Assistive Technology

Assistive technology includes devices and services that help increase, maintain, or improve a child's functional abilities and support the outcomes in their Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).

Assistive Technology Services

An assistive technology service directly helps a child with a disability select, get, or use an assistive technology device.

Assistive technology services may include:

• Evaluating a child's needs in their everyday environment.
• Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise obtaining an assistive technology device.
• Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, maintaining, repairing, or replacing an assistive technology device.
• Coordinating the use of an assistive technology device with other therapies, interventions, or services.
• Training or technical assistance for the child and family.
• Training or technical assistance for professionals and others who support the child.

Assistive Technology Devices

An assistive technology device is any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether purchased off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional abilities of a child with a disability.

An assistive technology device does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, including a cochlear implant, or the optimization, maintenance, or replacement of that device.

Assistive technology can help a child increase, maintain, or improve their ability to participate in everyday activities and routines.

If assistive technology is needed to support your child's development and achieve the outcomes in your child's IFSP, it may be included as part of your child's Early Intervention services.

Depending on your child's needs, assistive technology services may include installing or adapting equipment, helping your child learn to use a device, and teaching parents, caregivers, and child care providers how to use it.

Learn More

For more information about assistive technology in the New York State Early Intervention Program, see:

Assistive Technology for the Early Intervention Program – Revised September 2019

New York State Department of Health guidance on assistive technology devices and services in the Early Intervention Program.