services are defined in the IDEA as:

  • An Assistive technology device 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 student with a disability.

Assistive Technology Services includes:

(a) consideration and trial process;

(b) providing for the acquisition of assistive technology equipment;

(c) selecting, designing, maintaining, repairing, or replacing the equipment;

(d) coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices;

(e) training or technical assistance for the student, family and other professionals who work with the student.


Humboldt-Del Norte SELPA Assistive Technology Policy and Procedures


Office Hour Consultation available for educators.  Contact [email protected] for details.