An assistive technology device is defined as "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."

The definition of an assistive technology device is very broad and gives IEP teams the flexibility that they need to make decisions about appropriate assistive technology devices for individual students. Assistive technology includes technology solutions that are generally considered instructional technology tools if they have been identified as educationally necessary and documented in the student’s IEP.

An assistive technology evaluation looks at the student’s needs and areas of strength in determining if such assistive technology is needed in order to educate the student in his/her least restrictive environment. The assessment may include one or more of the following areas: communication, computer access, written communication, and/or software to support IEP instructional goals.